MTN Ghana Strengthens Digital Inclusion with AI Literacy Partnership for Youth
MTN Ghana has strengthened 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 and STEM skills development among Ghanaian youth.
The strategic partnership represents a major step towards preparing young people for Ghana’s future digital workforce, ensuring they are not left behind as Artificial Intelligence continues to reshape industries and economies worldwide. Through this collaboration, students will be equipped with relevant technical expertise, critical problem-solving skills, and market-ready exposure needed to compete successfully in the emerging digital economy.
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 sustainable capacity within the technology ecosystem.
“This is not a short-term project; it is a journey,” Mr. Misto stated. “That is why we have formalised this collaboration through an MoU. The goal 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 enable participants to apply their knowledge to real-world use cases. The initiative is expected to foster innovation, enhance employability, and create pathways for young people to actively participate in Ghana’s digital transformation agenda.
Co-Founder of Thrive & Shine, Yvonne Dumor, described the partnership as a breakthrough moment for the organisation and a significant boost to its mission of bridging 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 the question of how to 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 only consume AI solutions; we want to be among the global players shaping them.”
For beneficiaries, the impact of the programme is already evident. Michael Darko, a Computer Science student at the Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration (GIMPA), shared how the initiative has transformed his academic journey.
“Before this opportunity, financial constraints made it difficult for me to fully focus on my studies and commit to projects,” he said. “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, reduce the digital divide, and empower young people with the skills needed 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 deliver 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. Its strategic focus is Ambition 2025: Leading digital solutions for Africa’s progress.
