Ghana’s Tech Leap: Bold 2025 Moves Poised to Unlock Digital Growth

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Ghana’s Tech Sector Enters Critical Phase as 2025 Draws to a Close

Ghana’s technology ecosystem is facing a pivotal moment as several policy, infrastructure, and investment developments converge ahead of the close of 2025. From the rollout of 5G infrastructure and ongoing disputes over broadcast pricing, to the future of cryptocurrency regulation and a slowdown in venture capital (VC) funding, the final quarter of the year may determine the trajectory of Ghana’s digital economy for the next three to five years.

This matters not just for Ghana, but for West Africa at large, as Accra remains one of the region’s key hubs for tech innovation, mobile connectivity, and digital finance.

1. 5G Rollout: Benchmarks vs. Reality

The Next-Gen Infrastructure Company (NGIC) is under pressure to meet its goal of deploying at least 50 functional 5G sites in Accra and Kumasi before the end of 2025. While some core infrastructure has been activated, analysts argue that subscriber migration and usage rates not just site deployment will be the true indicators of success.

If fully realised, widespread 5G could support advanced technologies such as:

Fintech and mobile banking apps
Internet of Things (IoT) applications
High-speed edge computing
Blockchain and cryptographic services

A delay or symbolic-only rollout could weaken Ghana’s position as a tech-forward destination and affect innovation in sectors relying on low-latency networks.

2. DSTV Pricing Showdown: A Broadcast Crossroads

The ongoing standoff between MultiChoice Ghana and regulators over DSTV subscription pricing is set to reach a head in Q4 2025. The Ministry of Communications and the National Communications Authority (NCA) are pushing for a 30% reduction in subscription fees, arguing that current pricing structures are out of sync with local incomes.

A committee tasked with reviewing the pricing model is expected to present its recommendations before year-end.

Implications:

A government-mandated reduction could impact revenues for MultiChoice but potentially make paid content more accessible.
May accelerate migration to streaming platforms and local content producers, especially if MultiChoice scales back services in response.

This issue has broader implications for media competition, consumer access, and content affordability in the digital age.

3. Crypto Bill: Ghana Moves Toward Regulation

One of the most consequential developments is the Bank of Ghana’s (BoG) finalisation of a draft bill to regulate cryptocurrency platforms and virtual asset service providers (VASPs). Expected to be submitted to Parliament before the end of 2025, the bill seeks to bring oversight to a sector estimated to process over US$3 billion in transactions annually.

Key Features of the Proposed Law:

Mandatory licensing and supervision for exchanges and VASPs
Know Your Customer (KYC) and Anti-Money Laundering (AML) compliance
Defined reporting and operational requirements

If passed, Ghana would become one of the few African countries with comprehensive virtual asset legislation. However, the final outcome hinges on several questions:

Will existing operators be given grace periods?
How inclusive will the framework be for innovations like NFTs, DeFi, or stablecoins?
What will be the tax implications?
How will this regime integrate with banking and mobile money systems?

The bill’s passage or delay will directly influence innovation, investor confidence, and user adoption.

4. Venture Capital & Startup Funding: Year of Caution?

After a peak of $202 million in startup funding in 2022 largely driven by fintech deals such as Dash ($32.8M), Fido ($30M), and Float ($17M) funding flows in 2025 have slowed.

Funding Snapshot:

2024: $127 million
H1 2025: $51 million
Projected 2025 total (if trends hold): ~$80–90 million

Despite the slowdown, sectors like clean energy, mobility, and digital banking have continued to attract attention. Industry experts suggest that policy clarity particularly in areas like crypto regulation, telecom pricing, and digital taxation could unlock domestic institutional capital, such as pension funds.

A “surprise” rebound in Q4 (e.g. one or two mega deals) could help salvage the year’s numbers and inject fresh momentum into Ghana’s startup space.

5. AT Ghana: Telco Crisis and National Intervention

Ghana’s third-largest telecom provider, AT Ghana, has faced a severe operational crisis, revealing deeper structural vulnerabilities in the country’s telecom sector.

Key Developments:

As of September 2025, AT Ghana owed over GHS 3.5 billion (approx. $289M), with GHS 1.5 billion owed to American Tower Company (ATC Ghana).
ATC began disconnecting power to AT Ghana’s towers due to non-payment, leading to service disruptions.
The government intervened, migrating 3 million AT Ghana customers to Telecel Ghana under a national roaming agreement to maintain service.

Meanwhile, discussions are ongoing regarding a partial sale of AT Ghana to Rektron Group, a Canadian infrastructure firm, and its Ghanaian partner, Afritel Ghana. The government has engaged KPMG as a transaction advisor but denies any full merger or acquisition plans.

The incident underscores the fragility of state-owned telecom operations, and the broader need for financial sustainability and competitive resilience in Ghana’s digital infrastructure.

Conclusion: Ghana’s Tech Future Hinges on Q4 Decisions

The last quarter of 2025 could set the stage for Ghana’s digital economy in the years ahead. How government and industry players respond to current challenges in connectivity, regulation, investment, and service affordability will determine whether Ghana can fully capitalise on its digital potential.

With global investors watching, and domestic demand for digital services rising, policy clarity and infrastructure reliability will be key to Ghana’s positioning as a regional tech leader in West Africa.

2 weeks ago

0 4 minutes read