Focused on Financial Technology (Fintech) and themed “Promoting Financial Technology for Economic Growth,” the conference brought together students aged 17 and below from various schools across four regions, namely; Greater Accra (Labone SHS, Wesley Girls SHS, Accra High, Ideel Community School, Applied Technology Institute & Martyrs), Central ( Girls’ Model School – Kyeakor, Nurudeen Islamic Basic School, Kyeakor M/A Basic School, Hanstess Educational Complex, Royal Saint Academy, Modern World Academy), Eastern (Kwaaba Foundation) and Volta Regions (Raddy School, Sogakope) of Ghana.

Sponsored by Taptap Send and the Ghana Investment Fund for Electronic Communications (GIFEC), the conference aimed not only to educate but to immerse young minds in the world of financial technology. The event became an immersive experience, thanks to the invaluable support of Taptap Send, an app facilitating easy money transfers, and GIFEC, committed to driving ICT-led socio-economic development.

The conference recognized the growing role of children in the adoption of digital payment systems. Research showcased that children actively engage in digital transactions, yet many lack a comprehensive understanding of financial technology. The conference sought to bridge this gap, ensuring that children comprehend the intricacies of digital payment systems and their profound impact on economic growth.

Speaking at the event, the founder and CEO of the Danaya Foundation, Deris Nugraha Nagara, emphasized the importance of parents encouraging their children to build ICT capabilities. He highlighted the role such ICT conferences play in enhancing children’s capabilities, enabling them to contribute meaningfully to the knowledge society.

Adding a layer of excitement and hands-on learning to the conference were the exhibitions from IoT Hub Africa, Applied Technology Institute, Kids at Home and Leti Arts. These dynamic exhibitions took the children through the basics of coding as well as providing them with a firsthand experience of the technology that underpins the digital world. The interactive sessions not only demystified coding but also sparked curiosity and creativity among the young participants.

The Founder and CEO of Aides for Change, a Non-Governmental Organization, Christian Buckman Afful who was full of joy for the success of the programme indicated that the sessions were very useful and updated the children’s knowledge in Technology and ICT in general.

He expressed the desire to train other children in their communities to help build a successful digital society.
Speaking on the sidelines of the conference, Gerald Jamal Antwi, Founder of Kaki Payment Systems disclosed the reason for the conference’s deliberate focus on Financial Technology (Fintech).

He posited that in today’s rapidly evolving digital landscape, fostering an early understanding of Fintech is crucial for preparing the younger generation to navigate the intricacies of modern finance. He highlighted the rising prevalence of digital payment systems and the integral role children play in these transactions.

Structured into three enlightening sessions, the conference featured expert speakers presenting and answering questions, a breakout session exploring career courses in the ICT industry, and hands-on training with new and emerging technologies.

In reflecting on the success of the Child-In-Tech Conference, CEO Akua Otubea Essah remarked, “Our aim was to ignite curiosity and excitement about technology. Seeing the children engage with Fintech and coding exhibitions was truly fulfilling. We’re nurturing future tech innovators who will shape the digital landscape—an event about nurturing curiosity for a future of endless possibilities.”

Source: Sammy Adjei ( newsghana)