Ghana's Minister for Communication, Technology and Digital Innovation, Samuel Nartey George, has called on African countries to unite and take greater control of the continent's digital future. He warned that Africa risks being left behind if it fails to influence global digital governance. The Minister made this call at the 15th Africa Internet Governance Forum (AfriIGF) in Accra on November 3, 2026.
According to Minister George, the continent must move beyond developing policies and strategies to implementing practical solutions that expand internet access, protect citizens, and strengthen Africa's digital economy. Although Africa has made significant progress in mobile money, digital innovation, and online public services, millions of people remain excluded from the digital revolution. The high cost of internet connectivity and digital devices are major barriers to access.
Minister George identified that access to a network does not necessarily mean people can afford to use it, stressing that "progress is not the same as inclusion." He called for a shift from access on paper to meaningful participation and from pilot projects to large-scale implementation. The Minister argued that Africa can no longer afford to depend entirely on external solutions to address its digital challenges.
Instead, the continent must develop technologies, standards, and regulations that reflect its own needs and realities. Quoting Ghana's first President, Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, Minister George recalled his famous words: "We face neither East nor West; we face forward." This principle remains relevant as powerful global interests increasingly shape digital rules, standards, and artificial intelligence systems.
Minister George also called for a united African voice in international digital negotiations, arguing that individual countries will have limited influence without continental cooperation. He stated that "Africa cannot be a menu on the table. Africa must have a seat at the table." The Minister outlined eight key areas requiring urgent attention, including affordable internet connectivity and accessible digital devices.
Other priorities include digital infrastructure for intra-African trade, the development of African language models, cross-border cooperation against cybercrime, data protection, child online safety, and fair monetization for African content creators. Minister George stressed the need to protect children online, citing former South African President Nelson Mandela's observation that society's character is reflected in how it treats its children.
The 15th Africa Internet Governance Forum brings together stakeholders from across the continent and beyond to discuss internet governance, digital inclusion, and the future of Africa's digital economy. Minister George reaffirmed Ghana's commitment to advancing Africa's digital agenda as chair of the African Union Specialized Technical Committee on Communications and ICT for 2026 to 2028.
Key points
- Minister George calls for African unity to shape the continent's digital future.
- The continent must move beyond policy development to practical solutions for digital challenges.
- Ghana reaffirms commitment to advancing Africa's digital agenda.
