Chief of Staff Dr. Julius Debrah has called for African countries to develop homegrown technologies and strengthen digital infrastructure to support the continent’s digital transformation.
During his speech following the 2026 MOBEX Africa Tech Expo and Innovation Conference, Dr. Debrah said technology should create opportunities, improve public services, empower businesses and transform lives.
“The true measure of technology lies not merely in what we build, but in the opportunities it creates, the public services it improves, the businesses it empowers and the lives it transforms,” he said.
The conference was held under the theme, “Resetting Africa’s Digital Identity and Sovereignty: From Promise to Practice.”
Dr. Debrah highlighted Ghana’s One Million Coders Programme as a major investment in young people, providing them with digital skills and pathways to employment, entrepreneurship and innovation.
“Our goal is to ensure that these skills translate into meaningful opportunities, sustainable livelihoods and homegrown solutions that drive Ghana’s digital transformation,” he stated.
He said Africa’s digital future would require countries to protect their data, strengthen digital infrastructure and develop local technologies while deepening cooperation across the continent.
“Protecting our data, strengthening our digital infrastructure and developing homegrown technologies must go hand in hand with interoperable systems, cross-border digital trade and deeper African cooperation,” he said.
Dr. Debrah added that digital sovereignty should strengthen Africa’s ability to compete in the global digital economy.
He commended the Minister for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations, Samuel Nartey George, and other stakeholders for their efforts towards Ghana’s digital transformation. He also acknowledged George Quaye, Alain Gbeasor and the MOBEX Africa team for sustaining the platform for dialogue, partnership and innovation.
He called for collective efforts to build a digital future that is rooted in Ghanaian identity, African in scale and global in ambition.
