Ghana's SIM registration overhaul is underway, with the startup bill anticipated to pass by the end of 2025
Ghana is embarking on significant digital reforms, with the overhaul of its SIM registration system and the introduction of the Startups Bill playing pivotal roles in its ambition to become an African innovation hub by 2028.
**SIM Registration System Revamp**
The National Communications Authority (NCA) is implementing a three-phase plan to modernise the SIM registration process. The current SIM registration framework, based on a 2010 legislative instrument, is being replaced by a modernised legal framework, with registration expected to begin late Q3 2025 after parliamentary approval.
Key features of the new SIM registration process include a fully digital and electronic re-registration, eliminating queues and work-hour losses. The revamp aims to improve digital security against evolving cyber threats and create a more efficient, legally grounded communications environment.
**Startups Bill and Digital Innovation**
Alongside the SIM registration revamp, the government has revealed a forthcoming Startups Bill designed to bolster Ghana’s digital economy and entrepreneurial ecosystem. The bill includes digital skills development initiatives, such as AI training programs, and policies to optimise the use of the radio spectrum to support communication needs.
**Contribution to Ghana's Digital Transformation**
These initiatives are part of a broader governmental digital transformation agenda emphasising efficiency, transparency, and accessibility of services. The digital overhaul of SIM registration improves security, fraud prevention, and user convenience, aligning with other digital milestones like the new biometric chip-enabled e-passports and enhanced passport services rolled out earlier in 2025.
By modernising critical telecommunications infrastructure and fostering startup innovation through supportive legislation, Ghana positions itself as a regional leader in digital innovation. Collectively, these measures enhance Ghana’s competitiveness, attract investment, and enable faster, more secure communication and business operations, which are core elements for an innovation-driven economy.
**Notable Initiatives**
- The Ghana Startups Bill supports programs like the Ghana Digital Center, which trained 219 youths in data analytics and software development. - The recent operations by Ghana's Cybersecurity Authority led to over 400 arrests and the seizure of 4,000 phones and firearms in Tamale. Minister of Communications and Digital Technology, Sam George, urged citizens to avoid sharing sensitive data over the phone. - The Startups Bill, along with initiatives like a $1 billion UAE deal for an AI hub, signals Ghana's intent to lead Africa’s digital economy. - The Ghana Startups Bill promises legal clarity, tax breaks, and simplified compliance for startups, aiming to attract local and global investors.
As Ghana gears up to host the 2025 Global Entrepreneurship Festival in November, these transformative digital initiatives are integral to its vision of becoming a digital-first, innovation-friendly economy. The SIM registration overhaul aims to combat device theft, reduce roaming costs, and boost regional connectivity with Togo, Benin, and Côte d'Ivoire.
- The National Communications Authority's implementation of a modernized SIM registration process, a key part of Ghana's digital reforms, aims to create a more efficient, legally grounded, and secure communications environment for businesses and entrepreneurs.
- In line with Ghana's ambition to become an African innovation hub, the startups Bill includes digital skills development programs like AI training and policies to optimize the use of the radio spectrum, which contribute to the overall growth and development in technology education.
- Not only does the Startups Bill support initiatives like the Ghana Digital Center, promoting learning and self-development in technology, but it also promises legal clarity, tax breaks, and simplified compliance to attract local and global investors, fostering personal growth and policy-and-legislation in Ghana's digital economy.
- As Ghana moves towards becoming a digital-first, innovation-friendly economy, its efforts in modernizing critical telecommunications infrastructure and supporting startup innovation through legislation are significant strides in keeping up with the general news and trends in technology and cybersecurity.
- In the realm of policy-and-legislation and politics, with the introduction of the Startups Bill and the overhaul of the SIM registration system, Ghana is taking bold steps to strengthen its digital and business landscape, positioning itself as a regional leader in digital innovation, education-and-self-development, and economic growth.
