Ghana is expanding its mix of local and international partners to accelerate its digital skills agenda. Instead of relying only on public institutions, authorities are working with technology firms to deliver the programme at scale. Partners include Code Racoon, TikTok, Cisco, TECHAiDE, Google, Huawei, Microsoft and Amazon Web Services.
Telecel and MTN Anchor the One Million Coders Drive
This growing partner network underpins the One Million Coders initiative. Last week, the government signed a memorandum of understanding with Telecel Group to train 100,000 young people. The agreement builds on an earlier partnership with MTN Group. Together, the deals support a four-year plan to equip one million Ghanaians with job-ready digital skills.
Under the Telecel agreement, participants will access the Startocode platform free of charge. The multilingual, self-paced system combines structured lessons with applied projects. The aim is to move learners beyond theory and into employable coding skills. Telecel Group CEO Moh Damush said the partnership is designed to channel young talent into Ghana’s digital economy.
Blending Online Training with Physical Digital Infrastructure
The programme extends beyond online platforms. On December 10, Samuel Nartey George, Minister of Communication, Digital Technology and Innovation, met MTN Ghana executives to review progress on an ICT hub at the Accra Digital Centre. The project follows a March 2025 MoU supporting One Million Coders. Its focus includes artificial intelligence, data governance, advanced digital technologies and cybersecurity.
MTN is reinforcing the effort through its MTN Skills Academy, launched in 2023 across several markets, including Ghana. The academy offers courses in coding, web development, digital marketing and data analytics. Its goal is to raise basic digital proficiency among 60% of young people and adults by 2025. MTN Group CEO Ralph Mupita has said Africa must develop its own engineering and software talent to meet future demand.
The decision to work through telecom operators is deliberate. These firms already control nationwide networks and digital platforms. Their reach extends into underserved regions, allowing faster rollout without duplicating infrastructure. Officials also view the model as a way to align training with private-sector demand while reducing regional gaps in access to skills development.
