MTN Ghana has pledged $2 million to support a government-led initiative aimed at training one million young people in coding and digital skills, a move that underscores the country’s growing emphasis on technology as a driver of economic growth and youth employment.
The funding will go to Ghana’s Ministry of Communications, Digital Technology and Innovations to support the One Million Coders Programme, a flagship project intended to expand access to software development, digital literacy and other technology-based competencies. The initiative is central to Ghana’s broader digital transformation strategy, which seeks to modernize public services, stimulate private-sector growth and prepare young people for jobs in an increasingly digital global economy.
Ghana, like many African countries, faces the challenge of a rapidly expanding youth population alongside limited formal employment opportunities. Government officials have increasingly framed digital skills development as a pathway to job creation, entrepreneurship and greater participation in the global technology marketplace.
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MTN Ghana’s commitment follows discussions held last year at the GSMA Mobile World Congress in Barcelona between senior executives of MTN Group and Ghana’s communications minister. Those talks focused on strengthening public–private partnerships to expand digital infrastructure and skills across the continent.
Stephen Blewett, the chief executive of MTN Ghana, said the investment reflects the company’s view that equipping young people with technology skills is essential to Ghana’s long-term development.
“Africa has the youngest population in the world, and for Ghana this represents an opportunity to invest in skills that are relevant to the future,” Mr. Blewett said. “Supporting the One Million Coders Programme is about creating access to skills, innovation and opportunity for young people across the country.”
The One Million Coders Programme is designed to build a large pool of digital talent capable of supporting government digitalization efforts, expanding the local technology sector and encouraging entrepreneurship. By focusing on coding and software development, the program aims to improve productivity and strengthen Ghana’s competitiveness in the global digital economy.
MTN Ghana said its contribution aligns with MTN Group’s environmental, social and governance priorities, particularly its emphasis on digital inclusion, education and youth development. Company officials have described digital skills training as critical to ensuring that communities are not left behind as technology reshapes economies and labor markets.
The $2 million pledge is part of a broader set of investments by MTN Ghana in the country’s information and communications technology sector. The company is also working with the government to establish a $25 million ICT center intended to serve as a hub for innovation, training and collaboration.
In addition, the MTN Ghana Foundation continues to support digital education initiatives nationwide, including programs aimed at increasing the participation of girls and young women in technology-related fields.
Together, these efforts reflect a growing consensus in Ghana that expanding access to digital skills is essential to sustaining economic growth, empowering youth and positioning the country as a technology leader in West Africa.
