MTN Ghana Deepens Commitment to Digital Inclusion with Thrive & Shine AI Partnership
MTN Ghana has deepened its commitment to digital inclusion and youth empowerment by signing a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with youth-led non-profit organisation, Thrive & Shine, to accelerate Artificial Intelligence (AI) literacy, promote STEM education, and prepare Ghanaian youth for the future digital economy.
The strategic partnership marks a significant step in ensuring that young people in Ghana are not left behind as Artificial Intelligence continues to rapidly transform industries and economies across the globe. Through this collaboration, students and young professionals will be equipped with relevant technical skills, strong problem-solving capabilities, and market-ready exposure needed to thrive in an increasingly technology-driven world.
Speaking on the partnership, Ibrahim Misto, Chief Digital Officer of MTN Ghana, said the initiative aligns with MTN Ghana’s long-term vision of nurturing future-ready digital talent and building a sustainable pipeline of innovators for national development.
“This is not a short-term project; it is a journey,” Mr. Misto stated. “That is why we have formalised this partnership through an MoU. Our objective is to co-create solutions to real-world challenges and support organisations like Thrive & Shine that are equipping young people with the skills and knowledge needed to contribute meaningfully to the digital economy.”
Under the partnership, MTN Ghana will provide structured mentorship opportunities, internship placements, and practical learning platforms that allow participants to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world use cases. The programme is designed to foster innovation, enhance employability, and position young people to actively participate in Ghana’s digital transformation agenda.
Co-Founder of Thrive & Shine, Yvonne Dumor, described the collaboration as a major milestone for the organisation and a significant boost to its mission of closing the digital opportunity gap.
“At Thrive & Shine, we believe that talent is universal, but opportunity is not,” she said. “Everything we do is driven by one central question: how do we bring opportunity closer to the people around us? This partnership with MTN Ghana moves us a step closer to closing the digital gap for students and young people striving to compete in the global AI space. We do not want to merely consume AI solutions; we want to be among the global players shaping them.”
For beneficiaries, the impact of the initiative is already evident. Michael Darko, a Computer Science student at the Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration (GIMPA), shared how the programme has transformed his academic and professional journey.
“Before this opportunity, financial constraints made it difficult for me to fully focus on my studies and commit to projects,” he explained. “Through the scholarship and support from Thrive & Shine, I can now concentrate on my studies and build real-world projects that are preparing me for the future.”
The MTN Ghana–Thrive & Shine partnership forms part of MTN Ghana’s broader ambition to champion digital inclusion, bridge the digital divide, and empower young people with the skills required to unlock sustainable economic opportunities in an AI-driven era.
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Media Contacts
Adwoa Wiafe
Chief Corporate Services and Sustainability Officer
Email: MTNGhana.MediaOffice@mtn.com
Efua Falconer
Acting Senior Manager, Corporate Communications
Email: MTNGhana.MediaOffice@mtn.com
About Scancom PLC
MTN Ghana is the market leader in the mobile telecommunications industry in Ghana, offering subscribers a wide range of services under Pay-As-You-Go, Pay Monthly, and Mobile Financial Services. The company is part of the MTN Group, a leader in emerging markets with a clear vision to lead the delivery of a bold new digital world to customers.
Inspired by the belief that everyone deserves the benefits of a modern connected life, MTN Ghana is listed on the Ghana Stock Exchange. The company’s strategic focus is Ambition 2025: Leading digital solutions for Africa’s progress.
