Chief of Staff Dr. Julius Debrah has called on African countries to strengthen data protection, invest in digital infrastructure and develop homegrown technologies to advance the continent’s digital future.
Speaking at the 2026 MOBEX Africa Tech Expo and Innovation Conference, Dr. Debrah said Africa’s digital transformation must go beyond developing technology to creating opportunities and improving 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,” bringing together industry leaders, innovators, entrepreneurs, policymakers and development partners to discuss Africa’s digital future.
Dr. Debrah said Ghana, under the leadership of President John Dramani Mahama, was taking steps to build a digitally empowered and productive economy.
He highlighted the One Million Coders Programme as an investment in young people, aimed at equipping them with digital skills and creating opportunities for 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.
On Africa’s digital sovereignty, the Chief of Staff said protecting data and developing local technologies must go hand in hand with cooperation among African countries.
“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.
He added that digital sovereignty should enable African countries to participate confidently and competitively in the global digital economy.
Dr. Debrah also commended the Minister for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations, Samuel Nartey George, and other stakeholders for their contributions to Ghana’s digital transformation agenda.
He further praised George Quaye, Alain Gbeasor and the MOBEX Africa team for sustaining a platform for dialogue, partnership and innovation.
“Together, let us build a digital future that is rooted in Ghanaian identity, African in scale and global in ambition,” he said.
