Global 2024 ICT4D Conference Held in Accra

Ghana hosted the 12th Information Communication Technology for Development (ICT4D) conference in Accra intending to advance global knowledge exchange and build capacity on ICT4D and digital development to drive more impactful use of technology for good.

The conference was organized to achieve 3 main objectives, hence, to facilitate knowledge exchange on best practices and innovations in using digital tech as an enabler for increased quality, reach, and impact of humanitarian and development programming.

This was also to create inclusive spaces for cross-sectoral learning and capacity-building with a focus on practitioners and local implementation, it is also aimed at fostering partnerships in ICT4D among local and international actors (NGOs, governments, private sector organizations, research institutions, and funders)

The Sector Minister for Communications and Digitalisation, Ursula --Owusu-Ekuful (MP), who officially opened the conference on 19th March 2024 at Alisa Hotel, said that Ghana was proud to host the 12th ICT4D Conference, which aligns with our vision of becoming a digital hub in Africa.

“We are committed to supporting the use of ICT for development and fostering a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship. We are happy to take this opportunity of the global ICT4D community in Accra to showcase our achievements and opportunities in the digital space”, she said.

The Director of Catholic Relief Services (CRS), Madam Nora Lindstrom, on her part said that “Although this is the 12th ICT4D conference, this gathering and collaboration is more urgent than ever”.

“While our current global challenges must primarily be addressed with human compassion and ingenuity, without the effective and responsible use of digital technologies, we will fail to reach the SDGs. Moreover, we are faced with an opportunity to build sustainable, locally-owned foundations for digital transformation for long-term impact – it behooves us to take this opportunity and work together to transform lives."

The 2-day 12th ICT4D Conference was organized by Catholic Relief Services and partnered with the Ministry of Communications and Digitalisation together with other consortiums of partners and it brought together over 600 senior practitioners from public, private, and civil society organizations to share how they are applying digital innovations to increase the impact of development and humanitarian programs.