MTN Ghana has reinforced its commitment to bridging Ghana’s digital divide and empowering young women by injecting GH₵17.6 million into the National Girls-in-ICT Initiative.
The investment—an increase from GH₵10 million in 2021—has directly impacted over 13,700 girls between the ages of 9 and 15, as well as 1,300 teachers, by equipping them with essential digital skills.
The initiative, led by the Ministry of Communications, Digital Technology and Innovations, is one of the government’s flagship programmes aimed at encouraging girls to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) while promoting wider digital inclusion.
A long-term investment in the future
Addressing participants at an engagement session with 100 beneficiaries, MTN Ghana Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Stephen Blewett described the company’s commitment as a “long-term investment” in the country’s future workforce.
“The next big idea, the next innovation, the next CEO of MTN Ghana can come from one of you,” Blewett said, encouraging the girls to embrace technology with confidence, hard work, and focus.
He noted that equipping girls with digital skills is not only about technical competence but also about building the ambition and confidence required to thrive in the technology sector.
Mentorship for the next generation
As part of the event, MTN hosted 100 girls in a breakout session with its Women in Technology group, an internal network of female professionals from ICT, legal, enterprise business, and network departments.
The session allowed the girls to interact with mentors, learn about subject choices, gain insights into different career paths, and receive guidance on becoming responsible citizens and future leaders.
“Be fearless. Keep asking questions. Keep experimenting,” Blewett told the participants. “When girls are equipped with skills and confidence, they transform families, communities, and entire nations.”
Driving gender equity in tech
Blewett also outlined MTN’s internal gender equity initiatives, which include pushing for 50% female representation across all levels of the company and ensuring pay parity between men and women.
“There’s no reason women should be paid differently from men. It doesn’t make any sense whatsoever,” he stressed.
He further praised MTN’s female executives, noting their competence and boldness, and light-heartedly admitted that some “scare him” with their drive and capability.
Impact across Ghana
MTN’s Head of Corporate Communications, Georgina Asare Fiagbenu, emphasised that the company’s partnership with the Girls-in-ICT programme dates back nine years.
She said the support is part of MTN’s broader sustainability agenda to empower young women and bridge the gender gap in STEM.
“Many girls shy away from science and STEM-related subjects because of the perception that they are fields meant for boys,” she noted.
“When we were approached nine years ago, we were happy to support girls to develop an interest in ICT and upgrade their skills.”
She added that MTN’s sponsorship covers essential costs such as travel, hosting, and the provision of laptops and ICT equipment. This year alone, the initiative has reached about 13,000 girls nationwide, with recent sessions held in the Volta Region and plans to visit the Upper West Region in September.
Shaping an inclusive digital future
MTN’s support, Blewett stressed, goes beyond financial assistance.
It is a deliberate effort to create a more inclusive digital future where girls have equal opportunities to excel in technology careers.
The programme’s real-world technology exposure, provided in collaboration with the Ministry of Communications and Digitalisation, helps to demystify STEM fields and prepares girls for the challenges of the global digital economy.
“Introduce yourself as the person you want to be in 20 years—whether it’s a CEO, tech entrepreneur, or even the President,” Blewett advised. “What you decide today will determine who you become.”
With its growing investment and focus on mentorship, MTN Ghana aims to ensure that the country’s next generation of innovators and leaders includes many of the young women being trained today.
