Opportunity Digitisation in Ghana
Qualifications for Young People
Our DigiCAP project uses information technologies (such as Wide Area Networks (WAN), the internet and mobile computers) to transform Ghana’s service delivery sector. We are working with the Government of Ghana (GOG) under the auspices of the Ministry of Communications (MOC) and the World Bank (WB) to expand training and skills development opportunities. Thereby, we focus on offers in the area of data science and business intelligence as well as training in entrepreneurship and career planning. These increase the chances of young graduates finding sustainable employment in the context of digitisation in Ghana.
Lack of Development Opportunities for Young People
Ghana was once a pioneer in the African telecommunications sector and prides itself on its high economic growth. However, information and communication technologies (ICT) have not been fully integrated into daily life and business operations. Mobile phone penetration was already at 100 per cent in 2011, but the share of internet users remains low.
The informal labour sector is booming with precarious employment, including in micro and small enterprises. Potentials are mostly not exploited and there is a lack of competitiveness, secure and productive employment opportunities. Young adults, especially women, who are severely disadvantaged in the Ghanaian labour market, lack opportunities for development and prospects. This is where we, the AFOS Foundation, contribute our expertise.
Secure Employment by exploiting the Potential of Digitalisation
The Ghanaian government is relying on the diverse potential that can unfold through digitalization. There is a great need for professional and entrepreneurial competences. Furthermore, there is a lack of qualified personnel who can support companies in the challenges of digitalisation.
AFOS supports the development of practice-oriented qualification programmes and accompanying measures in the field of information and communication technologies (ICT). Young people, especially in rural regions, should benefit from the digital transformation of universities and other educational and economic institutions in Ghana.
What we have already achieved
- Extra-curricular ICT for business
- Qualification programs have been established at the two partner universities, where 450 students and lecturers have been trained
- A new training module in computer networking and a new Master Program in Data Science and Business Intelligence have been developed at the University of Cape Coast
- A data science training course for the Ghana Statistical Service has been launched; 120 staff are being trained at the Technical University of Accra.
- Career Services are now in place at the two partner universities and over 700 students have benefited from career preparation modules
- Networking events are contributing to academia-industry collaboration in the tech ecosystem in Ghana
- Over 3000 participants have taken part in the Tech Job Fairs in 2022 & 2023 bringing together industry players, educators, students, government, and job seekers
- A Junior Consultant program for young emerging ICT professionals has been piloted with 30 DigiCAP students and graduates.
How AFOS is specifically committed to the Digitization of Companies in Ghana:
- We are creating demand- and practice-oriented IT certification training that also gives students from disadvantaged groups a professional perspective.
- We create offers around career planning and job placement and support start-ups to promote the employment of ICT professionals and inspire entrepreneurship.
- We focus on expanding cooperation between educational and business institutions and ICT stakeholders to improve the market positioning of companies in Ghana.
AFOS Partner Organisations in Ghana
In Ghana, we work closely with the Institute of ICT Professionals, Ghana (IIPGH). IIPGH is a professional association composed of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) professionals from various fields to create a dynamic ICT ecosystem in Ghana. We also cooperate with the Accra Technical University and the University of Cape Coast.
