Youth Employment Agency and Ghana Digital Centres to Train 2,000 Youth in Advanced Digital Skills

14th July•2 min read•4 sources

The Youth Employment Agency (YEA) has entered into a strategic partnership with Ghana Digital Centres Limited (GDCL) to equip 2,000 young Ghanaians with high-demand technical skills. Through a recently signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), the initiative will provide training in specialized fields such as artificial intelligence (AI), cybersecurity, cloud computing, and data analytics. This government-funded program is designed to bridge the digital skills gap and enhance the employability of Ghana’s youth in an increasingly technology-driven global economy. Participants will undergo rigorous training at no personal cost, ensuring that financial barriers do not hinder access to high-level technical education.

Central to this initiative is the provision of Microsoft-certified microdegrees, which offer internationally recognized credentials to the trainees. Notably, GDCL CEO Dzifa Gunu revealed that Ghana successfully secured 2,000 out of the 3,000 Microsoft microdegree slots specifically allocated for the entire African continent, highlighting the country's proactive stance in digital human capital development. To ensure the practical application of these skills, the program includes a robust post-training component where 600 selected participants will be placed in paid internships. These placements are intended to provide real-world industry experience, further boosting the competitiveness of the beneficiaries in both local and international job markets.

Speaking on the significance of the partnership, YEA CEO Malik Basintale emphasized that the agency's primary goal is to create sustainable and meaningful employment opportunities for the youth. By focusing on emerging technologies, the YEA aims to prepare the workforce for the future of work rather than traditional, low-skill roles. GDCL CEO Dzifa Gunu added that the collaboration is a vital step toward making Ghana a regional hub for digital excellence. The training is expected to empower a new generation of tech professionals capable of supporting the nation's digital transformation and contributing to the burgeoning tech sector.

The program is set to commence with a pilot phase in five regions across the country before a scheduled nationwide expansion. This phased approach will allow the YEA and GDCL to refine the delivery model and ensure quality control across different training centers. As the government continues to prioritize digital literacy as a pillar of national development, this initiative serves as a critical bridge between formal education and the specific technical requirements of the modern industrial landscape. By fostering a workforce proficient in AI and cybersecurity, Ghana positions itself to better attract global tech investments and drive internal innovation.

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Youth Employment Agency and Ghana Digital Centres to Train 2,000 Youth in Advanced Digital Skills

More from education

Obuasi East Assembly Supports SHS Fire Victims as Challenging Heights Strengthens Child Protection Governance

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CSIR-WRI Introduces Integrated Aquaculture-Agriculture System to Boost Food Production and Sustainability