Ghana’s government, in a landmark move, has partnered with seven industry leaders to establish the Next-Gen Infrastructure Company (NGIC). This strategic alliance, which includes Ascend Digital, K-NET, Radisys, Nokia, Tech Mahindra, and the telecom giants AT Ghana and Telecel Ghana, is set to revolutionize the nation’s digital landscape. With a secured 5G license, NGIC is poised to roll out its services within six months, with a vision for expansive growth across Africa. This initiative holds the promise of delivering affordable 5 G mobile broadband services, transforming lives and businesses in Ghana.
NGIC’s mission is to bridge the digital divide by offering high-speed mobile data and enhancing digital services in education, healthcare, and digital payments. The initiative will also promote financial inclusion through improved peer-to-peer (P2P), peer-to-merchant (P2M), and merchant-to-merchant (M2M) payment systems. Within this year, NGIC will collaborate with telcos to introduce affordable 4G/5G-enabled fixed wireless access (FWA) customer premises equipment (CPEs) and smartphones.
Tech Mahindra will develop a Cloud-Native Core Network, leveraging platforms from leading original equipment manufacturers (OEMs). Nokia will contribute its expertise in mobile broadband technology, supporting the establishment of an open-access network model designed to spur innovation and create economic opportunities in Ghana.
NGIC, drawing inspiration from India’s successful digital infrastructure, is poised to replicate its benefits in Ghana. This includes affordable handsets, digital platforms, and localized content, all aimed at stimulating economic growth and digital inclusion across the nation and eventually the continent. By leveraging the power of 5 G, NGIC envisions a future where Ghana’s economy flourishes, instilling a sense of hope and optimism among the audience about the nation’s digital future.
Minister for Communications and Digitalisation Ursula Owusu-Ekuful highlighted the critical role of shared 5G infrastructure in achieving Ghana’s digital vision. Leaders from the partnering companies, including Nokia’s senior vice president Mikko Lavanti and Radisys CEO Arun Bhikshesvaran, underscored the potential for improved connectivity to foster innovation and drive sustainable development.
NGIC’s CEO, Harkirit Singh, announced plans to launch the wholesale 4G/5G Network as a Service for all mobile network operators within six months, with a vision to scale operations across Africa and attract strategic investors as necessary. The collaborative efforts of these industry players aim to make high-speed mobile broadband accessible and affordable, driving Ghana’s digital transformation and setting an example for other African nations.
