“Stop Importing Digital Solutions, We Can Build Our Own” – Sam George to Africa

According to GhanaWeb on Thursday, October 22, 2026, Ghana’s Minister for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations, Samuel Nartey George, has urged African countries to reduce their dependence on imported digital technologies and invest in developing homegrown solutions that address the continent’s needs.

Speaking at the Digital Economy Live 2026 event in Accra, Mr George emphasised that Africa must move beyond being a consumer of technologies developed elsewhere and build the capacity to create, manage and regulate its own digital systems. The event formed part of the 7th Africa Public Sector Conference and Awards, held under the theme, “Governance 2030: Resilient Institutions for a Digital, Green & Secure Africa.”

The minister argued that African countries possess the potential to develop digital solutions that reflect their languages, cultures and development priorities. He stressed that technology should not simply be introduced because it is available but should be used to solve real problems, create jobs and improve people’s lives.

His remarks highlight growing concerns about Africa’s dependence on foreign technology companies for essential digital services. Although imported technologies have helped governments, businesses and individuals access modern digital tools, reliance on external providers can create challenges involving costs, data control, local expertise and the ability to adapt systems to African conditions.

Mr George believes that African countries need to strengthen their ability to develop and manage technology rather than depend entirely on products created outside the continent. Building local capacity, he indicated, would give African innovators more opportunities to develop solutions that respond directly to the challenges facing their communities.

The minister also highlighted the importance of collaboration among governments, businesses, universities, civil society organisations and development partners. According to him, cooperation across these sectors could help African innovators develop ideas, access resources and expand successful digital products beyond their home countries.

He further noted that Ghana’s position as the host of the African Continental Free Trade Area Secretariat provides an opportunity to support stronger cooperation in digital trade and technology development across the continent. Greater coordination between African countries could help local businesses reach wider markets instead of being restricted by national borders.

The call comes as Ghana pursues several initiatives aimed at strengthening its digital economy. These include the One Million Coders Programme, which seeks to expand digital skills, and efforts to improve the country’s capacity in artificial intelligence and other emerging technologies.

Developing homegrown digital solutions could create opportunities for young people, particularly software developers, technology entrepreneurs and university graduates. It could also help businesses build products suited to local challenges in sectors such as education, healthcare, agriculture, financial services and public administration.

However, achieving these ambitions will require sustained investment in digital infrastructure, reliable electricity, research, education and funding for innovative businesses. African countries will also need effective policies to protect personal data, strengthen cybersecurity and ensure that locally developed technologies meet appropriate standards.

Mr George’s message therefore centres on the need for Africa to take greater responsibility for its digital future. Rather than relying mainly on technology developed elsewhere, he wants African countries to build the skills, institutions and businesses needed to create solutions that serve their populations and compete internationally.

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