YEA, Ghana Digital Centres Partner to Train 2,000 Ghanaian Youth in Digital Skills

In a significant move to address youth unemployment and equip young Ghanaians for the digital economy, the Youth Employment Agency (YEA) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Ghana Digital Centres Limited (GDCL) to provide advanced digital skills training for 2,000 young people across the country.

The partnership is designed to empower beneficiaries with globally recognised digital competencies through Microsoft-certified microdegree programmes in high-demand fields such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), Cloud Computing, Cybersecurity and Data Analytics. The initiative forms part of the government’s broader strategy to prepare Ghana’s youth for opportunities in the rapidly evolving global digital economy.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, YEA Chief Executive Officer, Malik Basintale, described the initiative as a transformative investment in the country’s human capital. He noted that the programme demonstrates the agency’s commitment to creating sustainable employment opportunities by equipping young people with practical, industry-relevant digital skills.

According to him, the Government of Ghana will fully sponsor the training programme, allowing successful applicants to participate free of charge. He encouraged eligible young Ghanaians to take advantage of the opportunity by applying through the Youth Employment Agency’s official application platform.

“The future of work is digital, and our responsibility is to ensure that Ghanaian youth are not left behind. This partnership is about creating opportunities, building capacity and preparing young people to compete confidently in both local and international job markets,” he said.

Chief Executive Officer of Ghana Digital Centres Limited, Dzifa Gunu, described the collaboration as a landmark achievement for Ghana’s digital transformation agenda. He revealed that Ghana had secured 2,000 of the 3,000 Microsoft microdegree training slots allocated to Africa, positioning the country as a leading beneficiary of the continental initiative.

He explained that participants who successfully complete the programme will receive internationally recognised Microsoft certifications and European credit transfers, significantly enhancing their employability and career prospects in the global technology sector.

Beyond classroom instruction, the initiative also includes practical industry exposure. Approximately 600 participants will be offered paid internship opportunities, enabling them to apply their newly acquired skills in real workplace environments while gaining valuable professional experience.

The programme will initially be implemented as a pilot in five regions before being expanded nationwide based on its outcomes and impact. Organisers believe the phased approach will help refine the programme while ensuring quality delivery and broader national reach in subsequent phases.

Industry experts have welcomed the partnership, describing it as a timely intervention in addressing the country’s youth unemployment challenges while strengthening Ghana’s digital workforce. As businesses increasingly adopt digital technologies and artificial intelligence, the demand for skilled professionals continues to grow, making initiatives such as this essential for national development.

The collaboration between the Youth Employment Agency and Ghana Digital Centres Limited underscores the importance of strategic partnerships in creating meaningful opportunities for young people. By investing in digital education and practical skills development, the initiative is expected to empower thousands of Ghanaian youth with the knowledge, confidence and qualifications needed to thrive in the Fourth Industrial Revolution.

With digital transformation reshaping industries worldwide, the programme offers a promising pathway for young Ghanaians to secure quality employment, build successful careers and contribute to the country’s economic growth in an increasingly technology-driven world.