The GSMA Africa
team has held discussions with a high-level delegation from Ghana, at the
ongoing Mobile World Congress 2025 (MWC25) in Barcelona, Spain, focusing on
closing the digital divide, bridging the investment gap, and aligning energy
access with broadband infrastructure. These conversations underscored the
critical role of collaboration in driving Africa’s digital transformation and
highlighted Ghana’s commitment to creating a more connected and inclusive
future.
The meeting
brought together key stakeholders, including government representatives and
mobile network operators from Ghana, to address the challenges and
opportunities shaping the country’s digital landscape. With a focus on
sustainable solutions and strategic partnerships, the discussions aimed to
accelerate progress toward universal connectivity and ensure that the benefits
of digital transformation reach all Ghanaians.
Despite
significant progress in expanding mobile connectivity, Ghana, like many African
nations, still faces a digital divide. The GSMA Africa team and Ghana
delegation explored strategies to increase internet penetration, particularly
in underserved and rural areas. This includes leveraging innovative
technologies, expanding broadband infrastructure, and ensuring affordable
access to digital services.
The discussions
emphasized the need for increased public and private sector investment to build
the networks and services required to connect the unconnected. The GSMA Africa
team highlighted the importance of creating an enabling environment for investment
through regulatory reforms and policy incentives.
In a related
development, a collaboration with the African Telecommunications Union (ATU),
GSMA Africa also hosted a roundtable on Universal Service Fund (USF) reforms
during MWC25. The discussions focused on the need for clear objectives,
strategic project selection, and transparent fund management to maximize the
impact of USFs.
While USFs are
designed to bridge Africa’s 60% mobile internet usage gap, many remain
underutilized. With an estimated $700 billion in potential GDP gains by 2030
from increased connectivity, urgent reforms are needed to unlock their full
potential. The GSMA Africa team announced plans to pilot transformative USF
reforms in select markets across Africa, with the goal of driving real impact
and creating a model for other countries to follow.
By: Nana Appiah Acquaye
