Ghana is positioning itself to become a leading African nation in terms of emerging technology companies.
Currently, the country is deliberating the Innovation and Startups Bill, which was introduced in 2020. This bill presents an opportunity to foster gender inclusivity and encourage the establishment of more female-led startups.
The Ministry of Communication, Digital Technology, and Innovations in Ghana states that the bill aims to promote creativity, innovation, and new technologies, while also boosting competitiveness and adding substantial value.
Additionally, the bill is designed to provide startups with tax incentives, streamlined registration, and easier access to funding, addressing a common challenge that has hindered the growth of many startups.
Supporting the longevity of women-led startups Women are integral to Ghana’s micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) sector, yet the World Bank estimates that only 44% of local MSMEs are owned by women.
A World Bank report indicates that Ghana has made considerable progress in narrowing the gender gap, especially in business, where 65% of women are part of the labor market, compared to 63% on average across sub-Saharan Africa. However, most women-owned businesses still struggle with access to key resources needed to enhance productivity and increase revenue, particularly in rural areas.
Josiah Eyison, an innovation strategist and co-founder of iSpace Foundation, emphasizes that the Innovation and Startups Bill is a crucial step toward creating an environment conducive to the growth of startups, entrepreneurs, and innovators. He believes one of the bill’s main priorities is gender inclusivity, ensuring that women-led startups receive the support necessary to thrive.
“The gender disparity in tech is a global issue, and Ghana is no different. Cultural and societal biases, limited access to funding, lack of mentorship, and workplace challenges are some of the key factors behind this divide,” Eyison told Connecting Africa in an interview.
“Addressing these issues requires policy-driven interventions, industry-wide commitment, and cultural shifts to encourage more women to pursue and sustain careers in tech,” he added.
In 2003, the Ghana-India Kofi Annan Centre of Excellence in ICT (GI-KACE) was founded as a partnership between Ghana and India to stimulate growth within the tech industry. Since then, GI-KACE has played a key role in empowering women and girls in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), promoting gender equity through initiatives like eSkills4Jobs and the annual Females in ICT (FEMITECH) conference, and providing women with the skills to start and manage tech businesses.
Eric Adjei, CEO of Ghana’s National Entrepreneurship and Innovation Programme (NEIP), told Connecting Africa that the Innovation and Startups Bill provides the necessary framework for furthering startup growth and increasing female participation in the sector.
“This bill is a crucial step toward promoting innovation and entrepreneurship. By establishing a structured framework for startups, it fosters a more supportive environment for growth, investment, and technological progress,” Adjei stated.
“If properly executed, the bill could provide incentives for women-led startups, improve access to funding, and offer mentorship programs—essential measures in bridging the gender gap in tech. Inclusive policies will encourage more women to enter and excel in the sector,” he added.
Ensuring successful implementation of the bill While Ghana has introduced several initiatives to promote gender parity, such as the Affirmative Action Act and the Ministry of Gender, Children, and Social Protection, these efforts have not fully addressed gender equality, particularly in tech and business.
Despite not being entirely dedicated to empowering women-led startups, the Innovation and Startups Bill is set to be a significant step forward for women in business and STEM.
“While the bill is a positive development, its success in promoting gender inclusivity will depend on well-thought-out policies and strong enforcement. Focused initiatives such as grants, specialized training, and leadership opportunities for women in tech will be critical in addressing the gender imbalance,” said Adjei.
Eyison added that having more women in tech correlates with increased diversity of thought, better problem-solving, and higher economic growth, all of which can be achieved if the bill fulfills its intended purpose.
“If properly implemented, the bill could lay the groundwork for gender inclusivity through financial incentives, market access, and training programs. However, policy alone is not enough; there must be strong execution, monitoring, and accountability to ensure that these provisions lead to tangible outcomes,” Eyison noted.
Ensuring gender equity within tech Many African countries, including Ghana, have learned from the negative impacts of gender bias. To ensure no discrimination occurs, both Adjei and Eyison argue that the bill must include solid countermeasures.
“Encouraging STEM education for young girls, setting up mentorship programs, and ensuring equal funding opportunities for female-led startups are essential steps. Increasing women’s involvement in tech will introduce diverse perspectives, fuel innovation, and contribute to the country’s digital transformation,” said Adjei.
Eyison emphasized that while the Innovation and Startups Bill represents a bold step toward addressing the challenges faced by startups and innovators—especially women in tech—successful execution is crucial.
“To drive greater female participation in tech, we must focus on early-stage STEM education, ensure equitable access to funding for women-led startups, provide industry mentorship and networking, promote inclusive hiring practices in tech companies, ensure equal pay, offer family-friendly work environments, and establish public-private partnerships,” Eyison concluded.
Ethel Delali Cofie, CEO of EDEL Technology Consulting, believes Ghana is on the brink of a transformative moment for its entrepreneurial ecosystem but must approach the bill with both optimism and caution.
“Ghana must ensure that the Startup Bill is not just a policy on paper but a fully functional system with clear timelines, enforcement mechanisms, and accountability structures,” Cofie said.
“If Ghana can create an inclusive and enforceable Startup Bill, it could position itself as West Africa’s leading startup hub, attracting investment, fostering innovation, and creating sustainable jobs for future generations,” she added.
According to the Mastercard Index of Women Entrepreneurs, Ghana ranks third in Africa in terms of female-led ventures. If passed into law, the Innovation and Startups Bill is expected to increase the number of women entrepreneurs in the country’s tech industry.
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