The Youth Employment Agency (YEA) has partnered with Ghana Digital Centres Limited (GDCL) to train 2,000 young Ghanaians in digital skills as part of efforts to expand employment opportunities in the technology sector.
The partnership, formalised through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), will provide beneficiaries with Microsoft-certified microdegree training in key areas, including cloud computing, artificial intelligence (AI), cybersecurity and data analytics.
The initiative is expected to equip participants with industry-relevant skills while creating pathways for internships, employment opportunities and digital income generation.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, the Chief Executive Officer of YEA, Malik Basintale, said the programme reflects the agency’s commitment to creating jobs by providing young people with relevant and market-driven skills.
He explained that the government will fully finance the training programme and encouraged interested applicants to apply free of charge through the YEA’s official website.
“Our partnership today is simply to kick-start opportunities for 2,000 young people out there who are willing to learn, who are willing to explore the digital space, and who are willing to become tomorrow’s leaders as a result of today’s partnership,” he said.
The Chief Executive Officer of Ghana Digital Centres Limited, Dzifa Gunu, said the programme will expose participants to globally recognised certifications that will enhance their competitiveness in the international job market.
According to him, the microdegree programme is designed by Microsoft for young people across the world, with Ghana securing a significant share of the available slots for Africa.
“Microsoft is only offering 3,000 for Africa. So, for YEA to pull 2,000, that means it’s a huge success,” he said.
Gunu added that the training will focus on five key digital areas, with participants earning Microsoft certifications and European credit transfers upon completion.
“It means that with this certification, you can work with it anywhere in the world. It’s cross-border and it’s globally recognised,” he stated.
He further disclosed that 600 beneficiaries will be placed in paid internships after completing the training, allowing them to gain practical experience while earning an income.
“By the time we finish this first programme, 600 of the trainees will already be placed for paid internships. You are doing an internship, but you are already being paid,” he added.
The programme will initially be rolled out in five regions as a pilot, with plans to expand it to other parts of the country after assessing its impact.
The YEA and GDCL say the initiative is aimed at building a digitally skilled workforce capable of taking advantage of emerging opportunities within Ghana and the global technology ecosystem.
