Samuel Nartey George, the Minister for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations, has outlined Ghana’s strategic preparations for the World Expo 2025 in Osaka, Japan. Speaking at a press conference, the Minister emphasized the significance of the Expo, which runs from April 13 to October 13, 2025, as a global showcase for Ghana’s burgeoning ICT sector.
“It is a deep honor to address you as we kick off preparations for Ghana’s participation in the Osaka Expo 2025,” Minister George began. He highlighted the Expo’s theme, “Designing Future Societies for Our Lives,” as a perfect backdrop for Ghana to unveil its digital advancements and unlock significant investment opportunities.
“These innovations are not just driving Ghana’s digital transformation; they are creating jobs and improving lives,” Minister George asserted, expressing enthusiasm about presenting them to the world, particularly to potential Japanese partners.
A cornerstone of the Ministry’s strategy is its collaboration with Ghanaian private sector ICT firms. By partnering with these dynamic entities, the Ministry aims to facilitate meaningful partnerships, attract foreign investment, and establish strong connections with Japanese businesses. This collaborative approach is integral to Ghana’s ambition of becoming a leading ICT hub in Africa, fostering a thriving environment for private sector growth.
Speaking at the Press Launch, the Minister emphasised that Ghana’s participation will be both robust and impactful, featuring an exhibition of cutting-edge projects and services that highlight the nation’s ICT achievements. He expressed optimism that the ICT business forum will convene industry leaders to discuss key strengths, challenges, and opportunities, while dedicated B2B sessions will connect Ghanaian and Japanese counterparts, paving the way for strategic alliances.
He revealed that the culmination of these efforts will be the Ghana Day celebration on September 11, 2025. On this day, the Minister is expected to lead a high-level delegation, including Ministry officials and private sector partners, to Osaka to commemorate Ghana’s digital progress.
Looking beyond the Expo, Sam George disclosed that Ghana is committed to strengthening its collaboration with the Japanese government with discussions underway to explore a memorandum of understanding with Japanese institutions, focusing on crucial areas such as digital infrastructure, cybersecurity, capacity building, and technology transfer.
“We eagerly anticipate leveraging Japan’s expertise to fortify our ICT ecosystem, from expanding broadband access to equipping our youth with skills in emerging technologies like AI and coding,” the Minister stated.
“Together, we will showcase Ghana’s ICT potential, forge enduring partnerships, and contribute to designing a future society that benefits everyone.” He affirmed.
Meanwhile representative of the Japanese Embassy, Deputy Chargé d’Affaires Naoki Mitori commended Ghana’s robust ICT agenda and reiterated Japan’s commitment to supporting the nation’s technological advancements.
Mitori characterized the Osaka Expo as a pivotal event for Ghana-Japan collaboration, noting its engagement with over five million visitors to date. He further highlighted two significant upcoming initiatives: the Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD) in August and the eagerly awaited Ghana Day at the Expo.
Story By: Eugenia Ewoenam Osei
