Category: Government Tech Policy

Government Tech Policy

Taxing Big Tech in Africa: A Necessary Move, But Are We Killing Our Own Digital Growth?

Posted on February 27, 2025February 27, 2025 by ethelcofie

Taxing Big Tech in Africa: A Necessary Move, But Are We Killing Our Own Digital Growth?
In recent years, African governments have been looking for ways to tax non-resident tech giants—companies like Amazon, Google, and Meta—who generate billions in revenue from African consumers but contribute little in taxes to the local economy. On the surface, this seems like a fair move. After all, if these companies are making money in our markets, shouldn’t they pay their fair share?
But here’s the problem: If not done carefully, these digital taxes could hurt the very businesses and digital ecosystems African governments are trying to grow.
Let’s break it down.

What If MTN Ghana Became a Bank? Would It Be Bigger Than Your Bank?

Posted on August 27, 2024January 9, 2025 by ethelcofie

I left the conference thinking about what it would look like if telecom companies in Ghana could get banking licenses. I conducted an analysis of the potential effects, focusing on MTN due to its significant market share. It is important to note that MTN has clearly stated it is not seeking a banking license.

My analysis is based on data from the Ghana Banking Industry Report 2023 (A Report by LIMA Partners), the NCA data subscription analysis for December 2022 to January 2023, MTN Ghana’s FY 2023 results, and the BFT Banking Industry’s Performance in 2023 at a glance article, which is based on the summary of macroeconomic and financial data released by the Bank of Ghana (BoG).

AfCFTA Digital Trade Protocol Has Being Adopted:Now What ?

Posted on August 26, 2024January 9, 2025 by ethelcofie

Following protracted negotiations, and industry consultations, the 37th African Union (“AU”) Heads of States Summit held on 17 – 18 February 2024, adopted the much anticipated AfCFTA Protocol on Digital Trade (“AfCFTA Digital Protocol”).

Team led by Ethel Cofie Develops Ghana’s First AI Curriculum for Technical Universities – Shaping the Future of AI Education in Ghana

Posted on August 19, 2024January 9, 2025 by ethelcofie

n Ghana’s educational system landscape, a transformative journey is unfolding. The Commission for Vocational and Technical Education, an agency under the Ministry of Education, is spearheading an ambitious initiative to develop the nation’s first curriculum for Artificial Intelligence (AI) tailored specifically for programs in technical universities. This groundbreaking endeavor is set to equip students with the practical knowledge and skills needed to thrive in the fast-evolving AI industry, fostering a generation of innovators poised to lead Ghana into a new era of technological advancement.

AI for Africa: The What’s, How’s and When’s

Posted on July 23, 2024January 9, 2025 by ethelcofie

AI is projected to add a staggering $2.9 trillion to Africa’s economy by 2030, increasing the annual Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth by three percent. Despite Africa’s immense potential, it currently represents only 2.5% of the global AI market, underscoring the need for increased investment and development in this field.

Reevaluating the European Union’s Influence on Africa’s Tech Policy Landscape

Posted on July 22, 2024January 9, 2025 by ethelcofie

The European Union is significantly influencing Africa’s digital transformation through funding, training, and regulatory support. While beneficial, concerns arise about policy suitability for Africa’s unique context. EU initiatives in infrastructure, skills, and cybersecurity are highlighted, alongside recommendations for Africa to adopt more flexible, locally adapted tech policies and learn from global best practices.

My Comparative Analysis of the Ghana Security Exchange Commission’s 2024 Crowdfunding Guidelines: Lessons from Africa and Emerging Markets

Posted on June 21, 2024January 9, 2025 by ethelcofie

My Comparative Analysis of the Ghana Security Exchange Commission’s 2024 Crowdfunding Guidelines: Lessons from Africa and Emerging Markets The Securities

Could MTN Offering Cross Border Payments do more for Intra Africa Trade than the Africa Continental Free Trade Agreement Payment Platform?

Posted on April 24, 2024January 9, 2025 by ethelcofie

MTN, Africa’s leading mobile telecommunications company, has a significant footprint across the continent, with operations in multiple countries including

Is there a Case for Third Deputy Governor for Technology and Innovation at the Bank of Ghana ? and No i am not pitching myself for the job!

Posted on April 16, 2024January 9, 2025 by ethelcofie

Title: The Case for Third Deputy Governor for Technology and Innovation at the Bank of Ghana: Amending the Bank of

The State of Mobile Money in Africa 2024,it’s evolving use cases and a couple of tough questions

Posted on April 8, 2024January 9, 2025 by ethelcofie

The “GSMA State of the Industry Report on Mobile Money 2024” underscores mobile money’s critical role in global financial inclusion, notably in Sub-Saharan Africa with 548 million accounts driving significant GDP growth. West Africa’s boom in mobile money, spurred by innovative regulations and non-MNO services, contrasts with East Africa’s MNO-led model. Use cases are expanding beyond transactions to remittances and merchant payments, fueling economic development. Technological advances and regulation prompt this sector’s promising future, offering transformative potential especially in underbanked regions.