Mohamed Sani Abdulai glides with evident pride through the pristine corridors of the Advanced Information Technology Institute in Accra – a state-of-the-art facility aimed at bringing the latest training in computer technology to Ghanaians. He is wearing a traditional African robe and embroidered skullcap in honour of “National Friday wear” – an idea put forward by the government to support the local textile industry.

Support for textiles and computer technology are two elements of Ghana’s strategy for diversifying the economy from the core export earners of cocoa, gold and tourism, but, so far, with limited success.