A major transformation could be on the horizon for Ghana’s digital sector as a new bill aimed at restructuring the Ghana Investment Fund for Electronic Communications is expected to be considered by Parliament.
The proposed legislation seeks to rebrand GIFEC as the Digital Economy and Innovation Fund (DEIFund). Officials say the new name better reflects the institution’s expanded role in driving digital innovation, ICT development, and nationwide connectivity.
Beyond providing telecommunications and internet access to underserved communities, the new fund is expected to support digital entrepreneurship, innovation, digital skills training, broadband infrastructure, e-health, e-education, and other digital economy initiatives.
Under the proposed framework, the existing GIFEC established under the Electronic Communications Act would cease to exist, with its assets, projects, contracts, staff, rights, and obligations transferred to the newly created fund.
The bill proposes multiple funding streams, including parliamentary allocations, contributions from electronic communication service providers, money service providers, grants, donations, and investment income.
A major objective of the reform is to bridge Ghana’s digital divide by extending connectivity and digital opportunities to rural and underserved communities while supporting innovation and technology-driven growth nationwide.
Government officials argue that the existing GIFEC framework no longer fully reflects Ghana’s evolving digital agenda. The new legislation is intended to create a stronger institution capable of supporting the country’s broader digital transformation goals.
If passed, the bill would mark one of the most significant reforms to Ghana’s digital development framework since GIFEC was established. The proposed Digital Economy and Innovation Fund would have a broader mandate, wider funding sources, and a stronger focus on innovation, entrepreneurship, and nationwide digital access.
