Julius Debrah Highlights Digital Skills and Sovereignty at MOBEX Africa Tech Expo 2026

Chief of Staff Julius Debrah has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to building a digitally empowered and productive economy, highlighting digital skills development, local technology innovation and data protection as key priorities for Ghana and Africa.

Speaking at the 2026 MOBEX Africa Tech Expo and Innovation Conference, held under the theme, “Resetting Africa’s Digital Identity and Sovereignty: From Promise to Practice,” Mr Debrah said the true value of technology should be measured by the opportunities it creates, the public services it improves, the businesses it empowers and the lives it transforms.

The conference brought together industry leaders, innovators, entrepreneurs, policymakers and development partners to discuss practical approaches to advancing Africa’s digital future.

Mr Debrah said Ghana, under the leadership of President John Dramani Mahama, was taking deliberate steps to strengthen its digital economy and equip young people with the skills needed to participate in an increasingly technology-driven world.

He highlighted the government’s One Million Coders Programme as a major investment in the country’s youth, designed to provide essential digital skills while creating pathways to employment, entrepreneurship and innovation.

According to him, the programme’s broader objective is to ensure that digital training translates into meaningful employment opportunities, sustainable livelihoods and locally developed solutions capable of supporting Ghana’s digital transformation.

He stressed that the impact of digital initiatives should go beyond training and infrastructure to deliver tangible benefits for individuals, businesses and public institutions.

Mr Debrah also emphasised the need for African countries to balance digital sovereignty with continental collaboration as they seek to strengthen their positions in the global digital economy.

He said protecting data, strengthening digital infrastructure and developing homegrown technologies must go hand in hand with interoperable systems, cross-border digital trade and deeper cooperation among African countries.

He noted that digital sovereignty should empower African nations to participate confidently and competitively in the global economy rather than limit opportunities for international engagement.

Achieving that objective, he said, would require sustained commitment and collaboration among governments, technology companies, entrepreneurs, innovators and development partners.

The Chief of Staff commended the Minister for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations, Hon. Samuel Nartey George, and other stakeholders for their contributions to Ghana’s digital transformation agenda.

He also expressed appreciation to George Quaye, Alain Gbeasor and the entire MOBEX Africa team for sustaining the expo as a platform for dialogue, partnership and innovation.

The conference provided an opportunity for participants to explore ways to turn Africa’s digital ambitions into practical outcomes, with discussions centred on skills development, digital infrastructure, data protection, technological innovation and regional cooperation.