The World Bank has announced the allocation of $70 billion to bolster digital infrastructure development in Ghana and other developing nations.
This initiative aims to bridge the digital divide and increase access to digital services in low-income countries.
During a panel discussion at the WBG/International Monetary Fund (IMF) Annual Meetings in Marrakech, Mr. Axel Van Trostsenburg, Senior Managing Director of Development Policy and Partnership at the World Bank, emphasized the importance of addressing digital inequality.
Trostsenburg noted that in advanced countries, nine out of ten people have access to digital services, while in low-income countries, this ratio is only one in four.
To promote digital equity, the World Bank has committed substantial financial support.
Part of this commitment includes $70 billion of the $93 billion replenishment for the International Development Association (IDA), a subsidiary of the World Bank, being allocated to Africa for digital infrastructure and other development projects.
This initiative is expected to play a pivotal role in aligning digital infrastructure with the implementation and realization of the objectives outlined in the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
Mr. Trostsenburg also underscored the potential for significant economic growth through regional integration under AfCFTA.
He stressed the importance of collaborative efforts, regulatory frameworks, infrastructure development, and private sector involvement in advancing digital development.
Speaking on behalf of Ghana, Mrs. Ursula Owusu-Ekuful, the Minister of Communications and Digitalisation, highlighted her country's efforts to accelerate digital access.
She acknowledged the challenge of limited access to finance, largely due to global economic challenges.
Despite these challenges, Ghana is working on expanding high-speed internet access through Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs). Mrs. Owusu-Ekuful outlined several government programs that have benefited diverse sections of the population, from students to farmers and persons with disabilities (PWDs).
Ghana is poised to host the world's first global cybersecurity capacity-building conference in November 2023, aimed at strengthening cybersecurity capacities in the global south and reducing dependence on costly consultants for digital infrastructure management.
- Reporting by Francis Ntow : Editing by Adewale Adejoke
