In a powerful move to bridge the gender digital divide, MTN Ghana has invested GH¢19 million in the Girls-in-ICT Programme, aiming to equip young girls in the Upper West Region with the digital skills required to excel in the modern, tech-driven world. This significant investment is part of MTN Ghana’s broader initiative to close the gender gap in the ICT sector, providing young girls from underserved communities the tools they need to succeed in a rapidly changing digital economy.
Launched in collaboration with the Ministry of Communication, Digital Technology and Innovation (MoCDTI), GIFEC, and the Ghana-India Kofi Annan Centre of Excellence in ICT (GI-KACE), the programme has become a cornerstone of MTN Ghana’s corporate social responsibility efforts. As one of the largest private-sector investments in digital education for young girls, this initiative aims to revolutionize ICT training, particularly in regions like the Upper West Region, where access to such resources has historically been scarce.
At the closing event of the 2025 Girls-in-ICT Programme, Selorm Adadevoh, CEO of MTN Ghana, underscored the importance of this initiative, not only as a tool for skills development but also as a catalyst for change. “Our commitment to the Girls-in-ICT Programme extends beyond just digital training; it is about empowering the next generation of female innovators who will lead Ghana’s digital economy,” Adadevoh remarked.
This year’s programme saw 1,000 girls from basic schools across the Upper West Region participate in intensive ICT training, covering areas such as website development, coding, game design, and animation. The top 100 performers received laptops and certificates, with the best-performing schools in the region receiving fully equipped ICT laboratories to continue nurturing young talent. Additionally, the top three girls received cash prizes ranging from GH¢2,500 to GH¢3,500, as well as plaques and sponsorship packages from ADB.
Collins Agyei, Sales Manager for MTN Ghana’s Northern Zone, reiterated MTN’s commitment to digital inclusion. “At MTN Ghana, we believe diversity and inclusion are more than just principles; they are the essential drivers of innovation and progress,” Agyei stated, highlighting MTN’s role as a primary partner in fostering digital skills among young girls.
The programme’s success is a testament to MTN Ghana’s commitment to gender equality in ICT, particularly in the face of staggering statistics. According to the International Telecommunications Union, 180 million fewer women than men were using the internet globally by 2024. MTN Ghana’s focus on rural areas like Wa West, Lawra, and Nandom is crucial in addressing this imbalance and ensuring gender parity in the digital space.
MTN’s investment is about more than financial support; it’s about ensuring that these girls have the skills, confidence, and knowledge to succeed in a world increasingly shaped by technology. The programme offers mentorship opportunities with female tech leaders and provides scholarships for those wishing to pursue further ICT-related studies.
This initiative aligns with Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 5 on Gender Equality and SDG 9 on Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure, helping to foster the development of young women who can actively shape Ghana’s growing digital economy.
Through its MTN Ghana Foundation, the company has further supported the programme by investing in ICT laboratories, digital literacy projects, and internet connectivity initiatives in schools across the country. With MTN’s continued support, these efforts are not just preparing young girls for the digital economy.
