Ghana’s Minister for Communication, Technology and Digital Innovation, Samuel Nartey George, has called on African countries to unite in shaping the continent’s digital future, warning that failure to influence global technology policies could leave Africa at a disadvantage.
George said African governments must move beyond developing digital policies and strategies to implementing practical solutions that expand internet access, protect citizens and strengthen the continent’s digital economy.
He made the call on Tuesday, November 3, while speaking at the 15th Africa Internet Governance Forum (AfriIGF) in Accra, Ghana.
The minister acknowledged Africa’s progress in mobile money, digital innovation and online public services but noted that millions of people remained excluded from the benefits of the digital revolution.
He identified the high cost of internet services and digital devices as major barriers to digital inclusion, stressing that the availability of network coverage does not automatically translate into meaningful access.
“Progress is not the same as inclusion,” he said, urging African governments to focus on making digital services affordable and accessible rather than merely expanding connectivity.
George also argued that Africa must reduce its dependence on foreign technology solutions by developing homegrown technologies, standards and regulations that reflect the continent’s needs and realities.
Citing Ghana’s first President, Kwame Nkrumah, he recalled his famous declaration: “We face neither East nor West; we face forward.”
See also: Schools Rejecting AI Could Lose Access to Google Search Under New Rules
He said the statement remained relevant as powerful global interests continued to shape digital regulations, technical standards and artificial intelligence systems.
The minister called for African countries to adopt a common position in international digital negotiations, warning that individual nations would have limited influence without collective action.
“Africa cannot be a menu on the table. Africa must have a seat at the table,” he declared.
He outlined eight priority areas requiring coordinated action, including affordable internet services, accessible digital devices, stronger digital infrastructure to support intra-African trade and the development of African language models to preserve local languages and cultures in the age of artificial intelligence.
Other priorities include cross-border cooperation against cybercrime, stronger data protection, child online safety and fair compensation for African content creators.
On child online safety, George called for stronger safeguards to protect young people from digital threats, drawing on former South African President Nelson Mandela’s observation that a society’s character is reflected in how it treats its children.
He noted that Africa had already developed several frameworks to guide its digital transformation, including Agenda 2063, the Africa Digital Compact and the Continental Artificial Intelligence Strategy.
However, he argued that the continent’s biggest challenge was not the absence of policies but the failure to coordinate and implement existing commitments effectively.
George reaffirmed Ghana’s commitment to advancing Africa’s digital agenda during its 2026–2028 chairmanship of the African Union Specialised Technical Committee on Communications and ICT.
He said Ghana would present the outcomes of the forum to the African Union to inform decisions on the continent’s digital development.
The minister challenged participants to move beyond discussions and agree on practical solutions, clear responsibilities and measurable outcomes that would improve the lives of Africans.
The 15th Africa Internet Governance Forum brings together stakeholders from across the continent and beyond to discuss internet governance, digital inclusion and the future of Africa’s digital economy.
About the Author
Cecilia Attah is a tech analyst with a degree from Benue State University. She covers tech news and startups at TechRegard with a focus on how technology is transforming Africa and shaping the global landscape.
