MTN Ghana has announced a US$2 million contribution to the Ministry of Communications, Digital Technology and Innovations to support the Government of Ghana’s flagship One Million Coders Programme, a strategic initiative aimed at accelerating the country’s digital transformation and expanding opportunities for youth skills development.
The funding is expected to support the training of one million Ghanaians in coding and other critical digital competencies, equipping young people with the tools needed to participate effectively in the digital economy and contribute meaningfully to national development.
Commitment sealed at global tech engagements
The contribution follows commitments made during high-level engagements between MTN Group and the Government of Ghana on the sidelines of the GSMA Mobile World Congress in Barcelona last year.
Discussions involved MTN Group Chief Executive Officer Ralph Mupita, MTN Ghana Chief Executive Officer Stephen Blewett, and other senior executives, and focused on strengthening public–private collaboration to build Africa’s digital capacity.
The talks highlighted the role of technology in unlocking innovation, fostering inclusive economic growth, and preparing African economies for the future of work.
Youth empowerment at the centre of MTN’s strategy
Speaking on the rationale behind the support, MTN Ghana Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Stephen Blewett said youth empowerment remains a core priority for the company, particularly given Africa’s youthful demographics.
“Africa has the youngest population in the world, and Ghana has an unprecedented opportunity to transform this demographic advantage into economic growth,” Mr Blewett said.
“Through our support for the One Million Coders Programme, we are creating pathways for young people to acquire future-fit digital skills, embrace innovation, and access opportunities in the digital economy.”
He added that investing in digital skills aligns with MTN’s belief that technology should be a force for good, enabling inclusive growth and shared value.
A pillar of Ghana’s digitalisation agenda
The One Million Coders Programme, spearheaded by the Ministry of Communications, Digital Technology and Innovations, is a key pillar of Ghana’s broader digitalisation agenda.
The initiative seeks to build a strong pool of local digital talent capable of supporting public-sector modernisation, private-sector expansion, entrepreneurship, and job creation.
By widening access to coding, software development and other digital skills, the programme is expected to enhance productivity, drive innovation and strengthen Ghana’s competitiveness in the global digital economy.
Aligned with MTN Group’s ESG commitments
MTN Ghana’s support for the programme is firmly aligned with MTN Group’s Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) strategy, particularly its focus on digital inclusion, education and youth development.
Digital skills training remains central to MTN’s ambition to ensure that communities are not left behind in the digital era, while empowering young people to thrive in a rapidly evolving technological landscape.
Beyond coding: Broader ICT investments
Beyond the US$2 million contribution, MTN Ghana continues to invest heavily in Ghana’s ICT ecosystem.
The company is working with the Government of Ghana to establish a US$25 million ICT Centre, envisioned as a national hub for innovation, skills training and digital collaboration.
Foundation’s role in bridging the digital divide
The MTN Ghana Foundation also continues to support a range of digital education and ICT-focused programmes nationwide, including the Ministry’s Girls in ICT initiative, aimed at increasing female participation in technology and reducing gender disparities in digital skills acquisition.
Driving long-term national development
Industry observers say such sustained investments could play a critical role in closing Ghana’s digital skills gap and preparing the workforce for the demands of a technology-driven economy.
Through initiatives such as the One Million Coders Programme, MTN Ghana says it remains committed to leveraging technology and partnerships to drive digital transformation, empower youth and support sustainable socio-economic growth, as Ghana positions itself as a competitive digital hub in West Africa.
