MTN Ghana has partnered with youth focused non governmental organisation Thrive and Shine to host a national conference aimed at strengthening artificial intelligence literacy and expanding digital opportunities for young people across the country.
The event, themed Closing the digital divide: Advancing AI literacy through STEM education, brought together students, educators, policy experts and development partners to examine how Ghana can prepare its workforce for a technology driven future. Organisers said the initiative forms part of a broader push to equip Ghanaian youth with practical digital skills, mentorship and exposure to real world technology applications.
Kwame Adu Manu, Manager for Digital Analytics and Reporting at MTN Ghana, described artificial intelligence as the next frontier in economic transformation. He explained that MTN’s involvement goes beyond sponsorship, stressing the company’s commitment to mentoring participants and integrating them into structured internship programmes.
According to Manu, selected scholars will undertake an initial three month internship with the possibility of extension, working within departments such as Digital Analytics and Monetisation. There, students will apply data to build machine learning systems and AI solutions tailored to improve services for Ghanaians and MTN customers.
The telecommunications giant also reiterated its focus on narrowing the gender gap in technology. Through its Women in Technology initiative, MTN is linking female students with mentors to inspire and guide more young women toward careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics.
MTN highlighted its investment of GH¢17.6 million into the Girls in ICT programme, which has trained more than 15,000 girls between the ages of nine and fifteen in coding, web development and mobile application development. The company also referenced its AI Day initiative, which introduces students to emerging technologies and innovation pathways.
Thrive and Shine co founder Yvonne Dumor Boakye Manu said the conference was designed to address talent shortages in STEM and AI education while connecting high potential students with corporate and institutional partners. She revealed that the organisation currently supports nine scholars drawn from six to seven universities nationwide, including the University of Ghana, the University of Development Studies, the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology and Kumasi Technical University.
She noted that formalising Thrive and Shine’s operations has strengthened its ability to collaborate with private sector players such as MTN, creating expanded pathways for mentorship, internships and long term career development. The organisation’s stated objective is to reach more talented individuals nationwide and ensure that opportunities in AI and digital technology are inclusive.
From a policy perspective, Senior Education Specialist at the World Bank, Eunice Yaa Brimfah Ackwerh, underscored projections that sub Saharan Africa could generate up to 230 million digital skills related jobs by 2030. She emphasised that early investment in digital competencies is essential if countries like Ghana are to capitalise on that growth.
She referenced ongoing efforts to develop Ghana’s Education Technology Strategy and a national AI policy, both expected to be launched this quarter. In parallel, more than 70,000 teachers have reportedly received digital literacy training through distance learning initiatives, strengthening the foundation for integrating technology into classrooms.
Bernice Mprere Gyekye, National Coordinator of the Ghana National Education Campaign Coalition, stressed that bridging the digital divide must extend beyond providing devices and internet access. She argued that inclusive AI skills development, rural outreach and disability conscious policies are critical to ensuring that no segment of society is excluded from technological progress.
As Ghana accelerates its digital transformation agenda, collaborations between telecom operators, civil society organisations and development institutions are increasingly central to preparing the next generation for an AI driven economy. The MTN and Thrive and Shine initiative signals growing recognition that literacy in artificial intelligence is no longer optional but foundational to national competitiveness.
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