MTN Ghana Partners Thrive & Shine to Boost AI Literacy and Empower Youth

MTN Ghana has signed a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with youth-led non-profit organisation Thrive & Shine to accelerate artificial intelligence (AI) literacy, STEM education, and digital skills development among Ghanaian youth.

The partnership represents a major step toward preparing young people for Ghana’s future digital workforce, ensuring they are not left behind as AI adoption accelerates globally. Through the collaboration, students will be equipped with technical skills, problem-solving capabilities, and industry-relevant exposure needed to succeed in the emerging digital economy.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, Chief Digital Officer of MTN Ghana, Ibrahim Misto, said the initiative aligns with the company’s long-term commitment to nurturing future-ready digital talent.

“This is not a short-term project; it is a journey,” he said. “That is why we have formalised the partnership through an MoU. Our 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 required to contribute meaningfully to the digital economy.”

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

“At Thrive & Shine, we believe talent is universal, but opportunity is not,” she said. “Everything we do is driven by how we can bring opportunity closer to young people. This partnership with MTN moves us closer to closing the digital gap for students striving to compete in the global AI space. We don’t just want to consume AI solutions; we want to help shape them.”

Beneficiaries of the programme say the impact is already being felt. Michael Darko, a Computer Science student at the Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration (GIMPA), noted that the support has significantly changed his academic journey.

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

Under the partnership, MTN Ghana will offer mentorship, internship placements, and hands-on learning opportunities, enabling participants to apply their knowledge to practical, real-life use cases.

The initiative forms part of MTN Ghana’s broader strategy to promote digital inclusion, bridge the digital divide, and equip young people with the skills needed to unlock economic opportunities in an increasingly AI-driven world.