Ghana High Commissioner calls for bold action on women’s economic empowerment through technology

Ghana’s High Commissioner to Nigeria, H.E. Seth Amoama, conveyed a strong message on the importance of technology in women’s economic empowerment through Minister Plenipotentiary Tenewa Asamoah at the Young African Women Congress 2024 in Nigeria on October 28, 2024.

Speaking on his behalf, Asamoah underscored Ghana’s commitment to equipping women with digital skills through initiatives like the Women in Technology Initiative and the Girls in ICT Programme.

Asamoah urged African women to embrace technology as leaders, innovators, and creators, calling for bold action and collaboration to drive economic growth across the continent.

Read the full speech below:

My name is Tenewa Asamoah, a Minister Plenipotentiary in Charge of Political and Economic Affairs at the Ghana High Commission and I am delivering this goodwill message on behalf of the High Commissioner, H. E. Seth Amoama, who is unable to join us today due to some prior arranged commitment.

It is a great honour for me to address this august gathering - the 2024 Annual Global Convocation of the Young African Women Congress. I extend my deepest appreciation to the organisers for convening this forum, which highlights the economic potential of African women through creativity and technology.

The objective of this conference is well encapsulated in this year’s theme, “Enhancing Women's Economic Empowerment Through Technology and Innovation”. It speaks directly to the transformative role that technology can play in leveling the playing field for women across Africa and beyond. Today, we live in a world where technology holds the key to unlocking countless opportunities. Hence, it is crucial that we equip women, particularly young women, to harness these tools for economic empowerment.

As it were, technology and innovation offer us the unparalleled opportunity to change this narrative. It offers us the chance to accelerate women’s economic empowerment, breaking down the barriers that have traditionally held women back from full participation in the digital economy. This means creating policies, programmes, and partnerships that provide young women across Africa with the education, skills, and mentorship needed to thrive in the digital age. It also means addressing the gender gaps in the field of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM), ensuring women have equal access to capital, and fostering an environment where women entrepreneurs and innovators can succeed.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Across Africa, we are already witnessing women who are leading the way in fintech, agritech, healthtech, and beyond. These are women who are harnessing the power of technology to solve some of our continent’s most pressing challenges, from financial inclusion to healthcare access. You, too, are part of this growing movement. Your leadership and creativity are shaping the future, and as we gather today, I encourage you to continue embracing technology not just as users but as creators and leaders.

The question before us is not whether women can drive Africa’s technological future; the question is how we can ensure that more women have the tools, the opportunities, and the support to do so. As Ghana’s representative in Nigeria, it is pertinent to share some great strides that my country Ghana is making in advancing women’s empowerment through technology and innovation. Some initiatives undertaken in that regard include:

1. The Women in Technology Initiative (WITI) – This government-backed initiative seeks to increase the participation of women in technology through mentorship, training, and capacity-building programmes. It targets women in both urban and rural areas, focusing on equipping them with digital skills and fostering their entry into the tech workforce and entrepreneurial ventures.

2. The Digital Transformation Centers Project – Implemented in collaboration with partners such as the International Telecommunications Union (ITU), this project aims to provide digital literacy training to women, youth, and underserved communities. The centers serve as hubs for building skills in ICT, coding, and e-commerce, empowering women to use technology for their economic advancement.

3. The Girls in ICT Programme – Led by Ghana’s Ministry of Communications and Digitalization, this annual initiative encourages young girls to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). Through workshops, coding camps, and competitions, the programme seeks to bridge the gender gap in the tech sector and inspire a new generation of female innovators.

These programmes and others are steps towards a future where women are not just participants but leaders in Africa's technological and economic advancement. We understand that by equipping women with digital tools and fostering innovation, we are unlocking the potential for increased productivity, entrepreneurship, and growth-not just for women but for society as a whole.

Distinguished delegates,

As you continue your discussions today, I urge you to draw inspiration from these examples and to think boldly about the future. Together, we can create an Africa where women's economic empowerment through technology is not just an ambition, but a reality.

May this convocation be a springboard for action, collaboration, and lasting impact. Thank you, and I wish you a successful and productive convocation.