20 August 2025 · 1 min read
Research on digital technology adoption and gender gaps among Ghanaian market women
GIMPA’s Research Newsletter (March 2026) features 'Adoption Patterns and Impact of Digital Technologies Among Ghanaian Market Women' by Theresa Mannah Blankson and co-authors, using World Bank informal-sector survey data. It reports digital adoption of 68% for female-led businesses against 74% for male-led ones, with labour productivity gains of 107% for female-owned businesses that adopted.
Authors: Theresa Mannah Blankson, Fafanyo Asiseh,Sarah Serwah Boateng & Mawuenyega Makafui Butu
Adoption Patterns and Impact of Digital Technologies Among Ghanaian Market Women
The study investigates the determinants of digital technology adoption and its impact on labor productivity for businesses operating in the informal sector of the Ghanaian market economy, focusing on gender disparities. We apply rigorous estimation techniques to address our research questions using a unique dataset generated from the 2022 World Bank Informal Sector Enterprise Survey. Our results demonstrate a broad inclination toward using digital technology for business. However, a gender disparity is evident: 68% for female-led businesses versus 74% for male-led. Factors such as asset ownership, education level, business location, and other firm attributes significantly influence digital technology adoption among these businesses. The implications of these adoption rates on labor productivity were profound. The analysis highlights a robust surge in productivity with the adoption of digital technology. Overall, labor productivity surged by 88% with digital adoption, with female-owned businesses experiencing a 107% increase. The findings stress the need for tailored policy interventions, including educational reforms that promote digital proficiency and e-commerce customization for the informal sector.