Ghana Innovation & Startups Act

Background

In 2020, the Ministry of Business Development, through its Implementing Agency, the National Entrepreneurs and Innovation Program (NEIP), and the private sector formed a seven-member committee to lead the drafting and advocacy for the passage of the Ghana Startup Bill.

The committee, made of representatives from the NEIP, Ghana Chamber of Young Entrepreneurs, Ghana Hubs Network, Ghana Startups Network, Private Enterprise Federation, and Ghana Digital Centeres Limited, started its work in October 2020.

The committee has engaged relevant stakeholders, including MDAs, MMDAs and the private sector. A draft bill was developed from the engagements, which have since gone through many engagements and reviews.

Know the Ghana Innovation & Startups Act

Overview of the Act

The Ghana Innovation and Startups Act project is a joint initiative by Ghana’s private sector and the Government to enhance the startup ecosystem through co-created legislation. The Act will establish various principles and support legislation required to promote entrepreneurial development in Ghana. The bill will create an enabling environment for startups’ growth, attraction, and investment protection.s

The Case for Ghana Innovation and Startup Act

The Ghana Innovation and Startup Act is essential to address challenges faced by entrepreneurs and foster a thriving startup ecosystem. Key reasons include:

Youth Entrepreneurship: ​

Supports young entrepreneurs and reduces unemployment

Promotes Innovation:​

Encourages creativity and economic growth

Access to Funding​

Provides financial resources through grants, loans, and venture capital.

Streamlined Regulations:​

Simplifies the regulatory environment for startups.

Private Sector Participation:​

Attracts investment through incentives.

Job Creation​

Boosts employment, especially in tech, agriculture, and manufacturing.

Collaboration​

Fosters partnerships between startups, industry, and research institutions.

Foreign Investment: ​

Ensures benefits reach all, including women and marginalized groups.

Inclusive Growth​

Ensures benefits reach all, including women and marginalized groups.

National Development

Aligns with Ghana’s broader goals, contributing to economic self-reliance.

Timeline - The Journey So Far

Stakeholders Engaged So Far

Government/Public Sector

  • Ministry of Trade and Industry
  • Ghana Revenue Authority,
  • Register General Department
  • National Youth Authority,
  • Ghana Standards Authority,
  • Food and Drugs Authority,
  • Ghana Investment Promotion Center,
  • Ghana Venture Capital Trust Fund,
  • NBSSI (GEA)
  • Ministry of Environment Science, Technology and Innovation,
  • Environmental Protection Agency,
  • National Petroleum Authority.
  • Attorney Generals Department

Private Sector

  • Young Entrepreneurs
  • Association of Oil Marketing Companies,
  • Ghana Chamber of Telecommunications,
  • Ghana Chamber of Mines,
  • Association of Ghana Industries,
  • Association of Small-Scale Industries, Ghana
  • Association of Bankers,
  • Ghana Employers Association,
  • Chamber of Bulk Oil Distributors
  • Ghana Music Business Alliance Group
  • Tech startups
  • Angel Investors Network
  • FinTech Startups

DPs, Accademia & Others

  • UNDP
  • NPP
  • NDC
  • CPP
  • University of Ghana Business School,
  • Valley View University
  • KNUST

News and Updates

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The Ghana Innovation and Startups Bill

The  Bill will provide an incentive framework for the creation and development of Startups in Ghana to promote creativity, innovation, and new technologies in achieving substantial added value and competitiveness.

 

Note: The Bill is still undergoing some reviews, so the final version might vary. This is the current version of the draft bill.

 

The Technical Working Committee

The GISA committee comprises representatives from the National Entrepreneurship and Innovation Programme, The Ghana Digital Centers Limited, the Ghana Chamber of Young Entrepreneurs, the Ghana Hubs Network, the Ghana Startup Network, the Private Enterprise Federation and other experts.

Franklin Owusu-Karikari

Franklin Owusu-Karikari

Co-Chairperson
Director of Policy and Business Development at the National Entrepreneurship and Innovation Programme (NEIP)
Sherif Ghali

Sherif Ghali

Co-Chairperson
CEO of The Ghana Chamber of Young Entrepreneurs(GCYE).
Freda Yawson

Freda Yawson

Lead - Research and Policy Working Group
Senior Manager, Infrastructure and Innovation at the African Center for Economic Transformation (ACET)
David Offori

David Offori

Lead - Stakeholder Engagement Working Group
Director of Innovation at the National Entrepreneurship and Innovation Programme (NEIP)
Josiah Eyison

Josiah Eyison

Lead - Communication Working Group
CEO of iSpace
Wisdom Adongo

Wisdom Adongo

Co-lead - Research and Policy Working Group
Senior research officer at the Private Enterprise Federation (PEF)
Solomon Adjie

Solomon Adjie

Co-lead - Stakeholder Engagement Working Group
President of the Ghana Startup Network
Ernest Agyenim-Boateng

Ernest Agyenim-Boateng

Co-lead - Communication Working Group
Chairman of Akwaaba Feeds Limited
Yaw Edu-Gyamfi

Yaw Edu-Gyamfi

Member
Chairman of Ghana Hubs Network
Edward Akins

Edward Akins

Member
Business Development Manager at Ghana Digital Centers Limited

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Ghana Innovation and Startup Bill?

The Ghana Innovation and Startup Bill is a proposed legislation aimed at fostering innovation, entrepreneurship, and the growth of startups in Ghana.

Why is the Ghana Innovation and Startup Bill important?

With an estimated $400 million in recent funding, Ghana’s startup ecosystem shows promising growth. However, limited legislation, high compliance costs, and regulatory uncertainty hinder scalability.

The digital economy, projected to add $20 billion to Ghana’s GDP by 2025, is crucial for innovation, job creation, and research. Yet, Ghanaian startups face high capital demands and delayed revenue.

With supportive policies from the Ghana Innovation and Startup Bill, Ghana can maximize its digital economy’s potential and foster a robust, innovation-driven future.

promote innovation and startups, which can boost economic growth, create jobs, and drive technological advancement in Ghana.

What are the key provisions of the Ghana Innovation and Startup Bill?

The bill include provisions related to funding mechanisms, tax incentives, intellectual property protection, regulatory simplification, and support for research and development.

How will the Ghana Innovation and Startup Bill benefit startups and entrepreneurs?

The bill is expected to provide startups with access to funding, reduce bureaucratic hurdles, protect their intellectual property, and create a favorable ecosystem for growth.

Is the Ghana Innovation and Startup Bill already in effect?

At the moment the bill is undergoing final stakeholder engagement pending to be presented to parliament through cabinet for passage earlier next year. 

How can startups and entrepreneurs in Ghana take advantage of the bill once it becomes law?

Startups and entrepreneurs can consult with legal experts, industry associations, and government agencies to understand the specific provisions and benefits available to them under the bill.

What types of businesses and innovations are covered by the bill?

The bill may cover a wide range of businesses and innovations, but it’s important to review the specific language of the bill to determine eligibility criteria.

Will the bill provide financial support to startups?

Yes! The bill include provisions for Ghana Innovation and Startup Fund. 

How can I stay updated on the progress of the Ghana Innovation and Startup Bill?

You can stay updated by regularly checking government websites, following news related to innovation and entrepreneurship in Ghana, and subscribing to newsletters or updates from relevant authorities.

Can I provide feedback or suggestions regarding the bill?

Yes, You can contact any member of the Technical Working Committee, or simple use this website to submit your inputs.  express your views and suggestions.

Government and Development Partners

Ecosystem Partners

If you want to volunteer your time and services, please click below.

If you want to partner, please send an email to

info@ghanastartupbill.org

Have Any Issue?

Get in touch with the Technical working Committee using this form