GDIW 2024: Collaborating for digital transformation and impact

Building on the momentum generated over the last 3 years, the 2024 edition of Ghana Digital and Innovation Week (GDIW) was launched on June 14, 2024 by the 2024 Host Consortium — comprising the National Entrepreneurship and Innovation Program (NEIP), Ghana Hubs Network (GHN), and Impact Investing Ghana (IIGh)—together with partners, unveiled plans for the national event scheduled for October 2nd to 4, 2024, at the Accra International Conference Centre.

With the theme, ‘Innovate Together: Collaborating for Digital Transformation and Impact,’ GDIW 2024 underscores the power of collaboration in driving innovation and digital transformation. By working together, participants can achieve maximum impact, fostering a culture of innovation that permeates every sector.

GDIW 2024 is more than just an event; it is a dynamic ecosystem gathering designed to inspire action, foster commitments, celebrate successes, and encourage collaboration.

The continuation of the collaborative action plan ensures that this year’s activities will translate into tangible impact and actionable outcomes.

At the launch, the application portal for session hosts was also opened. Academic institutions, technology Tech companies, startups, technology Tech hubs, government agencies, and international development agencies are invited to submit their ideas for hosting sessions at GDIW 2024 via the website gdiw.com.gh.

Speaking at the launch event, Amma Lartey, CEO of Impact Investing Ghana (IIGh), highlighted the significance of this milestone.

“This year marks a big milestone for GDIW. After three years of trilateral cooperation, the event has expanded into a multilateral collaboration, bringing in partners from all over the world and Ghana to keep this impactful dialogue going,” she said.

She further emphasized the potential of digital technology and innovation to transform lives through exhibitions, debates, dialogues, actions, commitments, and launches.

Yaw Adu-Gyamfi, chairman of the Ghana Hubs Network (GHN), announced that GDIW 2024 will kick off with a series of regional events across Ghana. These events aim to decentralize the impact of digitalization and innovation, making it a nationwide phenomenon.

Clifford Bansah, Director of monitoring and evaluation at the National Entrepreneurship and Innovation Program (NEIP), expressed his enthusiasm for the innovative content expected at GDIW 2024, stating, “We are looking forward to more exciting content and innovations that drive development in Ghana.”

David Robert, Head of Project at the GIZ Digital Transformation Centre (DTC), described GDIW as “a window into Ghana’s digital future.” He affirmed their commitment to fostering an ecosystem that influences and cooperates at both African and international levels, highlighting the event’s global significance.

Oliver Boachie, special advisor to the Minister of Environment, Science, Technology, and Innovation, expressed his satisfaction with GDIW’s growth and reminisced on the rewarding journey that GDIW had been since its inception. He also noted the instrumental role of MGA Consulting Ghana Limited in organizing the logistical aspect of the event.

Dr. Samuel Antwi Gyekyi, Director of Research, Statistics, and Information Management Directorate (RSIM) at the Ministry of Communication and Digitalization (MoCD), reiterated the Government of Ghana’s commitment to enhancing digital infrastructure, fostering innovation, and promoting digital literacy. According to Dr Antwi Gyekyi, “GDIW is not just a celebration; it is a testimony to our collective achievement and an affirmation of our commitment to a future where digital innovation drives progress and prosperity for all Ghanaians”.

GDIW is supported by the trilateral partners: Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) on behalf of the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), MASHAV (Israel’s Agency for International Development Cooperation) through the Embassy of Israel in Ghana, the Ministry of Environment, Science, Technology, and Innovation, and the Ministry of Communication and Digitalization.