Isaac Odoom has been awarded a Carleton University 2024-25 Research Development Grant for his project China’s Digital Silk Road and Geopolitics in Ghana’s Digital Frontier.
This project investigates the impact of Chinese digital investments in Ghana within the context of intensifying geopolitical competition involving the US and EU. As Africa experiences rapid digital transformation, partly driven by foreign tech investments, China’s role has become increasingly pivotal. Focusing on Ghana—a leading democracy in Africa—this study examines how Chinese digital initiatives in infrastructure, governance, and digital entrepreneurship are shaping the country’s digital economy.
The research critically assesses the extent and implications of Chinese tech investments in Ghana, alongside the strategic responses from the US and EU. It explores how Ghanaian actors navigate these digital partnerships amidst global rivalries. By shifting the narrative from geopolitical rivalry to the active agency of African stakeholders, this study contributes to the literature by highlighting the local responses and their implications for technology transfer, human capital development, and governance.