Students of the University of Cape Coast (UCC) will soon have access to remote internship opportunities in various high-paying, in-demand fields, following a new partnership with Thrive Africa Edutech, aimed at strengthening digital skills and enhancing graduate employability.

Director of Academic Affairs at UCC, Dr Atta Yeaboah Sarpong, described the collaboration as “novel and forward-looking”, saying it aligns with the university’s mission to prepare students for the demands of today’s job market.

“This partnership is in line with our commitment to delivering education that responds to current industry needs and future workforce expectations,” Dr Sarpong said at the signing ceremony.

The agreement, which took effect on March 5, 2026, will provide undergraduate and postgraduate students with access to structured, on-demand remote internships in high-growth digital fields. These include data analytics, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence engineering, cloud computing, and other in-demand technology areas.

University officials say the initiative is designed to bridge the long-standing gap between classroom learning and practical workplace experience, a challenge facing many graduates in Ghana.

Registrar of UCC, Gideon Enoch Abbeyquaye, said exposure to global work environments would give students a competitive edge.

“Through these structured remote internships, our students will be better prepared for professional life, not only in Ghana but across international markets,” he noted.

The partnership was formalised at a ceremony held at the Office of the Registrar, attended by key university officials, including the Director of Finance, the Head of the Industrial Liaison Office, and leaders of the Student Representative Council and the Graduate Students’ Association.

Chief Executive Officer of Thrive Africa Edutech, Mr. Gad Ocran, said the organisation remains committed to equipping African students with practical and globally relevant skills.

“Our goal is to empower young people with the tools, exposure, and confidence they need to succeed in the digital economy,” he said.

In recent years, concerns have grown over graduate unemployment and skills mismatch in Ghana, with policymakers and educators calling for stronger links between universities and industry.

The UCC-Thrive Africa partnership is expected to contribute to national efforts to promote digitalisation and youth employment.

UCC, ranked number one in Ghana and West Africa by Times Higher Education and among the top universities in Africa, says the initiative forms part of its broader strategy to deepen collaboration with the private sector.

University authorities have indicated that implementation will be coordinated through existing academic and industrial liaison structures to ensure wide student participation and alignment with academic programmes.

Officials believe the programme will help position UCC graduates to compete effectively in the global digital economy while supporting Ghana’s long-term human capital development agenda.