By Enoch 
A Meeting With Harvard
On February 15, 2025, former Vice President of Ghana, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia, delivered a compelling speech at Harvard University, urging African policymakers to embrace technology for economic transformation.
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Speaking at the 27th Annual Conference of Beyond Borders: A Myth or a Mandate for Africa’s Progress?, Dr. Bawumia emphasized the need for Africa to adopt a mindset of possibilities and harness digitalization to drive development in countries.
Ghana’s Digital Transformation Journey
Reflecting on Ghana’s economic trajectory, Dr. Bawumia highlighted the country’s historical reliance on an informal system for over 60 years after independence. However, he noted that efforts are now underway to establish a structured, data-driven economy capable of competing in the Fourth Industrial Revolution. “Today, we are building formal systems and a database-driven economy to compete in the Fourth Industrial Revolution,” he stated.
The Role of Technology in Economic Growth
Dr. Bawumia underscored the crucial role of technology-driven policies in Africa’s economic transformation. He emphasized that policymakers must act with a mindset of possibilities and not be intimidated by technology. “We should believe that we can leapfrog advanced nations in many areas if we put our minds to it,” he added.
Ghana’s Digital Success Story
Over the past eight years, Ghana has embarked on an aggressive policy of digitalization to jumpstart the economic transformation of the country. Dr. Bawumia explained that the focus was on digital technology that could solve Ghana’s unique challenges, rather than advanced innovations such as driverless cars or humanoid robots. The country needed technology to address issues in agriculture, health, education, access to credit, payment system efficiency, public service delivery, and revenue mobilization.
Key Initiatives and Achievements
Dr. Bawumia outlined several key initiatives that have significantly improved Ghana’s economic landscape. The issuance of the Ghana Card to 85 percent of the adult population has addressed the issue of citizens lacking official identity records. The introduction of a digital address system has resolved the long-standing challenge of a functional national address system.
Mobile money interoperability has transformed Ghana into one of the most financially inclusive countries in the world. Additionally, the digitalization of health records and the introduction of a world-renowned medical drone delivery service have improved healthcare access in remote areas.
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The Path Forward for Africa
Dr. Bawumia called for a collective effort to harness technology for sustainable growth. He emphasized the importance of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) digital trade protocol to unlock economic potential.
“The digital economy holds the key to unlocking Africa’s vast potential and creating jobs for the youth,” he said. He urged policymakers to act decisively and invest in creating ecosystems where innovations and innovators thrive.
The Impact of Digitalization on Education and Agriculture
Dr. Bawumia also highlighted the significant impact of digitalization on key sectors such as education and agriculture. In the education sector, the introduction of digital platforms has improved access to quality education for students in remote areas.
Online learning platforms and digital libraries have made educational resources more accessible, bridging the gap between urban and rural education.
In agriculture, technology has revolutionized farming practices, enabling farmers to access real-time information on weather patterns, market prices, and best farming practices. These advancements have increased productivity, reduced post-harvest losses, and improved the livelihoods of farmers.
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Challenges and the Way Forward
While the progress in digitalization is commendable, Dr. Bawumia acknowledged the challenges that lie ahead. Issues such as digital literacy, internet connectivity, and cybersecurity need to be addressed to fully harness the benefits of technology. He emphasized the need for public-private partnerships to invest in digital infrastructure and capacity building.
Additionally, creating an enabling environment for innovation and entrepreneurship is crucial for sustaining the momentum of digital transformation. Dr. Bawumia called on African leaders to prioritize technology in their development agendas and collaborate with global partners to achieve a digitally inclusive and prosperous Africa.
Expectations For Africa
Dr. Bawumia’s vision for Africa is clear: embrace technology, adopt a mindset of possibilities, and leapfrog traditional development models. With the right policies, leadership, and investment, Africa can compete globally and achieve sustainable economic growth. As Ghana continues to lead by example, it is hoped that other African nations will follow suit and embrace the transformative power of digitalization.
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