The University of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA), is targeting local production of 30% of the components used in its laptop assembly operations within three years, as the university seeks to expand Ghanaian participation in the electronics value chain and create opportunities for domestic suppliers.
Announced at the plant’s launch on Wednesday, October 14, 2026, the target forms part of UPSA’s plans to expand local participation in electronics production. The facility has a stated capacity of 1,000 laptops per week and will also provide students with practical training in technology assembly and related technical processes.
Vice-Chancellor Professor John Kwaku Mensah Mawutor said the university intended to commercialise the initiative while progressively increasing the use of locally produced components.
“This is a dream that will go beyond our campus. We want to commercialise the initiative, and it is my prayer that we will start producing 30 per cent of the components locally within the next three years,” he said.
The initiative could support the growth of Ghana’s electronics manufacturing industry by creating opportunities for local businesses to produce components for laptops and other electronic devices.
This could stimulate investment, expand existing businesses and attract new entrants into the sector. As Ghana’s information technology industry grows, developing local electronics manufacturing capacity could strengthen the link between technological advancement and industrial development while improving access to affordable computing devices.
Mr Peter Annor, Director of Information and Communication Technology at the Bank of Ghana, who represented the Governor at the launch, framed the challenge in terms of Ghana’s position in the global technology economy.
“Ghana must consider its place in the global technology economy: will we remain primarily consumers, or will we build the capacity to develop, produce and sustain technological solutions of our own?” he asked.
The plant’s technical partner, Mind Dey Talent and IT Co. Ltd, also emphasised the importance of practical competencies. Its Acting Chief Executive Officer, Jimmy Wilson Owusu, said the facility would give students first-hand experience in laptop assembly and related technical processes, including design, repair and maintenance.
Such training could help build a workforce for Ghana’s technology services and electronics sectors. The development of a sustainable supply chain would also depend on partnerships with local manufacturers, suppliers and small businesses capable of meeting production standards.
The plant presents an opportunity for Ghanaian businesses to enter the electronics manufacturing space, expand their operations and contribute to the production of technology devices locally.
