Telecoms giant MTN Ghana has officially launched its ambitious Ghana ICT Hub project, a landmark initiative poised to inject dynamism into the nation’s digital landscape. In a virtual sod-cutting ceremony, the company unveiled plans for the state-of-the-art facility, earmarking a significant US$25 million investment to fuel digital transformation across key sectors like health, agriculture, and education.
Described as MTN Ghana’s most substantial ICT undertaking in its quarter-century of operations, the hub aims to empower the country’s burgeoning youth through comprehensive skills development and the creation of much-needed employment opportunities. The project forms a cornerstone of MTN’s broader “Ghana Innovation Hub” vision, which also encompasses the Accra Innovation City Project and the Ghana Education Platform project.
Speaking with palpable enthusiasm, MTN Ghana CEO Selorm Adadevor painted a vision of a digitally empowered future for the nation. “The Ghana ICT Hub will be pivotal in laying a robust foundation for Ghana’s digitalisation journey,” he asserted, emphasizing the potential to “give our budding youth a chance to transform Ghana in ways never imagined.”
Drawing parallels with the success story of Silicon Valley, Mr. Adadevor highlighted the crucial interplay between academic institutions, investment, support structures, and government backing, alongside a pool of talented individuals. “When purpose meets action, collaboration, and commitment, we get Silicon Valley,” he declared, expressing his hope that the Ghana ICT Hub would serve as Ghana’s own catalyst for technological innovation. “Our aim is to equip the youth of Ghana with the tools to thrive and compete effectively in the global digital economy.”
The Ghana ICT Hub itself is envisioned as a sprawling 4,000 square metre complex, complete with cutting-edge facilities. Construction is slated to take approximately 18 months, and upon completion, the hub is projected to train over 200,000 young Ghanaians in vital ICT and digital skills within its first three years of operation.
Furthermore, it is anticipated to generate over 100,000 jobs during the same period.
Beyond skills development, the hub will function as a vibrant ecosystem, providing office spaces and meeting venues for over 100 tech companies. This incubation environment is expected to foster the growth of innovative startups and drive technological advancements, particularly within the health, agriculture, and education sectors.
Dr. Ishmael Yamson, Chairman of MTN Ghana’s Board of Directors, hailed the project as a “significant milestone” in Ghana’s digitalisation journey. He underscored MTN’s commitment, made during its 25th-anniversary celebrations, to move beyond rhetoric and actively invest in the nation’s technological advancement. “The impact this Digital ICT Hub promises is immense,” Dr. Yamson stated, highlighting its potential to nurture local tech solutions, enhance ICT skills nationwide, and cultivate an ICT-enabled environment for human capital development.
Echoing this sentiment, Minister for Communications and Digitalisation Ursula Owusu Ekuful reaffirmed the government’s dedication to digitalising the Ghanaian economy. She emphasized the vast opportunities the digital realm presents for Ghanaian startups, SMEs, and entrepreneurs to leverage digital skills and capitalize on the expanding digital ecosystem.
For over two decades, MTN has positioned itself as a key partner in Ghana’s socio-economic progress, consistently championing sustainable initiatives. The Ghana ICT Hub stands as a powerful testament to this enduring commitment, signaling a bold step towards a digitally empowered future for the nation.
