Africa Must Build Systems to Scale Innovation—Dr. Bawumia at Cambridge

Africa Must Build Systems to Scale Innovation—Dr. Bawumia at Cambridge

Cambridge, UK – Top Knowledge TV

Former Ghanaian Vice President Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia delivered a compelling address at the Cambridge Africa Business Conference, urging African nations to develop robust systems that can scale innovation continent-wide. Drawing from Ghana's digital transformation journey, Dr. Bawumia highlighted the importance of institutionalizing innovation to drive sustainable development.

"Africa does not lack innovation. We lack systems that scale it," Dr. Bawumia asserted, emphasizing the need for ecosystems that support and amplify creative solutions across the continent .

He introduced the concept of "smart formalization," which involves integrating digital tools such as biometric identification, digital addresses, and mobile payment systems to enhance governance and economic participation. This approach aims to create a virtuous cycle where improved services lead to increased citizen engagement and economic growth .

Highlighting Ghana's achievements, Dr. Bawumia pointed to the successful implementation of mobile money interoperability, allowing seamless transactions between different financial platforms. This initiative has significantly increased financial inclusion, with over 90% of Ghanaian adults having access to financial services .

Dr. Bawumia also addressed challenges such as infrastructure deficits and digital literacy gaps but remained optimistic. "These are not roadblocks—they are simply the next hurdles to overcome," he stated, encouraging African leaders to invest in digital infrastructure and education to support innovation .

Concluding his speech, Dr. Bawumia declared, "Africa's time is now," urging the continent to embrace digital transformation not as a luxury but as a necessity for resilience and growth