Best Locations in Ghana and Nigeria to Set Up a Multidisciplinary IT Firm: Talent, Strategy, and Opportunity
As technology and entrepreneurship converge across Africa, choosing the right location to set up an IT and Vocational Tech Firm is critical to success.
With services ranging from computer science to metal works, cybersecurity to animation, and project management to marketing, your firm is poised to transform digital literacy, skills training, and business support in Ghana and Nigeria.
But where should you begin — and why?
Business Model: A Multidisciplinary IT & Tech-Education Firm
Your Services Include:
- Computer Literacy, Programming, Cybersecurity, Cloud, Data Science
- Digital Design, Multimedia, Animation, Fine Art
- Vocational Trades: Plumbing, HVAC, Woodwork, Metal Works
- Marketing, Sales, Business, Project Management, QA
- Emerging Technologies: AI, Blockchain, IoT
This makes your company more than a typical IT firm — it’s a hybrid organization at the intersection of:
- Tech education & training
- Digital transformation services
- Vocational & business empowerment
- Creative media production
To thrive, your company needs strong, diverse talent, solid digital infrastructure, and partnerships across educational, governmental, and business sectors.
Nigeria: Top Cities Based on IT Talent Pool & Business Viability
1. Lagos — The Tech Capital
Why: Home to Nigeria’s largest pool of IT professionals, creatives, and entrepreneurs.
- Institutions: UNILAG, Andela, Semicolon, AltSchool Africa
- Ecosystem: “Yabacon Valley” tech cluster, VCs, accelerators, coworking hubs
- Ideal For: Software engineering, digital design, data science, multimedia production
Pros:
- Top-tier tech talent
- Access to funders and clients
- Best internet infrastructure in Nigeria
Cons:
- High operational costs
- Intense competition and urban congestion
2. Abuja — Government-Focused Innovation
Why: Best for firms targeting public sector, fintech regulation, and govtech.
- Institutions: University of Abuja, Nile University
- Ecosystem: Ventures Platform, nHub
- Ideal For: IT support, admin systems, public-sector digitalization
Pros:
- Proximity to policy, infrastructure funding, and public contracts
- Growing ecosystem
Cons:
- Smaller talent pool than Lagos
- Slightly higher office costs than smaller cities
3. Ibadan — Affordable Growth Hub
Why: Access to quality but trainable talent at a lower cost.
- Institutions: University of Ibadan, Lead City University
- Ideal For: Entry-level tech training, creative media, operations hub
Pros:
- Lower costs
- Young, eager workforce
- Room for brand leadership
Cons:
- Limited senior talent
- Fewer ecosystem players
Ghana: Where Tech, Creativity & Vocational Training Intersect
1. Accra — The Flagship Location
Why: Accra is Ghana’s capital, largest city, and epicenter of tech innovation.
- Institutions: University of Ghana, Ashesi University, Academic City, GIMPA
- Tech Hubs: MEST Africa, Ghana Tech Lab, iSpace, Impact Hub
- Ideal For: High-end IT services, multimedia, entrepreneurship, training
Pros:
- Largest IT and creative talent pool
- High demand for digital and vocational skills
- Access to donors, investors, NGOs, and government
Cons:
- Higher salaries and office rent
- Periodic power/water issues
2. Kumasi — Strategic Expansion Hub
Why: Lower costs, younger talent, and fewer competitors.
- Institutions: KNUST – leading tech and engineering university
- Tech Hubs: Kumasi Hive, HapaSpace
- Ideal For: Entry-level developer training, vocational programs, satellite centers
Pros:
- Less expensive than Accra
- Easier long-term real estate and expansion
Cons:
- May require importing senior talent from Accra
3. Takoradi / Cape Coast — Emerging Frontiers
- Cape Coast: University of Cape Coast provides tech-savvy graduates
- Takoradi: Some traction in vocational training and tech-for-development programs
Pros:
- Low operating cost
- Early-mover advantage
Cons:
- Requires building your own ecosystem or relocating talent
Leverage Local Institutions: DWTA & IPES (Ghana & Nigeria)
DevWorld Tech Academy (DWTA) and Institute of Professional and Entrepreneurial Studies (IPES) are standout institutions for job-ready graduates in both Ghana and Nigeria.
DWTA
- Focused on tech: software, data, networking, cybersecurity
- Graduates are known for practical readiness and client-facing experience
IPES
- More interdisciplinary: combines business, IT, and trades
- Trains project managers, administrators, and vocational entrepreneurs
Strategic Advantage:
- Hire from DWTA/IPES to power your training and service teams.
- Partner for talent development, internship programs, and co-branded certifications.
- Shape curriculum to meet your firm’s standards and tech stack.
Best Setup Strategy: Ghana + Nigeria Hybrid Expansion
| Model | Primary Location | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Head Office | Accra or Lagos | Business HQ, Creative Hub, R&D |
| Tech Training Centre | Kumasi or Ibadan | Programming, digital literacy, IT |
| Vocational Centre | Enugu / Cape Coast | Plumbing, HVAC, Woodworks, QA |
| Remote Service Hubs | Abuja / Takoradi | Public sector, online services |
Monetization & Market Opportunities
Revenue Streams
- B2C: Paid courses, certifications, weekend bootcamps
- B2B: Contracts for IT support, digital marketing, cybersecurity
- NGO/Government: Skills development, tech-for-youth partnerships
- Licensing: Courseware, LMS tools, white-labeled training portals
- Online: Remote training for diaspora, international upskilling
Final Recommendation
Start in:
- Accra if your focus is high-value IT, creative services, and investor/donor visibility
- Lagos if your strength is software development, fintech, or working with global clients
Expand to:
- Kumasi / Ibadan for grassroots training, affordable talent, and national growth
- Abuja / Takoradi for regional access, government contracts, or low-cost remote operations
