GovTech Innovation Challenge 2025
Partner with the World Bank to develop digital solutions
for Ghana Tax Administration this autumn
Key Program Benefits
World Bank Partnership
Get exposure to public sector clients having support from the World Bank
GovTech Capacity Building
Get executive level training in Switzerland on key public-private collaboration aspects
Public Sector Engagement
Design proof of concept for specific tax administration issues with Ghana Revenue Authority
Program Objectives
Creating a platform for private companies to design and test innovative digital solutions for the public sector to enhance government efficiency, transparency, and citizen services.
Select Top 3 best proposals globally to address specific GovTech Challenge
Develop a Proof of Concept to demonstrate technical functionality of the proposal
Proceed to the practical implementation with a specific government
Program Objectives
Creating a platform for private companies to design and test innovative digital solutions for the public sector to enhance government efficiency, transparency, and citizen services.
Select Top 3 best proposals globally to address specific GovTech Challenge
Develop a Proof of Concept to demonstrate proposal’s technical feasibility
Proceed to the practical implementation with a specific government
Selected companies will be invited to participate in the following activities:
4-day GovTech Bootcamp in Switzerland
A hands-on program designed to foster innovation and collaboration
- Field Visits to Leading Institutions
International Geneva, State of Vaud, EPFL, EPFL Innovation Park, SICPA, SGS, Kudelski and more. - Mentoring & Networking Opportunities
Engage with domain experts and connect with key stakeholders from the Swiss financial sector. - Workshops on Public Sector Collaboration
Covering B2G engagement, regulatory compliance, scalability planning, and proposal refinement in collaboration with the beneficiary country.
Govtech Conference in Geneva
The flagship event hosted at the Geneva International Conference Centre, which will bring together over 500 attendees from across the public and private sectors
- Showcase of Top 3 Proposals
Finalists present their innovative solutions to a global audience. - Insights from the Innovation Challenge
Reflections on key learnings, challenges, and future opportunities. - Quantum in Public Administration: Quantum 101
An accessible introduction to quantum technologies and their potential impact on government operations. - Digital Trust in Public Sector Digitization
Exploring frameworks that ensure secure, transparent, and trusted digital transformation. - AI in Public Administration
Panel discussions on cybersecurity, governance, and ethical AI deployment in government. - Resource Mobilization, Tax Administration & Digital Trust Examining how digital tools are reshaping public finance and trust-building mechanisms.
This Year’s Challenge:
Improving Tax Resource Mobilisation in Ghana
Ghana needs more resources to improve public services and build essential infrastructure. According to Afrobarometer, 79% of Ghanaians support paying taxes to help develop their country rather than relying on foreign aid. But despite this strong public support, tax collection remains low compared to other countries in the region. Many government systems still lack the capacity to reach everyone effectively.
By designing simple, smart tax solutions, you can help Ghana unlock more domestic revenue and ensure better services for its citizens.
Informal Sector Taxation
Design software solutions to identify, assess and incentivise sole proprietors to register and comply with their tax obligations.
The challenge focuses on identifying new taxpayers and improving compliance among existing ones, particularly with regard to income tax.
Your proposal should consist of one or more of the following elements:
- Innovative methods for identifying informal sector businesses and sole proprietors as eligible taxpayers
- Mobile-first solutions tailored for low-tech environments in underserved remote communities
- Simplification of digital registration, tax education, and tax filling processes
E-Commerce Taxation
Design software solution to identify companies operating in the digital services sector and monitor digital transactions to ensure registration and compliance with tax obligations.
The challenge focuses on automated VAT taxpayers registration, enabling a seamless, end-to-end compliance process.
Your proposal should consist of one or more of the following elements:
- Automated identification of domestic e-commerce businesses (digital sevices provided by non-residents is a plus)
- Real-time monitoring of online transactions through payment service providers for upfront VAT deduction
- Comprehensive transaction and compliance verification
33M+
Population
69.8%
Internet penetration
950+
Public institutions connected via high-speed eGovernment network
$14.73B+
Total tax collection for 2024
$137M+
Personal Income Tax (Self-Employed)
$3.19B+
Value Added Tax
Program Timeline
Submit your proposal
Outline proposed technical approach, implementation methodology, and potential impact to address the tax administration challenge of Ghana Revenue Authority.
Information Sessions
Q&A format of online sessions with Ghana Revenue Authority will provide opportunities to clarify technical requirements, discuss implementation approaches and gain deeper insights into the specifics of taxation in Ghana.
Pitch Sessions
Present your proposal to the Selection Committee, which includes representatives from the World Bank, the Swiss Secretariat for Economic Affairs, and Trust Valley partners from Geneva and the Canton of Vaud across the public, private, and academic sectors.
Final selection
The Selection Committee will choose Top 3 companies with the best proposals, which will receive comprehensive support to develop their proposals from initial concept to functional Proof of Concept (PoC)
GovTech Bootcamp & Conference in Switzerland
Selected companies will participate in a 4-day program to build capacity in public-private collaboration and refine their Proof of Concepts with Ghana Revenue Authority and the World Bank
The program concludes with the companies presenting their proposed solutions during a dedicated session at the GovTech Conference
Prototyping
Following the Swiss ecosystem experience, selected companies will gain a unique opportunity to implement pilot solution for Ghana Revenue Administration
Who can apply?
Early-stage startups, scale-ups, and SMEs that:
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Are legally incorporated
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Have fewer than 75 employees
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Have under $5M USD in annual revenue
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Possess technical, operational, and business expertise relevant to the challenge
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Have the capacity to actively participate in challenge activities
Deadline to Submit Proposals
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is a deadline to apply?
September 12, 2025, at 23:59 Central European Time (CET)
How can I get additional information to develop my proposal?
Information sessions with the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) will be held to allow you to ask specific questions and improve your proposal. Attending these sessions is optional
How will proposals be evaluated?
Complete applications will be evaluated by a selection committee based on:
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Technical feasibility
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Potential impact
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How many proposals will be selected?
The selection committee aims to choose 3 proposals to move to the proryping phase.
When will I know if my proposal is selected?
Selected applicants will be notified by email to their designated Team Lead by early October 2025
What are the requirements for developing the Proof of Concept?
Proof of Concept (POC) is a working prototype that:
- demonstrates the core technical functionality of the proposed solution;
- operates in a controlled testing environment with real or simulated data;
- validates key technical and operational assumptions;
- provides measurable evidence of the solution's feasibility and potential effectiveness for Ghana Revenue Authority.
Do I have to pay for anything during the program?
All core programme services are provided at no cost to selected Innovation Companies. This includes full participation in the Switzerland bootcamp experience, all online training sessions, mentorship programmes, and attendance at the GovTech Conference. All associated travel expenses (including international flights), accommodation costs, meals during programme activities, and local transportation throughout the programme duration is also covered by the program.
Any related resources or helpful links?
Contact us
Building a Global GovTech Community
Established in 2019, the GovTech Global Community now includes 90+ members exchanging best practices and exploring synergies. This network connects government agencies, private sector leaders, academic institutions, think tanks, international organizations, and civil society, fostering collaboration to address emerging challenges in GovTech. Members participate in knowledge-sharing sessions, both online and in person, and stay informed on the latest initiatives across the partnership.
Powering the Challenge with Global Partners
The challenge is presentred by The World Bank’s Institutions Global Department, in collaboration with the State Secretariat for Economic Affairs in Switzerland (SECO) and Trust Valley. Launched in May 2025, during the GovTech Global Forum, and supported by the World Bank Trust Fund’s Governance & Institutions Umbrella Program.
Leveraging the Swiss Digital Trust Ecosystem
The Trust Valley is a Swiss public-private partnership aimed at promoting digital trust and cybersecurity.
Selection of proposals will be evaluated solely based on the following criteria:
- scalability potential
- technical feasibility
- potential impact
- team capability
Trust Valley will provide a neutral and transparent platform for collaborations between innovation companies and public administration.
