ELS: MBN360 NEWS
The Youth Employment Agency (YEA) has unveiled a major digital skills initiative that will equip 2,000 young Ghanaians with Microsoft-accredited certifications in high-demand technology fields, positioning beneficiaries for employment opportunities in both local and international markets.
The programme, implemented in partnership with Ghana Digital Centres Limited (GDC), will offer fully government-funded training in cloud and cybersecurity, artificial intelligence (AI) development, Power Platform development, data analytics and data engineering.
The initiative also includes 600 paid internship placements, with applications expected to open soon through the YEA website at no cost to applicants.
“This programme is designed to prepare young Ghanaians for the future of work by giving them globally recognised digital skills that can unlock employment opportunities across borders. Our objective is to move young people from unemployment into meaningful careers in the digital economy.”Chief Executive Officer Malik Basintale
Speaking at the signing of a partnership agreement between the YEA and Ghana Digital Centres Limited, Chief Executive Officer Malik Basintale said the initiative forms part of government’s broader agenda to create sustainable employment opportunities for young people by equipping them with globally competitive technological skill
Government Targets Digital Economy Through Youth Skills Development
According to him, the world of work is rapidly evolving, with digital technologies reshaping industries and creating new career opportunities that require specialised technical expertise.
He observed that many of these opportunities remain untapped across Africa despite growing global demand for skilled professionals in cloud computing, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence and data science.
Hon. Basintale explained that the Agency’s mandate extends beyond job placement to creating pathways that prepare young people for emerging industries capable of generating long-term employment.
Microsoft Certification Opens Global Employment Opportunities
A key feature of the programme is its Microsoft-accredited Micro Degree certification, which provides participants with internationally recognised qualifications accepted by employers across multiple countries.
Hon. Basintale disclosed that Microsoft allocated only 3,000 training slots across Africa under the current programme, with Ghana securing 2,000 places—an achievement he described as a significant endorsement of the country’s digital transformation agenda.
The certification will also provide participants with European Credit Transfer points, enabling beneficiaries pursuing further education to transfer earned academic credits into eligible universities within the European Union.
“Securing two-thirds of the available African slots demonstrates confidence in Ghana’s human capital. Participants will graduate with certifications that carry international credibility and provide pathways to employment and further academic advancement.”Chief Executive Officer Malik Basintale
The eight-month programme will involve rigorous training and assessment to ensure participants acquire practical competencies demanded by today’s technology-driven labour market.
Industry analysts have consistently identified Microsoft certifications as valuable credentials that improve employability while strengthening workforce competitiveness in global technology sectors.
Five High-Demand Technology Fields Selected
The digital training programme focuses on five specialised disciplines currently experiencing strong demand within the international technology industry.
Participants will receive professional instruction in cloud and cybersecurity, artificial intelligence development, Power Platform development, data analytics and data engineering.
According to the YEA, these fields were carefully selected based on labour market trends and their potential to generate sustainable employment opportunities over the coming years.
Beyond technical instruction, participants are expected to develop problem-solving abilities, project experience and industry-relevant competencies that improve their readiness for professional careers.
The programme also complements Ghana’s broader digitalisation agenda by developing a workforce capable of supporting both public and private sector technological transformation.
Government officials believe expanding access to advanced digital skills will strengthen Ghana’s competitiveness within Africa’s growing digital economy while reducing youth unemployment.
Paid Internships and Employment Pipeline
Beyond classroom training, the initiative incorporates practical workplace experience through a structured internship programme.
Hon.. Basintale announced that 600 participants will secure paid internship placements immediately after completing the first phase of training.
Unlike conventional internship programmes, beneficiaries will receive financial compensation while gaining practical industry experience with participating organisations.
“Training alone is not sufficient. We are deliberately creating a complete employment pathway that connects learning directly to paid workplace experience and ultimately to sustainable careers within Ghana and internationally.”Chief Executive Officer Malik Basintale
He further revealed that the programme includes an established employment pipeline that will match graduates with prospective employers both within Ghana and abroad.
The employment linkage is expected to improve graduate transition into the labour market while responding to increasing international demand for certified digital professionals.
Applications Open Soon at No Cost
Hon.. Basintale encouraged interested young Ghanaians to prepare for the upcoming application process, stressing that the programme is entirely free.
He explained that government is fully financing the initiative, removing financial barriers that often prevent qualified young people from accessing specialised technology training.
Applicants will be required to submit their applications through the official Youth Employment Agency website once the recruitment portal becomes operational.
He urged prospective applicants to take advantage of the opportunity, describing digital technology as one of the most promising sectors for career development in today’s global economy.
The partnership between the Youth Employment Agency and Ghana Digital Centres Limited represents one of Ghana’s most ambitious digital skills interventions in recent years, combining internationally recognised certification, practical workplace experience and structured employment support.
With global demand for technology professionals continuing to rise, the initiative is expected to strengthen Ghana’s digital workforce while creating new opportunities for young people to compete successfully in both domestic and international labour markets
