A new study has highlighted the growing contribution of digital platforms to income generation, entrepreneurship and economic participation in Ghana, as the country’s digital services economy is estimated to generate about $1 billion annually.
The study, commissioned by Bolt and conducted by Ipsos, examined participation in Ghana’s expanding gig economy, covering sectors such as ride-hailing, delivery services, e-commerce, freelancing, remote work and digital micro-tasks.
The report found that ride-hailing has become one of the most significant segments of the gig economy, ranking second only to e-commerce among respondents surveyed.
Participants cited financial independence, flexible working arrangements and opportunities to earn supplementary income as the primary reasons for engaging in platform-based work.
The findings come amid increasing digital adoption, rapid urbanisation and evolving income patterns across Ghana, which are reshaping how people earn a living and participate in the economy.
According to the report, digital platforms are emerging as important tools for creating income opportunities, particularly within Ghana’s large informal sector, where an estimated 80 percent of workers are employed.
The study noted that Ghana’s strong entrepreneurial culture continues to support the growth of the digital economy, with technology-enabled platforms providing accessible channels for individuals to start businesses, generate income and access new markets.
Researchers also identified technology as a key enabler of the sector’s growth. Rising smartphone ownership, widespread mobile money usage and near-universal mobile connectivity have significantly expanded access to digital services, making platform-based economic activity more accessible to a wider segment of the population.
Commenting on the findings, Teddy-Appah Dankyi, Senior General Manager for Bolt West Africa, said digital platforms are increasingly becoming an important component of Ghana’s economic landscape.
“As Ghana’s digital economy continues to evolve, platform-based activity is becoming an increasingly important part of how people generate income and participate in economic life,” he said.
“The findings reinforce the role digital platforms can play in supporting entrepreneurship, financial independence and greater economic participation. They also provide valuable insight into how technology is helping create opportunities for individuals across the country.”
The report further suggested that as digital adoption continues to expand, platform-based work is likely to play an even greater role in promoting entrepreneurship, innovation and financial inclusion.
Industry observers say the findings add to growing discussions about the future of work in Ghana and the increasing importance of technology-driven business models in supporting economic growth.
The study also provides fresh evidence of how digital platforms are helping individuals overcome traditional employment barriers while creating new opportunities for income generation and business development.
With digital services continuing to gain traction across Africa, stakeholders believe Ghana is well-positioned to benefit from the expansion of the gig economy, particularly through investments in digital infrastructure, skills development and supportive regulatory frameworks.
Bolt currently operates in more than 50 countries and over 850 cities worldwide, providing services including ride-hailing, food delivery, vehicle rentals and corporate mobility solutions. The company serves more than 200 million customers globally and works with over 4.5 million drivers and service providers.
