Ghana’s Digital Future: Public-Private Partnerships in Fostering AI Innovation

Ghana has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with MTN to enhance digital skill training for one million young Ghanaians over four years. Minister Samuel Nartey George stresses the importance of public-private partnerships in achieving this goal. The initiative aims to position Ghana as a leader in African AI, emphasizing local expertise and tailored solutions.
At the Mobile World Congress 2025 in Barcelona, Ghana took significant strides in its digital transformation by establishing a strategic public-private partnership with MTN. This collaboration is aimed at equipping one million young Ghanaians with digital skills over the next four years, a move that aligns with the government’s commitment to youth empowerment and skill development within the digital realm.
In an exclusive interview with Honourable Samuel Nartey George, the Minister of Communications, Digital Technology, and Innovations, the importance of this partnership is further elucidated. Minister George, a seasoned politician with a wealth of experience in digital policy and ICT, emphasizes the critical role that telecom companies like MTN play in upskilling Ghana’s youth. He asserts that government-led initiatives alone cannot achieve their ambitious targets without robust public-private collaborations.
Minister George articulates a long-term vision for Ghana, positioning Accra as a significant hub for African AI. He underlines the necessity for African experts, such as data scientists and cybersecurity specialists, to tailor AI solutions that address the continent’s unique challenges. His approach advocates for building local expertise as a foundational aspect of Ghana’s development strategy in AI and digital technology.
The Minister’s assertions highlight that the youth of Africa, particularly those in Ghana, possess immense potential. Ghana’s ambition to transform into a digital powerhouse involves substantial training and skill development facilitated by partnerships with leading telecom firms. This initiative is key to preparing the younger generation for the demands of the global digital economy and ensuring sustainable growth and innovation for the nation.
In conclusion, the collaboration between Ghana and MTN represents a pivotal advancement in the country’s digital transformation strategy. By focusing on youth training and leveraging public-private partnerships, Ghana aims to cultivate local expertise and drive AI innovation suitable for Africa. This initiative reflects a bold commitment to not only prepare young Ghanaians for future work opportunities but also to establish Ghana as a central player in the African digital landscape.
Original Source: techafricanews.com