Ghana has made a strong case for partnerships rooted in technology transfer, industrialisation, and digital development, as leaders from across the African continent gather in Japan for the 9th Tokyo International Conference on African Development.
Reporting from the summit, Sena Numbo, host of Alhaji & Alhaji and Gold Morning Conversation on Radio Gold, noted that Ghana’s delegation, led by President John Dramani Mahama, is focusing on “partnerships for industrial growth, digitalisation, green technology, and improved agriculture.”
In a refreshing twist on the usual aid narrative, Sena Numbo noted a shift in tone from African leaders at the summit. “For the first time, you won’t hear African leaders shouting ‘money’. The focus is more on transfer of technology and information,” Sena stated.
The Foreign Affairs Minister, representing President Mahama, who served as co-chair of the summit, told Japanese stakeholders that Ghana is more interested in learning and adaptation of Japan’s industrial strategy than in aid. The call is for collaboration that promotes skills development, digital infrastructure, and green technology adoption.
However, Sena noted a recurring irony: “In the 60s, Asian economies like Malaysia came to Africa to learn. Today, we are back here asking for tech support.”
Despite this, optimism remains high. Ghana is pitching itself not just as a recipient but as a ready partner creating an enabling environment for startups and innovation and is calling on Japan to invest where impact meets opportunity.
