Unlocking Africa’s Economic Growth: Single Market Is The Answer … Moh Damush

Moh Damush, Chief Executive Officer of Telecel Group, has underscored the urgency of building a digital single market to unlock Africa’s economic growth, pointing to the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) as a gateway to a unified market of about 1.4 billion people.

He said Africa must deliberately harness its digital potential, stressing that the continent’s abundant natural and human resources require sustained investment in connectivity and skills development to translate into lasting solutions.

Mr. Moh Damush made the remarks at the Presidential and Business Leaders’ Dialogue of the Africa Prosperity Dialogues (APD) 2026 in Accra, which brought together African leaders, trade envoys and diplomats.

“Resources alone are like seeds kept in a jar, full of potential but dormant until knowledge turns them into solutions that transform lives. Building a digital single market, where cross-border payments, e-commerce and data-driven trade thrive will determine who can grow, who can compete and who can scale,” he said.

His comments reflect a growing consensus on the role of digital technologies in driving economic growth and narrowing inequality across the continent.

Telecel Group, which operates in several African countries and has its largest presence in Ghana, is investing in digital skills development, entrepreneurship and support for women-led small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

The Chief Executive Officer of Telecel Group also emphasised the importance of inclusive growth, arguing that Africa’s single market must be shaped from the grassroots by traders, creators and innovators.

He noted that women-led businesses are 17 per cent more likely to adopt digital tools when cross-border trade barriers are reduced, adding that improved connectivity is critical to empowering women and the youth.

“SMEs account for more than 90 per cent of African businesses, while youth make up over 60 per cent of our population.

“Yet they are too often treated as beneficiaries rather than builders. Empowering SMEs, women and youth is not charity; it is an economic necessity,” he said.

The Africa Prosperity Dialogues 2026 is a three-day high-level continental forum organised by the Africa Prosperity Network in partnership with the AfCFTA Secretariat, taking place from February 4 to 6, 2026, at the Accra International Conference Centre.

Held under the theme: “Empowering SMEs, Women & Youth in Africa’s Single Market: Innovate; Collaborate. Trade,” the forum convened policymakers, heads of state, business leaders, investors, entrepreneurs and youth advocates to accelerate inclusive participation in the AfCFTA and unlock the continent’s single market potential.

Mr. Damush said Telecel Group’s initiatives-including the Africa Start-Up Initiative Programme, DigiTech Academy and Startocode-are designed to equip young Africans with relevant digital skills.

He disclosed that Startocode will train 100,000 Ghanaian youth under the Government’s One Million Coders Programme.

In addition, Telecel’s Women in Business initiative provides women-led SMEs with digital tools, access to finance and targeted training.

The Telecel Group CEO’s call comes at a time when Africa continues to grapple with high unemployment and limited access to digital technologies.

He said the company’s interventions are aimed at bridging the digital divide and positioning Africa for sustainable growth.

“Connectivity isn’t just an economic tool; it’s an equaliser. If we get this right, Africa will not only prosper, it will redefine prosperity,” Mr. Damush said.

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