MTN Ghana, a prominent player in the mobile telecommunications industry, has set an ambitious goal to incorporate 75% digital capability and skills training across the nation by the year 2025. This initiative is part of the strategic revitalization of the MTN Ghana Foundation, which serves as the charitable arm of the company. During an event aimed at engaging the media and providing updates on the company’s operations, Madam Adwoa Wiafe, the Chief Corporate Services and Sustainability Officer at MTN Ghana, articulated the company’s focus on leveraging digital projects, community support programs, and aligning with national priorities to achieve this objective.
To operationalize its vision of enhancing digital skills, MTN Ghana has initiated various projects, including the establishment of the Mamfe Girls Robotics Lab, which serves as a resource center for Senior High Schools in the community. Additionally, the company recently inaugurated a 40-seater ICT lab at Yilo Krobo and furnished the Wiamose ICT Facility with necessary technological equipment. Through these initiatives, MTN aims to promote digital literacy and skills among the youth, thereby preparing them for a future where digital capabilities are paramount. Furthermore, the integration of Digital Health Diagnostic Equipment signifies an effort to merge technology with health services, thereby expanding digital access and capability in diverse sectors.
Madam Wiafe elaborated on the Community Support Programs that MTN Ghana has rolled out, which includes digital skills training specifically aimed at youth, women, and people with disabilities. Programs such as Digital Skills for Digital Jobs, Y’ello Care, and the Bright Scholarship for tertiary level STEM students are designed to empower these groups and ensure they gain essential skills that are increasingly necessary in the digital economy. Since its inception, the MTN Ghana Foundation has reportedly invested approximately GH₵106.5 million in various social impact projects, positively influencing the lives of about 4.5 million individuals through the completion of 166 distinct initiatives.
The overarching vision of MTN Ghana includes creating sustainable digital solutions that not only target a specific number of lives impacted but also embrace innovation as a catalyst for social change. Madam Wiafe emphasized that their goal is to influence 100,000 lives by 2025. This commitment extends beyond just numbers; it focuses on nurturing effective collaborations that empower individuals especially in underserved communities. The approach encapsulates a blend of strategic partnership and community engagement, working towards impactful and lasting change.
MTN Ghana’s commitment to sustainability is further exemplified through initiatives such as Project Zero, which seeks to expand broadband coverage, thereby enhancing digital access across the nation. The focus on expanding digital infrastructure underscores the importance of connectivity as a precursor to digital transformation in Ghana. Additionally, the organization has placed emphasis on empowering women in the workforce through various initiatives including hiring practices, succession programs, and technology-driven projects. These targeted actions are seen as essential to foster an inclusive environment where everyone can thrive in the digital landscape.
Looking forward, MTN Ghana aims to grow its base of active subscribers, merchants, and agents each year, with a core focus on enhancing customer experience. By promoting the adoption of advanced digital services and self-upgrade initiatives, the company is not only working towards improving its commercial viability but also contributing to a digitally literate society. As MTN Ghana continues to innovate and implement its digital training and community support initiatives, it demonstrates its pivotal role in driving social change and empowering individuals from various backgrounds in the digital age. This comprehensive strategy positions the company as not just a telecommunications provider, but as a key player in the broader efforts to digitize and modernize Ghana’s social and economic landscape.
