The Senior Manager for Financial Operations at MobileMoney Fintech LTD (MMFL), Makafui K. Mattah, has underscored the need for Ghanaian students to embrace lifelong learning and acquire future-ready skills to meet the changing demands of the global labour market.
According to him, the rapid pace of technological advancement and the evolving nature of work require young people to move beyond academic qualifications by developing practical digital, technical and interpersonal competencies that will enable them to remain relevant, competitive and productive in an increasingly technology-driven economy.
He said graduates who continuously invest in self-development, embrace innovation and adapt to changing workplace expectations will be better positioned to secure meaningful employment, create value for organisations and take advantage of opportunities within the global digital economy.
Mr Mattah was speaking at the 2026 National Youth Mentorship Summit (NYMS) held at the Centre for Biodiversity and Conservation Auditorium of the University of Ghana, where MobileMoney Fintech LTD, as part of its commitment to advancing youth empowerment and preparing the next generation of professionals for the digital economy, equipped hundreds of students with practical insights into digital, technical and interpersonal skills needed to bridge the gap between academic education and industry expectations.
The intervention formed part of the company’s broader efforts to empower young people with industry-relevant knowledge, strengthen their career readiness and position them to seize emerging opportunities in an increasingly competitive labour market.
Future of Work
Speaking on the theme of preparing young people for the future workplace, Mr Mattah said the world of work is undergoing unprecedented transformation, with technological innovation reshaping industries and redefining the skills employers expect from graduates.
He observed that rapid technological advancement has fundamentally transformed workplaces worldwide, making continuous learning and skills development indispensable for young people seeking sustainable careers.
According to him, employers are increasingly looking beyond academic qualifications, placing greater value on candidates who possess practical competencies, professional certifications, industry experience and the ability to solve real-world problems.
“The job market you are entering today is very different from the one our parents entered. Technology has transformed the workplace, and employers now want people who can demonstrate skills and deliver results,” he said.
Mr Mattah explained that while university degrees remain important, they are no longer sufficient on their own to guarantee employment, as organisations now seek graduates who can immediately contribute value in the workplace.
He urged students to adopt a mindset of continuous improvement, stressing that lifelong learning has become a necessity rather than an option for anyone seeking long-term career success.
Digital and Soft Skills
Mr Mattah identified artificial intelligence (AI), cybersecurity, digital literacy, data analytics and big data as some of the fastest-growing skills shaping the future of work, urging students to embrace digital transformation and position themselves for opportunities within the global knowledge economy.
He said the growing adoption of emerging technologies across industries presents enormous opportunities for young people who are willing to acquire relevant digital competencies and remain adaptable to change.
Beyond technical expertise, he encouraged students to develop essential soft skills, including communication, critical thinking, creativity, adaptability, teamwork and resilience, stressing that these competencies often distinguish outstanding professionals from the rest.
“Technical skills may get you hired, but your human skills are what will keep you in the organisation, earn promotions and build trust with employers,” he stated.
Mr Mattah noted that organisations increasingly value employees who can communicate effectively, solve problems creatively, collaborate with diverse teams and demonstrate emotional intelligence in the workplace.
Bridging the Skills Gap
Mr Mattah challenged the notion that Ghana lacks employment opportunities, arguing that the country’s biggest challenge is the mismatch between available jobs and the skills possessed by many job seekers.
“There are jobs in Ghana. The challenge is whether applicants have the skills required to fill those positions,” he noted.
To address the skills gap, he encouraged students to leverage online learning platforms and professional development opportunities, including the MTN Ghana Foundation Skills Academy, Coursera, Udemy, ALX and YouTube, to acquire globally recognised certifications and industry-relevant knowledge.
He further advised students to pursue internships, volunteer opportunities and personal projects to gain practical experience, strengthen their portfolios and demonstrate their capabilities to prospective employers.
Mr Mattah said communication remains one of the most valuable workplace skills, enabling professionals to articulate ideas effectively, collaborate with colleagues, influence decision-making and confidently present their achievements.
He urged students to embrace lifelong learning and continuously invest in self-development to remain competitive in an ever-changing global economy.
“Your degree is only the beginning. Continue learning, acquire new skills and stay ahead of the changing demands of the global job market,” he advised.
Success Africa Reaches Over 400,000 Young People
Executive Director of LEC Group and organiser of the summit, Albert Kusi, described Success Africa as a flagship youth mentorship initiative established to inspire, equip and empower young people to become transformational leaders capable of driving national development.
He said the initiative began nearly two decades ago as a student-led project at the University of Cape Coast (UCC) with the vision of raising leaders of integrity, purpose and impact.
According to him, Success Africa has grown into one of Ghana’s leading youth mentorship platforms, reaching nearly 100 educational institutions and impacting more than 400,000 young people nationwide.
Mr Kusi explained that the initiative was established to bridge the gap between academic education and industry expectations by exposing students to practical employability skills, entrepreneurship, leadership development and innovation.
He noted that the programme also promotes volunteerism, personal development and mindset transformation while connecting students with accomplished professionals who share practical experiences, career lessons and mentorship.
Mr Kusi encouraged young people to discover their purpose, maximise their talents and use their abilities to create value for society through innovation, entrepreneurship and leadership.
Reflecting on the growth of the initiative, he said his passion for mentoring young people has driven him to engage students across Ghana for nearly two decades through leadership conferences, mentorship programmes and campus outreach activities.
He disclosed that the 2026 National Youth Mentorship Summit marked the grand finale of a 13-campus nationwide mentorship tour, which commenced in February and concluded at the University of Ghana after engaging thousands of tertiary students.
Mr Kusi announced that the initiative would continue later this year with another nationwide outreach programme targeting newly admitted university students to deepen mentorship, leadership development and entrepreneurship among Ghana’s youth.
Summit
The National Youth Mentorship Summit, organised by LEC Group in partnership with the Success Africa Foundation, has become one of Ghana’s leading youth empowerment platforms, connecting students with accomplished industry leaders and professionals to provide practical insights into leadership, career development, financial literacy, entrepreneurship and innovation.
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Held under the theme “Youth Innovation & Wealth Creation: Shaping Ghana’s Future,” the 2026 edition brought together students, entrepreneurs, innovators, business executives and professionals to explore how innovation, entrepreneurship and leadership can drive Ghana’s socio-economic transformation and create opportunities for the country’s growing youth population.
This year’s summit received support from MTN, InvestCorp, UBA, Prudential Bank, ACCA, Malta Guinness and Skytech Ghana, reflecting the private sector’s growing commitment to investing in youth development, promoting digital skills and preparing the next generation of Ghanaian innovators, entrepreneurs and business leaders for the future of work.
Source: Isaac Kofi Dzokpo
