(Ecofin Agency) - With AI and coding becoming essential drivers of innovation and economic growth, this collaboration between MTN and the Ghanaian government is a significant step toward technological advancement.

MTN Group has signed an agreement with the Ghanaian government to support the country’s One Million Coders Program, an initiative aimed at equipping young Ghanaians with artificial intelligence, coding, and digital skills to drive national digital transformation.

The memorandum of understanding (MoU) was signed at the Mobile World Congress 2025 in Barcelona by Ghana’s Minister of Communication, Digital Technology and Innovation, Honourable Samuel Nartey George, and MTN Group President and CEO Ralph Mupita.

Minister George highlighted the government’s commitment to developing local talent in AI, digital technology, data governance, and cybersecurity. He commended MTN for its swift response and investment in Ghana’s digital future, including the MTN building, which will serve as a center for artificial intelligence and software development.

Mupita reaffirmed MTN’s dedication to supporting Ghana’s digital ecosystem, emphasizing the importance of developing homegrown AI solutions and coding expertise. “We are very focused on understanding the strategy Ghana has and how we as MTN Group and MTN Ghana can support it,” he said.

This initiative is particularly significant in light of the growing demand for digital skills in Ghana and the broader Sub-Saharan African region. According to the IFC's "Digital Skills in Sub-Saharan Africa: Spotlight on Ghana" report, an estimated $130 billion opportunity exists to provide digital skills across Sub-Saharan Africa by 2030, with nearly $4 billion of this in Ghana. By investing in digital upskilling, the country can bridge its skills gap, attract global tech investments, and strengthen its role in Africa’s digital economy.

This initiative reinforces MTN’s commitment to empowering Africa’s youth with critical digital skills, positioning Ghana as a leader in the continent’s digital transformation.

Hikmatu Bilali