Ghana Information and Communication Technology
Ghana’s ICT sector, led by telecommunications, continues to play a key role in Ghana’s broader economic growth. Industry experts estimate that this sector, currently valued at about $1 billion, may reach $5 billion by 2030. There are significant opportunities for U.S. companies to provide software, applications, and various ICT services, as well as to introduce emerging technologies such as blockchain or artificial intelligence.
China increasingly dominates the Ghanaian import market for cell phones, networking equipment, and many other ICT goods. The Government of Ghana seeks to make Ghana a regional hub for digital services, launching several programs to support digital entrepreneurship. Various IT-parks and hubs provide training, incubator, and mentorship services to tech startups.
Ghana’s National Communications Authority estimates that as of August 2021, mobile voice subscriptions reached 41.4 million, a 132% penetration rate. Ghana’s four mobile operators are MTN, Vodafone, Glo Ghana, and Airtel Tigo. South Africa-based MTN remains the market leader with more than 17 million subscribers (57% of the market share). Vodaphone has 23% of market share.
Below are industry estimates of the value of various subsectors, many of which offer commercial opportunities for U.S. companies:
1. Digital infrastructure, including data centers, fiberoptic cables, etc.: $400 million
2. Software (sales of software by companies like Oracle, IBM, and SAP): $200 million
3. Cloud services and infrastructure: $15 million
4. Cybersecurity: $30 million
5. Fintech, Healthtech, and Edtech: $115 million
6. Training and services such as process outsourcing: $150 million
U.S. companies that can help educate local companies about affordable and practical commercial applications of blockchain, artificial intelligence, and other emerging technologies can establish an early mover position in the market. Contact CS Ghana about the Digital Trade Talks series we are conducting for local Ghanaian companies that will feature various U.S. companies and technology solutions.
For more information contact Commercial Specialist Victoria Agbai at Victoria.Agbai@trade.gov or +233 (0) 30 274 1184 for more information about doing business in Ghana’s ICT sector.