The event, held at the Central University Accra marked the climax of a nationwide tour that engaged students across 13 universities, bringing together industry leaders to mentor and equip young people for the job market.

Speaking on behalf of MobileMoney Fintech Limited, Head of Legal and Reputation Management, Paapa Osei, said that the organisation’s involvement was driven by the need to position students for future success through mentorship, networking and collaboration. He said that initiatives like Success Africa Summit created a platform for students to gain exposure beyond the classroom and better understand how to navigate challenges.

He added that supporting the programme aligned with MTN Foundation’s focus on education, adding that such engagements allowed professionals to share practical knowledge students could apply in real life, noting that interactions with industry players were key in shaping students’ career paths.

During his presentation, he urged students to adopt a mindset of accountability under the theme “No excuses, just results.” He said young people must take ownership of their journey, push beyond self-imposed limits and remain disciplined in pursuing their goals. Drawing from personal experiences, he said setbacks should not define individuals but serve as opportunities for growth and resilience.

Acting General Manager for Sustainability and Shared Value at MTN Ghana, Georgina Asare Fiagbenu, also encouraged students to prioritise preparation and discipline. She said that success required intentional planning, consistency and the ability to avoid distractions.

Using a nursery rhyme analogy, she said that students must “buckle their shoes” by preparing adequately, “shut the door” to distractions and “pick up the sticks” by putting in the necessary work, noting that access to opportunities today left little room for excuses.

In an interview, she said that MTN would continue to invest in youth development through its foundation, with a focus on building future leaders equipped with relevant skills and knowledge. She added that initiatives such as digital skills programmes were being rolled out to support young people across the country.

She further emphasised the need for sustained collaboration between institutions and industry, noting that continuous mentorship and access to digital opportunities would be critical in fully preparing young people for the evolving world of work.

Head of Personal Banking at GCB Bank PLC, Margaret Obimpeh, urged students to look beyond academic certificates and focus on acquiring practical skills, noting that certificates alone were no longer sufficient in a competitive job market.

She said employers were increasingly seeking individuals who could add value, solve problems and demonstrate strong communication and digital skills, advising students to take advantage of opportunities on campus to build competencies such as networking, leadership and critical thinking. .

Executive Director of the Success Africa Foundation, Albert Kusi, said the initiative was designed to bridge the gap between education and employment by equipping students with industry-relevant skills. He said that the programme had reached more than 400,000 young people across nearly 100 institutions.

He noted that the summit aimed to inspire students to take initiative, develop entrepreneurial mindsets and prepare for opportunities beyond school, adding that despite financial and operational challenges, the organisation remained committed to expanding its impact.

He added that MTN and other partners contributed prizes and resources, including mobile devices and financial incentives, to support students and encourage innovation.