Stakeholders gathered in the Eastern Region, GNAT Hall in Koforidua, for a pivotal event, focused on driving digital and innovation initiatives in the contemporary economy. With over 210 participants in attendance, the event served as a platform for engaging discussions and collaborative efforts to harness digital transformation's power. Prominent speakers for the event were Mr. Yaw Adu-Gyamfi. Chairperson for Ghana Hubs Network, Hon. Seth Kwame Acheampong, Eastern Regional Minister, Mr, Emmanuel Mumuni, Component Manager of GIZ Ghana, Nana Twumasi Ankrah, Gyaasehene of New Juaben Traditional Council, Dr. Kwesi Hughes-Lartey, Senior Lecturer at Koforidua Technical University, and a host of other speakers.
The German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) funded the event, which was implemented by the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH in cooperation with the Ministry of Communication and Digitalisation (MoCD).
The event organized in Koforidua, the capital town of the Eastern Region was dubbed GDIW 2024. In attendance were local businesses, academia, traditional authorities, government agencies, civil society organisations, tech companies, and fintechs.
The primary objective of the event was to unite key stakeholders who can influence the digital and innovation landscape. Through a structured framework encompassing capacity building, knowledge exchange, policy dialogue, and partnership building, the event facilitated rich interactions among experts, policymakers, and business leaders.
Capacity-building sessions focused on critical topics such as the gig economy, providing insights into the current trends and challenges faced by stakeholders. Participants engaged in knowledge exchange activities centred on digital transformation strategies specifically designed for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), highlighting the importance of adapting to the digital age.
During the policy dialogue sessions, significant discussions revolved around the application of data science and data governance for MSMEs. Stakeholders explored how these concepts can be integrated into business practices, ensuring that small enterprises can leverage data to enhance their operations and competitiveness.
The event also addressed the impact of globalization on small economies, with data sourced from the central bank underscoring the challenges and opportunities presented by a globalised market. The chairperson of the Ghana Hubs Network said “In the context of sustainable regional development, digital tools were not just enablers, but they are accelerators.” The Gyaasehene of the New Juaben Traditional Council also added that “the fact that Digital Innovation Week is here in the Eastern Region for another edition shows that this initiative has found a permanent home in the region and therefore acknowledged the partners for the good work done.”
The component manager of GIZ Ghana, Mr. Emmanuel Mumuni emphasized that “the Eastern Region is gradually becoming one of Ghana’s Tech and Innovation Hubs.” He mentioned that the Eastern Region holds immense value, not just in trade and services but also in its rich historical and cultural significance. Presenting a paper on the topic “application of data science and data governance on MSMEs”, Dr. Kwesi Hughes-Lartey, Senior Lecturer at Koforidua Technical University said “Using data science to understand one’s business was a better way of making smarter decisions and improving outcomes.”
Key takeaways from the event included a deeper understanding of how to capitalise on the gig economy and the role of innovation hubs in fostering business growth. Stakeholders recognised the transformative potential of digital tools, with applications such as spreadsheets, databases, and design software like Canva highlighted as essential resources for MSMEs. Other key takeaways were understanding the impact of globalisation on small businesses and the impact of digitalisation on MSMEs.
A quote from one of the leading experts at the event encapsulated the spirit of the gathering: "This event has illuminated the pathways for stakeholders to drive digital and innovation initiatives. By sharing insights into the gig economy and the application of data science, we are equipping MSMEs to thrive in a globalised world. Our collaborative efforts today will shape the future of small businesses and their ability to innovate and compete."
The organisers of the event are very grateful to GIZ, the headline sponsor of the event for their immense support and direction to the organisers of the event. Appreciation is extended to the joint hosts namely Ghana Hubs Network, National Entrepreneurship and Innovation Programme, and Impact Investing Ghana. Actions to be taken after the event are having quarterly local sessions to address internet connectivity challenges that affect businesses, regular engagement with students in the secondary and tertiary to shape up their business concepts in providing innovative solutions to address business needs, undertaking research on the state of digital transformation in the Eastern Region, and quarterly Eastern Region Ghana Hubs Ecosystem engagement.
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