A government-led initiative aimed at empowering local startups is gaining momentum, as key agencies and international partners unite to tackle persistent barriers facing Ghana’s tech entrepreneurs.
The initiative was spotlighted during a one-day Tech Startup Workshop organized by the Ghana Digital Centres Limited (GDCL), focused on strengthening innovation, financing, and market access for local startups.
Speaking at the event, GDCL CEO Mr. Dzifa Gunu emphasized the Centre’s role as a national catalyst for innovation.
“Startups are not just building businesses—they are building Ghana’s digital future. There must be a deliberate effort to ensure that domestically incubated startups can access the right financing. We’re not just here to incubate and throw them out to the market—we’ll guide them and collaborate with the right recruitment bodies and funding agencies.”
Mr. Gunu highlighted the workshop as part of broader efforts to create a national startup database and deliver targeted interventions through flagship programs such as the Tertiary Digital Innovation Program, Green Digital Jobs Initiative, and the One Million Coders Program.
Participants repeatedly cited access to funding as one of the most critical issues facing Ghanaian startups. Despite having innovative ideas and strong motivation, many local startups struggle to scale into competitive companies.
“There’s a need to position our local startup companies so they can stand toe-to-toe with global giants,” Gunu said. “It will take time, but this is the first step.”
Startups also raised concerns about market dominance by larger, often foreign, competitors—stressing the need to boost the competitiveness and resilience of locally grown tech firms.
Delivering remarks at the event, Ms. Momoko Suzuki, Chief Representative of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to Ghana’s growing startup ecosystem.
She underscored the transformative role technology and innovation can play in Ghana’s economic development, particularly when backed by a structured and supportive ecosystem.
Delivering the keynote address, Minister for Communication and Digital Technical and Innovations Mr. Samuel Nartey George emphasized the government’s long-term support for youth-led innovation, digital access, and responsible AI adoption.
“Our future is digital—Ghana must lead, not follow,” he stated. “We are investing in people, platforms, and policies to ensure our startups succeed.”
Entrepreneurs attending the event took part in several interactive sessions, including a startup showcase, hands-on onboarding to the national database, and roundtable discussions on funding, mentorship, and policy reforms. Feedback from participants was largely positive.
Insights gathered from the workshop will contribute to expanding innovation centres and shaping a unified national startup support framework.
As the initiative moves forward, stakeholders reaffirm their commitment to building an inclusive and resilient startup ecosystem that champions local innovation.
Story by Osman Issah Abadoo
