MTN Ghana has announced a US$2 million contribution to Ghana’s Ministry of Communications, Digital Technology and Innovations to support the Government’s flagship One Million Coders Programme, a national initiative designed to fast-track digital skills development and strengthen the country’s digital economy.
The funding will support the training of one million Ghanaians in coding and other digital competencies, equipping young people with future-ready skills required to participate meaningfully in the global digital economy.
Speaking on the initiative, Stephen Blewett, Chief Executive Officer, MTN Ghana, described youth empowerment as a critical priority for the company, noting that Africa’s demographic advantage presents a unique opportunity for countries like Ghana.
“Through our support for the One Million Coders Programme, we are creating pathways for young people to acquire new skills, embrace innovation, and access opportunities in the digital economy. When we invest in our youth, we invest in the long-term prosperity and sustainability of our nation,” Blewett said.
What You Need to Know
The programme forms a core pillar of Ghana’s broader digital transformation agenda, with a strong focus on youth empowerment, innovation, and job creation.
MTN Ghana’s contribution follows earlier commitments made by MTN Group Chief Executive Officer Ralph Mupita and senior regional executives, including Vice President for Ghana, Southern and East Africa, Ebenezer Asante, and Stephen Blewett, Chief Executive Officer of MTN Ghana.
These commitments were made during engagements with Ghana’s Minister of Communications, Digital Technology and Innovations on the sidelines of the GSMA Mobile World Congress in Barcelona last year.
Those discussions centred on deepening public–private collaboration to build Africa’s digital capacity, unlock innovation, and create inclusive economic opportunities through technology, objectives that align closely with the One Million Coders Programme.
Building a Pipeline of Digital Talent
Led by the Ministry of Communications, Digital Technology and Innovations, the One Million Coders Programme is designed to build a strong pipeline of digital talent to support public-sector modernisation, private-sector growth, entrepreneurship, and employment generation.
By expanding access to coding, software development, and other digital skills, the programme is expected to boost productivity, drive innovation, and enhance Ghana’s competitiveness in the global digital economy.
It also aims to address skills gaps that have limited the ability of young people to take advantage of emerging opportunities in technology-driven sectors.
Aligned with MTN’s ESG Commitments
MTN Ghana’s support for the initiative is closely aligned with MTN Group’s Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) strategy, particularly its focus on digital inclusion, education, and youth development.
Blewett added that digital skills development aligns with MTN’s belief that technology should be a force for good, enabling inclusive growth and shared value across society.
Digital skills training remains a cornerstone of the group’s ambition to ensure communities are not left behind as economies become increasingly technology-driven.
The company has consistently positioned digital inclusion as essential to sustainable development, particularly in emerging markets where access to skills and opportunities remains uneven.
Broader Investments in Ghana’s ICT Ecosystem
Beyond the One Million Coders Programme, MTN Ghana continues to make significant investments in the country’s information and communications technology (ICT) ecosystem.
The company is currently working with the Government of Ghana to establish a US$25 million ICT Centre, which will serve as a hub for innovation, skills training, and digital collaboration.
In addition, the MTN Ghana Foundation supports a range of digital education and ICT-focused initiatives nationwide, including the Ministry’s Girls in ICT programme, reinforcing the company’s commitment to inclusive digital development and gender equity in technology.
Experts say these combined investments underscore MTN Ghana’s long-standing commitment to national development, leveraging technology and strategic partnerships to empower young people and support sustainable socio-economic growth.
Talking Points
MTN Ghana’s US$2 million contribution to the One Million Coders Programme highlights the growing role of private-sector players in shaping national digital skills strategies. The initiative addresses a critical gap in Ghana’s digital transformation drive by focusing on large-scale, practical coding and software development skills for young people.
At Techparley, we see this partnership as a signal that digital skills development is no longer optional but foundational to economic competitiveness and job creation. By aligning the programme with public-sector modernisation and private-sector growth, the initiative creates a clearer pathway from learning to employment and entrepreneurship.
MTN Ghana’s involvement also reflects a broader shift among telecom operators, who are increasingly positioning themselves as enablers of digital ecosystems rather than connectivity providers alone.
The planned US$25 million ICT Centre further strengthens this ecosystem approach, offering a physical hub for innovation, collaboration, and advanced skills training.
As the One Million Coders Programme scales, its long-term impact will depend on execution, accessibility, and how effectively trained talent is absorbed into the local and global digital economy.
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