Building on the momentum built over the past 3 years, the 2024 edition of Ghana Digital and Innovation Week (GDIW) was launched on 14 June 2024 by the 2024 Host Consortium — comprising the National Entrepreneurship and Innovation Program (NEIP), Ghana Hubs Network (GHN) and Impact Investing Ghana (IIGh)—along with partners, unveiled plans for the national event slated for October 2-4, 2024, at the Accra International Convention Centre.
With the theme ‘Innovating together: Working together for digital transformation and impact’, GDIW 2024 highlights the power of collaboration in driving innovation and digital transformation. By working together, participants can achieve maximum impact by fostering a culture of innovation that permeates every sector.
GDIW 2024 is more than just an event. It’s a dynamic ecosystem gathering designed to inspire action, encourage engagement, celebrate successes and encourage collaboration.
The continuation of the collective action plan ensures that this year’s activities translate into tangible results and achievable results.
On launch, the application portal for session hosts was also opened. Academic institutions, tech companies, start-ups, tech hubs, government agencies and international development organizations are invited to submit their ideas for hosting sessions at GDIW 2024 via the gdiw.com.gh website.
Speaking at the launch event, Amma Lartey, Managing Director of Impact Investing Ghana (IIGh), highlighted the significance of this milestone.
“This year marks a major milestone for GDIW. After three years of tripartite collaboration, the event has expanded into multilateral collaboration, bringing partners from around the world and Ghana to continue this influential dialogue,” he said.
It further highlighted the potential of digital technology and innovation to transform lives through exhibitions, discussions, dialogues, actions, engagements and launches.
Yaw Adu-Gyamfi, chairman of the Ghana Hubs Network (GHN), has announced that GDIW 2024 will kick off with a series of regional events across Ghana. These events aim to decentralize the impact of digitization and innovation, making it a national phenomenon.
Clifford Bansah, Director of Monitoring and Evaluation at the National Entrepreneurship and Innovation Program (NEIP), expressed his excitement about the innovative content expected at GDIW 2024, stating: “We look forward to more exciting content and innovations that drive growth in Ghana. “
David Robert, Project Leader at GIZ’s Digital Transformation Center (DTC), described GDIW as “a window into Ghana’s digital future”. He reaffirmed their commitment to fostering an ecosystem that influences and collaborates both at the African and international levels, emphasizing the global significance of the event.
Oliver Boachie, Special Adviser to the Minister for Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation, welcomed the development of GDIW and recalled the rewarding journey GDIW has had since its inception. He also noted the instrumental role played by MGA Consulting Ghana Limited in organizing the logistical aspect of the event.
Dr. Samuel Antwi Gyekyi, Director of the Research, Statistics and Information Management (RSIM) Directorate at the Ministry of Communications and Digitization (MoCD), reiterated the Government of Ghana’s commitment to improving digital infrastructure, fostering innovation and promoting digital literacy. According to Dr. Antwi Gyekyi, “GDIW is not just a celebration; it is a testament to our collective achievements and an affirmation of our commitment to a future where digital innovation drives progress and prosperity for all Ghanaians.”
GDIW is supported by the tripartite partners: Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) on behalf of the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), MASHAV (Israel Agency for International Development Cooperation) through the Embassy of Israel in Ghana, Ministry of Environment, Science , Technology and Innovation and the Ministry of Communication and Digitization.