Ghana Digital And Innovation Week: Unlocking the Future of Technology through Partnership and Innovation
Vice Versa Media Ghana is committed to equipping today’s generation with essential digital skills through impactful journalism. For this reason, we provided extensive coverage of the 2024 Ghana Digital Innovation Week, a dynamic three-day event that centered on leveraging technology to drive economic growth and create opportunities for the youth of Ghana. Taking place at the esteemed Accra International Conference Center from October 2 to October 4, 2024, the event was themed “Innovate Together: Collaborating for Digital Transformation and Impact.”
Attendees experimenting with AI tools at the event
The event functioned as a central point that united numerous influential figures in the industry, trailblazing technology experts, and committed digital supporters. The main goal of the gathering was to enhance Ghana’s standing as a significant contributor to the global digital economy by promoting partnerships, fostering innovation, and improving the country’s competitiveness in the ever-changing digital environment.
UN Resident Coordinator giving a speech at the Ghana Digital Innovation Week
Digital Impact through Partnership
In light of the global shift towards a digital-first approach, Ghana must align itself with these worldwide transformations. Patricia Obo-Nai, the CEO of Telecel Ghana, stressed the significance of fostering partnerships to narrow the extensive digital disparity in Africa. During her address at the event, Obo-Nai emphasized that the advancement of digital infrastructure in Africa necessitates concerted and collaborative endeavors.
She highlighted that as the global economy increasingly embraces digital acceleration, it is crucial for Africa to actively participate. Currently, less than a quarter of the population in sub-Saharan Africa is connected to the digital world, and an investment of nearly four hundred billion dollars is required to bridge this infrastructure gap. Obo-Nai emphasized that no single government or private sector entity can single-handedly overcome this divide; rather, it demands collaborative partnerships and collective action.
Patricia Obo-Nai CEO of Telecel Ghana
Her call for stronger collaboration highlighted how essential it is to involve both government bodies and private organizations in digital transformation efforts. Patricia also encouraged digital innovators to think long-term, suggesting that the key to sustainable growth lies in fostering innovation among the youth.
“The youth hold the power to revolutionize industries and redefine the digital landscape. It’s time we engage their passion and direct it towards developing digital skills for national productivity,” she added.
Organizers of the Ghana Innovation week
Demystifying the Burden on Human Labor through Artificial Intelligence and Robotics
The event also explored the potential of technology, especially artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics, to bring about significant changes across various industries. Ben Nortey, the CEO of Mingo Blox, a prominent AI and robotics company, provided valuable insights into how the incorporation of robotics could bring about a revolution in sectors such as healthcare, education, and customer service. One of Mingo Blox’s noteworthy creations is Chelo, also known as Abena, a social interactive robot designed to carry out customer service duties in banking, retail, and healthcare sectors. Nortey emphasized that at Mingo Blox, robots are not just viewed as tools, but as partners. The company is actively developing new AI and advanced machine learning modules to enable deeper integration of robots into everyday life, thereby transforming industries ranging from healthcare to education. Ben Nortey CEO of Mingo Blox at the Ghana Digital Innovation week
Ben Nortey CEO of Mingo Blox at the Ghana Digital Innovation week
To make AI and robotics more accessible to future generations, Mingo Blox has launched an initiative called “One Robot Per Child,” aimed at providing affordable educational robots to every Ghanaian child. The initiative is designed to ensure that even children in rural areas can participate in the digital revolution, equipping them with vital skills for the future.
“We believe that robots will soon be doing everything, and we want to make sure that every child, regardless of their economic background, has access to this technology,” Nortey explained.
Preserving Our Local Dialects through Artificial Intelligence
As global cultures increasingly influence Ghana, the preservation of local languages has become a growing concern. Recognizing this, Mingo Blox has integrated language translation capabilities into “Chelo”, which can now translate over 170 languages, including several Ghanaian dialects like Twi, Ga, and Dagbani. This innovation aims to ensure that future generations can still communicate and engage with their local dialect while embracing technological advancement.
“Our AI is designed to speak and translate local dialects, which will help preserve our cultural identity while facilitating communication in rural areas where language barriers often exist. This AI-powered tool could significantly impact sectors like healthcare and education, especially in regions where language barriers hinder access to services.” Nortey shared.
Students at Mingo Blox building robots
Collaborative Efforts to Shape the Future
The Ghana Digital Innovation Week also shed light on various collaborative efforts being made to drive digital transformation in the country. The event, supported by partners such as Telecel Ghana, Mingo Blox, Scale Up Africa, Impact Investing Ghana, the Ghana Hub’s Network, and National Entrepreneurship and innovation Program showcased how crucial partnerships are in shaping Ghana’s digital future.
Amma Gyampo CEO of Scale Up Africa
In her keynote address, Ama Japore CEO of Scale Up Africa emphasized the need for strategic collaborations.
“The digital divide is big between those in the rural areas and the urban areas hence we need a lot of partners to come together to solve the problems from the financing to the technological contents so we can educate the youth on how to access these digital products and realize the full potential of the digital economy, create jobs and earning potentials. She remarked.
Conclusion
Ghana Digital Innovation Week 2024 was more than just a convergence of tech enthusiasts; it was a powerful platform for forging the partnerships necessary to drive the nation’s digital agenda forward. With AI, robotics, and education at the forefront of discussions, the event laid the groundwork for a future where technology not only transforms industries but also empowers every Ghanaian, young and old, to be part of the digital revolution. As Ghana continues to rise in the digital space, the importance of collaboration, education, and innovation will remain paramount in realizing the vision of a digitally inclusive and prosperous nation.
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