The concept of the “Cheetah Generation,” introduced by renowned economist, Prof. George Ayittey, refers to young, dynamic, resilient, and innovative Africans [willing and] driving change and progress on the continent. This concept has significant implications for developing countries seeking economic growth. This group is powerful without guns. They are not necessarily Gen Zs, but a close picture of the influence of this generation is the Gen Z protests experienced across Africa in 2024.
In Ghana, the Cheetah Generation recently played a pivotal role in shaping the country’s political landscape. The hung parliament of 2020 and the 2024 election outcome were definite signs of a youth willing to take risks and change existing political narratives.
The youth vote was instrumental in President John Mahama’s comeback, with many young Ghanaians rallying behind his message of ‘resetting” the country.
But their influence extends beyond politics.
They are also driving innovation, entrepreneurship, and economic growth in various sectors and as Prof. Ayittey’s concept suggests, this cohort is willing to challenge the status quo and create positive change. Given the Cheetah Generation’s potential, it is important for leaders like President Mahama to take their ideas and aspirations more seriously than others in the sub region.
The biggest conversation after January 7th 2025 has been the weight of the “quick fix” expectations of Mahama’s second coming.
His promise of creating a 24-hour economy in Ghana, where businesses and activities operate around the clock, has been met with both enthusiasm and criticism from young people. This vision aims to create jobs in both the public and private sectors, particularly at night.
But what role does the “Cheetah Generation” play in making this vision a reality?
The Cheetah Generation are digital natives, entrepreneurial, educated, and connected with a strong desire to create positive change. Although they appreciate the role of colonialism in their history, they have moved on from it. These unique attributes make them ideal candidates to drive and thrive in a 24-hour economy if conditions and policies are deliberately targeted at their growth. As digital natives, they are technologically skilled to innovate and disrupt traditional industries, and entrepreneurial, willing to take risks to create new opportunities.
Their education and global connectivity enables them to access knowledge, networks, and global markets. To effectively utilize this group in implementing a 24-hour economy, President Mahama’s administration must adopt a comprehensive strategy that addresses the needs of young Ghanaian entrepreneurs: digital infrastructure, skills development, policy, and international partnership.
Skills development and education are essential for supporting the growth of a 24-hour economy. Government can enhance vocational and technical training programs that equip young people with skills in areas such as logistics, crypto trading, bookkeeping, supply chain management, and customer service, supporting the operation and growth of businesses that operate at night.
Through deliberate inter agency partnerships between universities, CSOs and industries, digital skills training programs can also be offered to enable young people to develop skills in areas such as e-commerce, programming, digital marketing, and data analysis and students enrolled immediately into tasks or jobs. The partnership between the Accra Technical University, AFOS Foundation and the Institute of ICT Professionals Ghana (IIPGH) that organized a Tech Entrepreneurs Forum in 2023 to minimize the digitalization deficit and advance small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Ghana is a notable attempt.
A favorable policy and regulatory framework is also critical for supporting the growth of a 24-hour economy. The government under John Mahama would have to reexamine the current business regulatory framework to cut down the complex institutional duplications in registering and operating businesses to make it more seamless and friendly for young people.
Research by the Institute of Liberty and Policy Innovation-ILAPI, reveals that businesses under the SME category would need at least nine (9) business regulatory certificates or permits to run an operation in Accra, Ghana. If entrepreneur-cheetahs will participate and thrive under the 24-hour economy, government regulations should be minimal, streamlined to reduce bureaucratic hurdles and facilitate the growth of businesses, especially those operating at night.
To drive Ghana’s digitalization, President Mahama proposed a comprehensive plan that will focus on expanding digital infrastructure to foster innovation, improve public services through digital technologies, to promote a digital economy, train 1 million youth in digital skills, and establish a Fintech Fund.
However, to ensure the success of these initiatives, quality and reliable high-speed internet is crucial. Ghana’s urban areas, such as Accra/Tema, Kumasi, and Takoradi, are ideal for implementing a digital economy, but they often experience inconsistent internet connectivity. Data is life and the lifeblood of the digital economy, and without access to high-speed internet, businesses and individuals cannot participate fully in the digital economy.
Investing in digital infrastructure becomes vital for supporting the growth of businesses that operate around the clock. This includes developing robust and reliable digital infrastructure, such as high-speed internet, data centers, affordable cost of internet data, and cybersecurity systems. Ultimately, the plan to drive Ghana’s digitalization is ambitious and comprehensive and by investing in a good digital infrastructure and promoting a digital economy, Ghana can position itself for economic growth and prosperity.
In addition to digital infrastructure, upgrading transportation infrastructure is essential for facilitating the movement of goods, services, and people at night. This includes investing in roads, highways, and public transportation systems that support the growth of businesses operating around the clock. For example, drivers, mostly young people of the ride hailing apps, Uber and Bolt, avoid some locations in the capital because of poor [sometimes life-threatening] road networks and visibility at night. This situation has not encouraged users of the app, especially businesses, to maximize its features. I believe this is the easiest and most practical task any government aspiring a 24-hour economy should accomplish.
A sustainable 24-hour economy in Ghana also hinges on addressing pressing security concerns. To achieve this, technology can be utilized to enhance security through surveillance cameras, alarm systems, and mobile apps, deterring crime and providing real-time monitoring. This technology can also facilitate collaboration between stakeholders to share information and respond to security threats.
However, technological solutions alone are insufficient. The Interior Ministry must also prioritize increasing the police-to-population ratio, currently at 1:1000, to ensure adequate security coverage. Additionally, emergency services such as ambulances and fire services must be equipped and prepared to operate effectively in a 24-hour economy. By implementing a multi-faceted security strategy addresses the unique needs of entrepreneurs, or “cheetahs,” who operate at night, as well as those in the security services.
The tourism industry is a significant contributor to Ghana’s economy, accounting for approximately 4.8% of the country’s GDP (World Bank, 2020). However, the sector faces several challenges, including limited infrastructure, inadequate marketing, and a lack of innovative products and services (Ghana Tourism Authority, 2020). Recent global trends in tourism indicate a shift towards experiential travel, with travelers seeking immersive and authentic experiences (Mastercard Economics Institute, 2024). This resurgence in tourism is not limited to just a revival of pre-pandemic numbers; travelers are also prioritizing leisure for longer periods. COVID-19 pandemic has ironically encouraged people to travel more with people are placing greater value on experiences over material things. Travel has become a top priority for many, with post-pandemic trends showing a desire to explore new destinations and immerse oneself in different cultures.
This trend presents an opportunity for Ghana to develop innovative tourism products and services that showcase its unique cultural and natural heritage. One approach is the creation of Tourism Innovation hubs or a digital center for the sector. These hubs would utilize data to understand tourists’ behavior and preferences, creating new and better experiences for travelers. Moreover, these innovations would generate new challenges and job opportunities for the cheetah generation, contributing to the country’s economic growth and development.
Mentorship is a critical component of a 24-hour economy, and while the Cheetah Generation is well-positioned to drive this growth, the government provide easy access to mentors and establish business incubators and accelerators in major cities, provide resources, funding, and networking opportunities for young entrepreneurs to develop innovative businesses that operate around the clock.
Innovation hubs can also be created to bring together entrepreneurs, investors, and researchers to develop new ideas and solutions that support a 24-hour economy. For example, importing the Idea of Silicon Valley to drive a 24-Hour Economy with the Cheetah Generation in tech. The model of Silicon Valley, a hub of technological innovation and entrepreneurship in California, has inspired governments and policymakers around the world to replicate its success.
Creating a conducive ecosystem will be extremely crucial for this to happen. It involves establishing a tech hub, providing infrastructure, funding, and resources for startups and entrepreneurs. The government can designate a specific area as a tech hub, offering tax incentives, funding, and grants to attract businesses and talent. This idea will also foster a culture of innovation which is essential for young people, encourage experimentation risk-taking under mentorship, and collaboration among entrepreneurs, researchers, and investors.
Engaging the Cheetah Generation is critical to driving mentorship under a 24-hour economy. The government through agencies like National Entrepreneurship and Innovation Plan-NEIP can work with the private sector to establish mentorship programs that pair young entrepreneurs with experienced professionals and investors.
Importing the idea of Silicon Valley can help drive a 24-hour economy in Ghana by riding on the energy and creativity of the Cheetah Generation in the tech space. The silicon model has also been successful in Dubai with its media city.
While Ghana has a significant youth population, it’s essential to recognize the unique potential of the Cheetah Generation, as prophesied by Prof. George Ayittey. As John Mahama implements his programs for the youth, focusing on this dynamic group is crucial for achieving sustainability under a 24-hour economy.
The author, Ebenezer De-Gaulle is a freelance Journalist and researcher at the Institute of Liberty and Policy Innovation.
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