Ghana Digital and Innovation Week (GDIW) Upper West Edition: Driving Innovation and Economic Growth

The Ghana Digital and Innovation Week (GDIW) 2024 Upper West Edition, held on September 4th and 5th, was a landmark event that showcased the region’s potential for digital transformation and innovation. The event, hosted by Noni Hub, brought together innovators, industry leaders, and stakeholders to explore how technology can drive economic growth and create opportunities for young people in the Upper West Region.

The event kicked off with a hackathon on the 4th, where young innovators competed to create tech-driven solutions addressing local challenges. This platform allowed participants to collaborate, share ideas, and build functional prototypes that could be further developed into full-scale projects. The energy and creativity on display during the hackathon set the tone for the main event that followed.

On September 5th, the main event began with the registration of participants, followed by an opening remark and an introduction by Mr. Sumaila Chakurah, CEO of Noni Hub. In his speech, Mr. Chakurah emphasized the need for technology to be integrated into the daily lives of Ghanaian youth. He highlighted the role that Noni Hub has played in promoting digital skills and innovation as essential tools for driving the economic growth of the region.

Following the opening remarks, Professor Hamida Dramani, chairperson of the event, delivered an acceptance speech that underscored the importance of technology education. She encouraged the youth to enroll in digital training programs to build their skills and careers, ensuring they are prepared for the rapidly evolving technological landscape.

One of the event’s key moments was the speech by Mr. Emmanuel, Component Manager at GIZ. He spoke about how innovators can contribute to development and how digital tools are critical for communication and growth. He reiterated GIZ’s commitment to supporting emerging technologies in both rural and urban areas of Ghana, stressing the importance of providing young innovators with the resources they need to succeed.

The keynote address by Mr. Yaw Adu Gyamfi, Chairman of the Ghana Hubs Network, highlighted the significance of fostering collaboration between stakeholders in the digital and innovation ecosystem. Mr. Gyamfi encouraged investors to support digital skills development and innovation in the Upper West Region, urging young innovators to collaborate and leverage technology to drive economic growth. He emphasized the need for more resources to support these initiatives and expressed his excitement for the innovations and discussions emerging from the event.

A panel discussion followed, featuring experts such as Dr. Suleman Egala, Madam Maria Yorpor, Dr. Felicia Naatu, Dr. Yaw Afriyie, and Dr. Ernest Ganaa. The panelists provided insights into various topics, including digitalization, AI programming, and business marketing. Dr. Afriyie spoke on the importance of AI, encouraging young innovators to build robust AI systems by 2025, while Dr. Naatu encouraged the youth to take on opportunities in the digital space. Madam Maria Yorpor emphasized the importance of collaboration and called on investors to support young developers, while Dr. Ganaa reminded participants that it is people, not just technology, that drive change. The session encouraged innovators to leverage the opportunities within their reach and highlighted the need for strategic partnerships and investment in digital infrastructure.

The breakout session that followed allowed participants to dive deeper into the key themes discussed. Experts in business marketing, AI programming, and financial management provided young innovators with practical guidance on how to transform their innovations into impactful economic tools. They emphasized the importance of making smart financial decisions, exploring opportunities in digital technology, and utilizing marketing strategies to enhance market value. The session was interactive, with young innovators asking questions and receiving tailored advice on overcoming challenges in their projects.

Throughout the day, an exhibition showcased a wide range of innovative projects and digital solutions developed by participants. These exhibits demonstrated the creativity and talent within the Upper West Region and offered a glimpse into the future of technology-driven development in Ghana. The exhibition provided a platform for innovators to share their work with potential investors, partners, and the broader community, further fueling the region’s innovation ecosystem.

As the event drew to a close, there was a deep sense of accomplishment and optimism. The GDIW Upper West Edition not only highlighted the region’s potential for innovation but also strengthened the resolve of all participants to continue driving digital transformation. The event was a testament to the power of collaboration, education, and innovation in shaping the future of the Upper West Region and Ghana as a whole.

Noni Hub extends its deepest gratitude to all the speakers, panelists, exhibitors, and participants for making GDIW 2024 a resounding success. Together, we are paving the way for a brighter future where technology catalyzes economic growth, job creation, and prosperity. The journey continues, and the future of innovation in the Upper West Region looks more promising than ever.