Ghana is turning to Next-Gen InfraCo (NGIC), a 5G network firm backed by billionaire Mukesh Ambani, to drive economic recovery by reducing broadband costs and fostering widespread digital connectivity. NGIC, modeled after Ambani’s success with Reliance Jio in India, will roll out its first 5G network starting Friday. The government expects the initiative to deliver affordable high-speed internet, enabling businesses to thrive across rural and urban areas by 2026.
Minister of Communications and Digitalization, Ursula Owusu-Ekuful, highlighted that NGIC’s exclusive 10-year license to operate the 5G spectrum will help lower service costs for operators, who will lease the network to serve their customers. NGIC’s infrastructure will be supported by industry giants such as Nokia, Tech Mahindra, Microsoft, and Ambani-controlled Radisys Corp. Local firms, Ascend Digital Solutions Ltd. and K-NET, hold a combined 55% stake in NGIC, with the government retaining a 7.5% interest.
This 5G rollout comes as Ghana seeks to recover from a recent debt crisis, with economic growth showing signs of improvement, rising to 6.9% in the second quarter. NGIC’s network is expected to play a key role in supporting President Nana Akufo-Addo’s 503 million cedis ($503 million) program aimed at boosting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), which contribute 70% of Ghana’s GDP.
As internet penetration in Ghana currently stands at 70%, the government aims to achieve nationwide coverage over the next six years, hoping to unlock new opportunities for entrepreneurs and spur greater economic activity.
