Ghana’s Communications Minister Courts Global Telecom Partners at MWC Doha 2026

Ghana’s Minister for Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations, Samuel Nartey George, has joined international policymakers and telecommunications industry leaders in Qatar for the 2026 Mobile World Congress (MWC) Doha, with discussions centred on expanding digital cooperation, strengthening global connectivity, and advancing Ghana’s interests in telecommunications governance.

The three-day event, organised by the Global System for Mobile Communications Association (GSMA) in partnership with Qatar’s Ministry of Communications and Information Technology, opened on Sunday, November 8, at the Doha Exhibition and Convention Centre . This year’s edition is being held under the theme “The IQ Era” and coincides with the International Telecommunication Union’s Plenipotentiary Conference (PP-26), creating an unusually dense gathering of global digital policymakers in the Qatari capital .

Ghana’s Engagements

As part of Ghana’s participation, George took part in the Digital Leadership Forum, which examines policy, regulatory and investment priorities shaping inclusive digital transformation, as well as the GSMA Ministerial Programme—a platform for ministers, heads of delegation and industry leaders to discuss the future of connectivity .

He is also expected to attend the State of Qatar Ministerial Roundtable, where ministers and senior officials will explore how digital transformation can support a more inclusive, sustainable and resilient future.

The Minister’s bilateral engagements include meetings with counterparts from the Bahamas and Kenya on areas of mutual interest, voting and candidacies, as well as aligning policy positions. The meetings are intended to strengthen Ghana’s international partnerships and advance its interests in telecommunications and digital governance.

George is further scheduled to attend an informal meeting of heads of delegation ahead of the formal proceedings and the Commonwealth Evening Reception hosted by the Commonwealth Telecommunications Organisation (CTO).

Broader Context

The timing of Ghana’s engagement is significant. The GSMA used the opening of MWC Doha to release its Mobile Economy MENA 2026 report, which projected that mobile technologies and services will contribute US380 billion in 2025 . The report also highlighted a persistent usage gap: 49% of the MENA population remained offline in 2025 despite living within mobile broadband coverage—a challenge that resonates with Ghana’s own connectivity ambitions .

Ghana has set an ambitious target of achieving 70% population coverage of 5G by March 2027, alongside reforms to spectrum policy and the digital regulatory framework . The government has also launched a National Artificial Intelligence Strategy and the One Million Coders Programme, aimed at equipping citizens with practical digital skills .

George has been a vocal advocate for stronger African representation in global digital governance. Speaking at the African School of Internet Governance in Accra earlier this month, he called for the continent to move beyond being a consumer of technologies and policies developed elsewhere and become an active participant in setting global standards . He currently chairs the African Union Specialised Technical Committee on Communication and ICT .

Ghana’s participation in MWC Doha 2026 forms part of its broader engagement with international partners on digital development, innovation and policies aimed at widening access to connectivity and creating opportunities for citizens and businesses.