As the global economy is shifting towards artificial intelligence (AI), Ghana will not be left out but rather support initiatives aimed at transforming the work of entrepreneurs in the education and technology space, this is according to Education Minister Dr Yaw Osei Adutwum.

Speaking to Joy Business after launching the Edtech Fellowship by Mest and Mastercard Foundation, the Minister lauded the private sector for supporting the government in its technology drive.

Through the Mastercard Foundation EdTech Fellowship, the cohort will embark on a transformative journey of mentorship with support from specialists on education innovation, sustainability and among others.

This initiative forms part of the resolve to transform the country’s education and technology by supporting small and medium enterprises in the sector to be able to bridge the digital divide in Ghana.

According to Dr Adutwum, the government will complement this initiative with other policies and provision of infrastructure.

He said that AI is becoming an integral part of the process and, hence will be considered into most of the infrastructure.

“We’re very grateful to the Mastercard Foundation and partners for this initiative because technology is the driver in everything now and we can’t be left behind. We see good potential in this initiative and the government is going all out to support it and also the public sector should look out for how we can create opportunities for off-taker agreements that if something is so good, how we can open a platform for them to practice it and implement so they have the economic engine to bring more innovation. AI has to be part of it.

"Most of the facilities we’re doing are being wired to make sure it's 247 ready to be able to meet the modern needs” he assured.

Head of Strategic Partnership at the Mastercard Foundation, Suraj Shah highlighted the importance of the fellowship to job creation and quality of education.

12 companies have been selected as the first cohort of the fellowship representing a range of innovative solutions poised to make a significant impact in education.