Accra, July 14, GNA – The Ghana Digital Centres Limited (GDCL) and the Youth Employment Agency (YEA) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to implement the Microsoft Skills for Jobs Microdegree Programme, an initiative aimed at training more than 2,000 Ghanaian youth in six in-demand digital skills areas.
The programme covers Cloud and Cybersecurity, AI Development, Power Platform, Data Engineering, Data Analysis and Graphic Design, with successful participants earning joint certification from Microsoft and KAMK University of Applied Sciences, Finland.
The partnership combines GDCL’s role as operator of the Accra Digital Centre with YEA’s mandate to promote youth employment, creating a pathway for young people to transition from skills training into employment opportunities.
Graduates would receive internationally recognised certifications and transferable EU credits accepted by institutions across Europe.
The initiative comes as Ghana’s labour market continues to face challenges matching graduates’ skills with industry demands, while global demand for digital and technology-related expertise continues to grow.
“This is Ghana’s digital economy investing in its own future. We are not just teaching young people to use technology. We are training them to build it, secure it and export their skills to the world,” said Dzifa Gunu, Chief Executive Officer of GDCL.
Malik Basintale, Chief Executive Officer of YEA, said the agency was committed to ensuring that training programmes lead to sustainable livelihoods.
“Every young person who comes through this programme should walk out with a real pathway to work, not just a certificate,” he said. “That is the standard we are holding ourselves to.”
Under the programme, Cloud and Cybersecurity and AI Development will each train 500 participants. Power Platform would cater for 400 participants, while Data Engineering and Data Analysis will each have 300 participants. A sixth course, Graphic Design, has been introduced to strengthen creative and visual communication skills for the digital economy, with participant numbers yet to be confirmed.
Participants who complete the programme would receive QR-verified digital certificates, enabling employers and academic institutions to verify their credentials instantly. Top-performing graduates will also be considered for paid internships, while all participants will gain access to local, remote and European job opportunities through the EDUKAMU platform.
GDCL has already opened enrolment for the Cloud and Cybersecurity course and has introduced an onboarding process designed to support first-time learners.
Applicants receive confirmation emails with enrolment details and instructions on accessing the course.
According to GDCL, learners begin the programme through an online dashboard that outlines the full learning path. The course includes introductory modules on cloud computing and cybersecurity, their relevance in today’s economy, and expectations for participants throughout the programme. Similar onboarding processes will be introduced for the other courses as enrolment opens.
GDCL said the MoU marks the beginning of a longer-term collaboration with YEA, with both organisations committed to monitoring outcomes as participants transition from training into employment.
The Accra Digital Centre would serve as a major delivery hub for the programme, supported by YEA’s network of youth centres across the country.
GNA
Edited by Kenneth Odeng Adade