Julius Debrah urges integration of African digital markets at Mobex 2026

Chief of Staff Julius Debrah has called for the immediate integration of Africa’s digital markets to facilitate seamless cross-border trade. Speaking at the Mobex Africa 2026 conference, Debrah emphasised that connecting the continent’s digital ecosystems is essential for driving economic cooperation and sustainable growth. He noted that this move aligns with the digital transformation agenda of President John Mahama’s administration, which seeks to leverage technology to enhance national productivity and improve public service delivery.

To achieve this integration, the Chief of Staff advocated for the establishment of interoperable payment systems and the simplification of regulatory frameworks across the continent. He argued that these steps are necessary to bridge the gap between various African markets, allowing for the easier movement of capital and services. According to Debrah, digital sovereignty and economic integration must work in tandem to ensure that African nations maintain control over their digital infrastructure while benefiting from a larger, unified marketplace.

Debrah also urged Ghana to transition from being a consumer of foreign technology to a developer of local solutions. Highlighting Ghana’s political stability and youthful population as competitive advantages, he called for increased investment in local technological capabilities and innovation. He stressed the importance of industry players actively shaping the training of graduates to ensure they possess the practical skills required for the evolving job market, thereby fostering a robust culture of entrepreneurship.

The Chief of Staff concluded by underscoring that the success of Ghana’s digital progress will be measured by its ability to foster a self-sustaining ecosystem that supports local entrepreneurs and startups. By harmonising digital policies across the continent, he believes Africa can unlock its full economic potential and compete more effectively on the global stage.