Plan International’s Digital Skills Project Gets Gov’t Backing to Boost Youth Employability and Innovation

Plan International Ghana, in partnership with Nokia, is set to launch a nationwide Digital Skills Project aimed at equipping young people with market-ready expertise in coding, cybersecurity, and digital solutions development. The initiative, which begins later this month, has secured the backing of the Ministry of Communication, Digital Technology and Innovation.

Minister Samuel Nartey George said the programme reinforces government’s efforts to develop a digitally skilled workforce through initiatives such as the “1 Million Coders Programme” and the National Artificial Intelligence Strategy. “Government’s commitment is to ensure gender balance and inclusivity, with a 50:50 male-to-female participation ratio and a 10 % quota for persons with disabilities,” he said. He added that public institutions, including the Kofi Annan ICT Centre of Excellence, would provide technical and institutional support.

According to Constant Tchona, Country Director of Plan International Ghana, the project is designed not only to create employment opportunities but also to foster innovation in priority sectors. Training modules will encourage participants to design digital solutions for healthcare, agriculture, and urban planning, areas central to Ghana’s socio-economic development.

“Through this initiative, we are not just creating jobs; we are equipping young people to become problem-solvers in their communities,” Tchona said.

The programme will be delivered in four-month cycles across Accra, Kumasi, and Tamale, with at least half of participants being women. Provisions have also been made for persons with disabilities. To widen its reach, the project will employ distance learning platforms, enabling young people nationwide to access training flexibly.

By embedding inclusivity targets and aligning with government digitalisation strategies, the project seeks to create a pipeline of talent to power Ghana’s emerging digital economy while positioning young people as innovators in critical sectors.