Mobile Technology Fuels Ghana’s Economic Growth, But Connectivity Gaps Persist
A recent report by the GSMA, the 2025 Digital Africa Report, highlights the significant impact of mobile technology on Ghana’s economy. The report, as cited by GhanaWeb Business, reveals that mobile technology contributes a substantial GH¢94 billion to Ghana’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), accounting for approximately 8%. This underscores the critical role mobile plays in driving economic progress. However, the report also points to a significant challenge: millions of Ghanaians remain unconnected, hindering the full potential of digital transformation.
Addressing the Digital Divide and Unlocking Sectoral Growth
Despite near-universal 4G network coverage, reaching 99% of the population, a substantial 62% usage gap persists. This digital divide prevents many from accessing the benefits of mobile technology. The GSMA report emphasizes how increased digital adoption can revolutionize key sectors in Ghana. For instance, in agriculture, the use of digital tools like precision farming and market access platforms could generate an additional GH¢10.5 billion in value. Furthermore, this could lead to the creation of 190,000 new jobs and boost smallholder crop yields by 10–20%. The manufacturing sector also stands to gain significantly. Implementing technologies like the Internet of Things (IoT) and artificial intelligence (AI) could add GH¢15 billion, especially in areas where Ghana excels, such as gold and cocoa processing. The report also suggests improvements to e-government systems could further streamline operations and provide better citizen services.
The GSMA’s findings clearly indicate that mobile technology is a powerful engine for economic growth in Ghana. Bridging the connectivity gap and promoting digital adoption are crucial to unlock the full potential of mobile and drive sustainable development across various sectors. Ghana needs to focus on strategies to increase adoption to capitalize on the benefits that this sector could bring to the people of Ghana.
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