MTN Ghana, Thrive & Shine Sign MoU to Boost AI Literacy and Digital Inclusion

MTN Ghana has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with youth-led digital initiative Thrive & Shine to promote Artificial Intelligence (AI) literacy, bridge the digital divide, and nurture young technology talent in Ghana.

The agreement comes at a time when artificial intelligence is reshaping industries globally, heightening concerns about digital exclusion and the need to equip young people with relevant skills to participate meaningfully in the digital economy.

The partnership seeks to expand access to practical learning opportunities and position Ghanaian youth to compete in the evolving AI space.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, MTN Ghana’s Chief Digital Officer, Ibrahim Misto, said the partnership aligns with MTN’s commitment to using technology as a force for good while expanding access to AI education across the continent.

He described Thrive & Shine as a dynamic group of young innovators committed to bridging gaps in AI literacy and driving digital inclusion, emphasizing that MTN’s support goes far beyond mere sponsorships to form a strategic, long-term partnership.

“This partnership is not just about supporting an event; it is a journey. As an organisation, we believe agencies like ours must go beyond transactions and sponsorships to become more strategic partners throughout the journey, especially when young innovators are at the early or challenging stages of their work,” Mr. Misto said.

According to him, the partnership will provide young innovators with mentorship, internship opportunities, and other forms of capacity building to help unlock their potential.

“We believe young talents like these have high potential. Beyond guidance, we can also support them with infrastructure, provide platforms for them to test their models, and enable them to learn from different organisations,” he added.

Mr. Misto noted that the initiative fits into MTN’s broader mission of developing young talent in Ghana and across Africa, while contributing to the growth of the digital economy.

On sustainability, he stressed that the MoU reflects a long-term commitment focused on co-creating solutions to societal challenges through AI and innovation, adding that MTN is excited to support Thrive & Shine throughout the journey.

The Co-Founder of Thrive & Shine, Yvonne Eyram Dumor-Boakye Manu, described the agreement as a major milestone for the organisation.

She said the partnership formalises a shared belief that while talent is universal, opportunity is not, and deliberate efforts are needed to close the digital inclusion gap.

“This partnership brings us closer to our goal of expanding opportunities for students and young people who want to compete in the AI space. We want to move from being mere consumers of AI to building solutions from Africa for the world,” she stated.

Ms. Dumor-Boakye Manu said Thrive & Shine will also roll out a series of initiatives aimed at strengthening foundational skills critical to artificial intelligence development.

She announced an upcoming stakeholder engagement focused on science, technology, and data as the building blocks of AI, which will bring together educators, industry players, students, and policymakers.

According to her, the engagement will take place at the World Bank Office and will feature structured discussions and practical sessions to deepen understanding of AI and digital innovation.

She further disclosed that the organisation will introduce a speed mentoring session as a pilot for its broader mentorship programme.

The session will allow participants to interact with multiple mentors across different technology disciplines within a limited time, enabling them to seek guidance, identify areas of interest, and establish professional connections.

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Ms. Dumor-Boakye Manu noted that participants who form strong mentor–mentee matches during the session will be encouraged to enrol on Thrive & Shine’s mentorship platform to support long-term professional development.

She added that the organisation has developed guidelines to ensure accountability and meaningful engagement, stressing that both mentors and mentees will be expected to participate actively and with clear objectives.

She encouraged young people, particularly women in tech, to remain curious, ask questions, and persevere in the industry.

The MTN Ghana–Thrive & Shine partnership is expected to significantly contribute to AI skills development, innovation, and youth empowerment in Ghana.

 

Source: Isaac Isaac Kofi Dzokpo