The Afrimax Group, operators of BusyInternet in Ghana has reiterated its focus to drive the education agenda across its African markets.

This is in line with its strategy to empower the youth through its three-pronged approach, which consists of a graduate development program, a student brand ambassador program and an online educational platform called JUMP.

“A key pillar of our strategy is a tremendous focus on the youth segment. About 60-70 percent of the population in the country is below 25 years of age, signaling an impressive pool of talent and immense capacity just waiting to be tapped into.

"The current trend in the use of digital media among our growing young population fully underscores the vital importance of supporting this segment”, Chief Executive Officer of Busy, Praveen Sadalage said at the launch of JUMP.

The ICT company which has operations in Zambia, Cameroun, Uganda and Ghana has partnered with more than 40 universities and colleges across its markets resulting in a student ambassador program with more than 1,500 students in order to prepare and equip undergraduates for life after university through internships, mentorships and special projects.

Through its graduate development program, the company has recruited some of the best and brightest recent graduates who account for 50 percent of its staff compliment in its markets.

“These ambitious young professionals, who yearn for recognition and career advancement, are at the forefront of some of our most disruptive and next generation digital products and services.

"Operating such a young organization is vital in maintaining a competitive advantage as it offers us invaluable insight into segment,” Yemi Lawal, Regional Marketing Director, Youth Segment said.

Head of Marketing for Busy, Linda Narh explained that JUMP is a unique online content platform with categories in Education, Entrepreneurship, Self-Improvement and Lifestyle. Mrs Narh emphasized that the key focus is on providing free access to educational content where young and upcoming entrepreneurs are supported through various initiatives.

“As part of the education category we will launch the JUMP Academy which will provide students with a wide array of study notes and a series of video lectures from reputable local lecturers”, she added.

Deputy Minister of Education-designate, Dr. Yaw Osei Adutwum who represented sector Minister Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh said, ‘it’s exciting to me that a significant 4G operator like Busy is launching this youth programme in collaboration with private and public universities in Ghana; a programme that gives both undergraduates and graduates an opportunity to gain valuable work experience”.

Dr. Adutwum added that “an online portal with the potential of offering our young people with such a wide array of educational, life changing and credible alternatives is a very welcomed initiative and you will have the support of my ministry in this project”.

The 4G operator envisions that by 2020, there will be over 5 million users across all markets on the JUMP platform.