On the 14th of September 2022, India Africa ICT Expo 2022 was held at the Kempinski Hotel, Accra-Ghana. The conference was planned by the Indian Ministry of Communications, the Department of Telecommunications, and TEPC to strengthen the relationship between the two countries (Ghana and India), and build business networks.
Some notable speakers spoke at the conference, amongst them were the Hon. Minister for Communications Electronics and Information Technology and Railways Mr Ashwini, Mr Sandeep Aggarwal the chairman of TEPC, Mr Devusinh Chauhan Hon. Minister of state for communications. The seasoned Ghanaian journalist Jay Foley was the moderator for the program.
The main aim of the event was to promote an eco-system that would digitally transform how businesses took place traditionally. Africa was noted to be a growing hub for I.C.T and several opportunities have been created due to this. Africa has become a growing market for I.C.T and since India has proven to be a strong contender in I.T worldwide it should be the preferred destination. It was said that Ghana’s telecom market is extremely competitive. Numerous global corporations have a sizable market share and how India is a very powerful trade partner. Ghana has experienced very consistent and solid economic growth hence the need for more collaborations. It was said that ITC is to provide practical support to SMEs, and acknowledged that the open nature of I.T has been a catalyst for growth.
Almost all speakers at the event speech were directed at the already existing relationship, acknowledging the history between the two countries and how to foster such relationships further.
The High Commissioner of India to Ghana Sugandh Rajaram spoke about how even during the COVID pandemic India was able to rise above it with the help of technology. Persistent in efforts to engage in telecommunication, how connectivity is a pride for them. He acknowledged how robust the Indian eco-system is and the need for Ghana to take advantage, since traditionally we haven’t been taking advantage of the potential in telecommunications but with this collaboration that could be made possible.
H.E. Michael Okyere Baafi Deputy Minister, Ministry of Trade & Industry, Government of Ghana. Spoke on the need to strengthen the relations between the two countries and the need to take full advantage of the Expo, acknowledged some Indian companies doing well in Ghana made mention of Mahindra and Mahindra, etc. He mentioned some millions of revenue Ghana generates from exporting raw goods and efforts to make Ghana export more manufactured products, hence the initiative by the government of the days’ flagship program “one district one factory”. The main goal is to make Ghana a Manufacturing hub of Africa. This Expo would provide India with a way to share their infrastructural development, especially in I.C.T. He also suggested we as Africans should take an advantage of the African Continental Free Trade Area Agreement. Also, Ghana is doing everything possible to become the helm of I.C.T in Africa.
Each speaker spoke for about five to ten minutes and by noon the conference was halted and exhibitions took place. Exhibitions were by several companies both local and Indian companies in Ghana namely; Yestech Software Solutions Limited, Hubtel, FNCEE Consult, IPMC, Ghana Investment Promotion Centre, Invendis, Paycom, Kirat, Pert Telecom Solutions, Dataware, Hewale Social Health, GIT Plus, Copianto, Ghana Export Promotion Authority, just to mention a few. There were visitors, stakeholders, and some Investors who went around asking questions and finding out from these companies what they do, connect and build relationships.
Enterprise Bureau was represented by Jessica a Community Manager, who spoke to some of the exhibitors’. Notably among them was Daniella from Copianto who showed interest in also knowing opportunities she could get by associating with Enterprise Bureau, they happen to be a startup. Emmanuel from Digihub who happened to be a visitor also showed interest after knowing what we do at Enterprise Bureau.
After some further conversations, it was called a day.