The U.S. Ambassador to Ghana, Mrs. Virginia Palmer, praised Ghana for leading West Africa in climate-related technology and innovation.
He attributed Ghana’s gains to recent government-led initiatives aimed at promoting the use of climate-related technologies and the intention to exempt some climate-related technologies, particularly electric vehicles, from taxes.
She made this remark in a speech during the Tech in Ghana program held at the Accra Digital Centre.
This tax exemption will benefit the import of electric vehicles, electric vehicles assembled in Ghana, and spare parts for electric vehicles imported into Ghana.
These efforts will create an enabling environment for electric vehicles, charging stations and the technologies that support them, the ambassador said.
She also said that Ghana is establishing itself as a hub of artificial intelligence and fintech innovation in Africa.
The Tech in Ghana program is a prominent UK-Ghana platform dedicated to strengthening and showcasing Ghana’s thriving technology ecosystem both locally and globally.
Since its inception in 2017, the program has attracted the active participation of many multinational companies, policy makers, investors, fast-growing scalers and founders in the region.
The event at the Accra Digital Center also featured exhibitions by various technology companies in Ghana, as well as presentations on the opportunities and challenges of artificial intelligence.
Madam Akosua Anobile, Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Technology Sector, said this year was a success with panel discussions and other activities bearing fruit.
“So far we’ve had financial inclusion, and we’ve also had a big key with artificial intelligence,” she said.
She said Africa’s technology ecosystem has great potential, but without cooperation the continent will not be able to prosper as we wish.
He called for further dialogue with various stakeholders in the technology industry, particularly regulators and practitioners, on how to facilitate access to technology products and services in the country.
A panel discussion including industry players from telecommunications, fintech and technology start-ups provided insights on how to improve financial inclusion in Ghana.