(Ecofin Agency) - The World Bank is ready to support Ghana in its ambition to digitalize its economic and social sectors according to Hafez Ghanem, the institution's vice president.

During a meeting with the country’s vice-president Mahamudu Bawumia on March 25, 2019, the executive invited Ghanaian authorities to increase their infrastructure investments to extend their internet penetration rate, modernise the competition regulatory framework, reduce service costs and boost public institutions’ capacities. According to Hafez Ghanem, the end-goal is to guarantee efficient use of the digital in public institutions.  

 “Using technology today to improve the quality of education is something that is happening all over the world. Even with the quality of healthcare, using digital technology is important. It is really a big area that we would like to support and work with you on,” he said.

This support falls within the framework of a broader strategy, for the digital transformation of Africa, for which the World Bank, the African Union and the UNECA collaborated.

Since 2015, Ghana has accelerated the digitalization of its strategic sectors for socio-economic development. The E-government project is quickly progressing with the launch of the E-justice platform some days ago.

The interoperability of electronic payment systems launched in November 2018 created a better financial inclusion. There are also numerous projects to introduce high broadband in schools and hospitals.