By Juliet ETEFE ([email protected])
The future of Ghana’s digital economy hinges on empowering young people to become technology creators rather than passive consumers, President of Academic City University College, Professor Fred McBagonluri has argued.
Speaking at the ALX 2025 Youth & Tech Dialogue 2025, held in Accra, he emphasised the urgent need for the country to harness the digital revolution by equipping its youth with essential technological skills.
In his keynote address, Prof. McBagonluri underscored that Ghana’s most valuable asset is not its natural resources but the energy, creativity, and talent of its young population.
“Ghana has the unique opportunity to lead, not follow. With over 60% of the population under 25, we are sitting on a goldmine of potential. The question is, how do we empower this generation to drive Ghana’s digital revolution?” he asked.
Power of digital skills
Prof. McBagonluri stressed that skills in coding, artificial intelligence, data science, and digital entrepreneurship are now essential.
As such, to drive digital transformation, he proposed integrating coding into the basic education curriculum, expanding access to tech hubs and online learning for underserved communities, and partnering with global tech giants for certifications and hands-on training.
“Imagine a Ghana where every young person can build an app, analyse data, or launch a tech startup. That is the future we must create,” he stated.
He insisted that the youth must be active participants in the tech revolution by becoming creators rather than mere consumers, calling for structured support for startups through funding, mentorship, and policy incentives.
“We must create innovation districts, science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics (STEAM) villages, STEM schools, technology malls, where young tech entrepreneurs can collaborate and scale solutions for local challenges—from agritech to fintech. Every university must have a technology park, where digital ideas can materialise…The next Silicon Valley could be right here in Accra, Kumasi, or Tamale—if we invest boldly” he noted.
Bridging the digital divide
Prof. McBagonluri stressed that digital transformation must be inclusive, ensuring that no one is left behind, highlighting the need for affordable internet access, gender inclusion in technology, and improved digital infrastructure in schools and communities.
“Talent is universal, but opportunity is not. We need more young women in STEM, breaking stereotypes and leading innovation,” he noted.
Gov’t and private sector
He urged both government and the private sector to play a strategic role in driving digital transformation. This includes prioritising policies such as the Ghana Digital Economy Project, offering tax breaks for tech startups, and investing in youth training programs, hackathons, and local tech talent.
ALX Ghana’s vision for youth and tech
The Youth and Tech Dialogue 2025, hosted by ALX Ghana, brought together industry leaders in technology, youth development experts, innovators, ecosystem enablers, and young talents to discuss digital transformation in Ghana.
It provided a vital platform for collaboration among key players in the country’s technology and youth development ecosystem.
The Country Manager for ALX Ghana, Nana Darko Asiedu highlighted the organisation’s commitment to equipping young people with 21st-century skills that enhance their employability and entrepreneurial potential.
Since its inception in Ghana, ALX has trained nearly 100,000 young people in various tech programmes, including software engineering, data science, AI career essentials, and virtual assistant training.
However, Mr. Asiedu acknowledged the gender gap in participation, with a male dominance and emphasised efforts to bridge this divide by increasing female representation to at least achieving a 50-50 balance.
Looking forward, ALX Ghana aims to expand its reach beyond urban areas, targeting rural communities and high school graduates to foster early exposure to digital literacy and tech skills.
He noted that Ghana’s digital ecosystem is still in its early stages compared to more advanced markets but is rapidly growing due to increased stakeholder involvement.
With the country’s youthful population, ALX is focused on not just producing job seekers but nurturing job creators who can leverage global opportunities and build sustainable careers.
