On 26th August 2025, HapaSpace, in partnership with GIZ under the Digital Transformation for Inclusive Entrepreneurship in Ghana (DTEG) project, successfully hosted a Stakeholder Engagement Workshop in Kumasi, themed “Bridging the Digital Gap: Women, Innovation & Partnerships.”
The workshop brought together 53 participants from government institutions, academia, civil society organisations, innovation hubs, and women-led MSMEs. The objective was clear: to create a collaborative platform for dialogue, reflection, and practical solutions to strengthen digital inclusion and women’s participation in Ghana’s digital economy.
The event opened with remarks emphasising that digital transformation cannot happen in silos. Collaboration across sectors is essential to build systems that are inclusive, sustainable, and people-centred. Representatives from GIZ provided insights into the DTEG initiative, highlighting interventions such as digital governance tools, tailored digital services for MSMEs, and coaching and mentoring support that has already reached hundreds of businesses.
One of the most impactful moments came from beneficiary testimonies. Managers of Business Advisory Centres shared how digital training strengthened their ability to support MSMEs — improving financial record-keeping, customer engagement through mobile platforms, and overall business confidence.
A major highlight of the workshop was the World Café session, where participants engaged in structured discussions across five thematic areas: Digital Access & Infrastructure; Skills & Capacity Building; Innovation & Entrepreneurship; Partnerships & Collaboration; and Policy & Sustainability.
Discussions revealed persistent barriers, including the high cost of devices and data, limited access to finance for women entrepreneurs, and gaps in inclusive policy implementation. However, participants also proposed practical solutions: stronger public–private partnerships, subsidised access models, localised digital training linked to income opportunities, tailored mentorship programmes, and stronger collaboration frameworks beyond donor cycles.
Feedback from participants indicated high satisfaction with the workshop’s relevance and interactive format. Many called for continued engagement, more hands-on sessions, and concrete follow-up actions to ensure long-term impact.
The workshop concluded with a shared commitment among stakeholders to strengthen partnerships, expand digital opportunities for women-led MSMEs, and continue working collectively to close Ghana’s digital gap.
At HapaSpace, we believe that bridging the digital divide goes beyond technology. It is about building ecosystems where women entrepreneurs are empowered with the tools, networks, and support systems they need to thrive.
