Telecommunications giant MTN Ghana has signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with youth-led non-profit organisation Thrive & Shine to expand digital opportunities for young people across the country.

According to a press release signed by the Chief Executive Officer of MTN Ghana, the partnership marks a major step towards advancing Artificial Intelligence (AI) literacy, strengthening STEM education and building Ghana’s future digital workforce.

The collaboration aims to ensure that Ghanaian youth are not left behind amid the rapid global expansion of AI. It is expected to equip students with technical skills, problem-solving abilities and market-ready exposure needed to thrive in the emerging digital economy.

Speaking on the partnership, the Chief Digital Officer of MTN Ghana, Ibrahim Misto, said the initiative aligns with the company’s commitment to nurturing future-ready digital talent.

“This is not a short-term project; it is a journey. That’s why we have formalised the partnership through an MOU. The goal is to co-create solutions to real-world problems and support institutions like Thrive & Shine that are empowering young people with the skills and knowledge needed to contribute meaningfully to the digital economy,” Mr Misto explained.

Co-founder of Thrive & Shine, Yvonne Dumor, described the agreement as a breakthrough moment for the organisation.

“At Thrive & Shine, we believe that talent is universal but opportunity is not. Everything we do is driven by the question: how do we bring opportunity closer to the people around us?” she said.

She added that the partnership moves the organisation a step closer to closing the digital gap for students and young people striving to compete in a global AI environment.

“We do not just want to consume AI solutions; we want to be among the global players shaping them,” she stated.

For beneficiaries, the impact is already evident. Michael Darko, a Computer Science student at GIMPA, shared how the programme is changing his academic journey.

“Before this opportunity, financial constraints made it difficult for me to fully focus on my studies and commit to the project. Through the scholarship and support from Thrive & Shine, I can now concentrate on my studies and build real projects,” Mr Darko said.

Under the partnership, MTN Ghana will provide mentoring opportunities, internships, placements and laptops for participants to support their learning and help them translate knowledge into practical, real-world applications.

The initiative forms part of MTN Ghana’s broader efforts to champion digital inclusion, bridge the digital divide and empower young people with the skills needed to unlock economic opportunities in an AI-driven era.