Speaking at the event, Manager for Digital Analytics and Reporting at MTN Ghana, Kwame Adu Manu, described artificial intelligence as “the next frontier” and emphasized that embracing AI is no longer optional.

“MTN has always been at the forefront of innovation,” he said, highlighting the company’s fintech transformation through Mobile Money and AI-powered customer solutions such as “Just For You,” which uses machine learning to study customer behavior and recommend tailored products. According to him, AI is now accessible to everyone, and individuals and institutions must adapt or risk being left behind.

As part of the partnership with Thrive and Shine, MTN would roll out structured mentorship and internship opportunities for scholars under the programme. The internship would run for an initial three-month period, with the possibility of extension, allowing students to work in departments such as Digital Analytics and Monetization.

Mr. Adu Manu noted that less than 30 percent of STEM-related jobs were held by women and revealed that MTN would connect female scholars with Women in Technology at MTN for mentorship and leadership guidance. He encouraged professionals to volunteer as mentors, stressing that lived experiences and industry insights can significantly accelerate a young person’s career journey.

He again emphasized MTN’s track record in digital inclusion, citing the company’s investment of GH¢17.6 million in the Girls in ICT programme, which has trained more than 15,000 girls aged 9 to 15 in web development, coding and mobile app development. He also pointed to MTN’s AI Day initiative, internal AI training sessions for staff, and plans to scale up activities into an expanded AI Week aimed at promoting AI literacy among students, workers and the wider public.

During a panel discussion, Adu Manu underscored the importance of critical thinking and structured problem-solving in AI and data science.

Co-founder of Thrive and Shine, Yvonne Dumor Boakye-Manu, described the conference as a defining moment for the two-year-old non-profit organisation. Coinciding with the International Day of Women and Girls in Science, she reiterated the organisation’s vision of ensuring Africa became not just a consumer of AI technologies but a creator and exporter of AI solutions.

Thrive and Shine currently supports nine scholars three females and six males drawn from six to seven universities across the country, including the University of Ghana, University of Development Studies (UDS), Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) and Kumasi Technical University(KTU).  She announced the reopening of scholarship applications and emphasized that formalizing the organisation has enabled partnerships with corporate institutions such as MTN to expand opportunities for young talents across Ghana. The event also featured a speed mentorship session, allowing students to engage directly with professionals and industry leaders.

Senior Education Specialist at the World Bank, Eunice Yaa Brimfah Ackwerh, noted that sub-Saharan Africa was projected to have 230 million digital skills jobs by 2030, underscoring the urgency of investing in digital competencies. She highlighted ongoing efforts to develop Ghana’s EdTech Strategy and AI policy, expected to be launched this quarter, alongside initiatives that have trained over 70,000 teachers in digital literacy through distance learning.

Bernice Mprere-Gyekye, National Coordinator of the Ghana National Education Campaign Coalition, stressed that bridging the digital divide must go beyond access to devices and connectivity to include equitable access to AI skills and inclusive policies that support rural learners and persons with disabilities.