Ghana basks in Twitter’s surprise choice as Africa HQ

Twitter delivered a surprise for Africa when it said it was establishing a regional headquarters in the West African nation of Ghana, triggering vigorous debate about the business environment for technology start-ups across the continent.

For the social media giant, its decision was based on shared values - Ghana supports "free speech, online freedom, and the open internet".

The fact it also serves as the HQ for the African Continental Free Trade Area - established to accelerate intra-African trade and freedom of movement - seems to have cemented Ghana's appeal as a gateway to the region.

Ghana was a way of becoming "more immersed in the rich and vibrant communities that drive the conversations taking place every day across the African continent", Twitter said.

Ghanaian President Nana Akufo-Addo was quick to retweet the news, saying it was the start of a "beautiful partnership" and critical for the development of Ghana's tech hub.

"These are exciting times to be in, and to do business in Ghana."