The German Development Cooperation (GIZ), in partnership with 4th-IR and the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST), has concluded the Careers in Modern IT Fields project, a transformative initiative aimed at equipping Ghanaian youth with the skills needed to thrive in the global digital economy.
At a closing ceremony held at KNUST in Kumasi, stakeholders from academia, the private sector, and development agencies gathered to celebrate the project’s impact and chart a path for future collaboration in Ghana’s digital jobs sector.
The project was implemented under the Special Initiative “Decent Work for a Just Transition”, operating through Invest for Jobs, an initiative of the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ). It was delivered by GIZ Ghana, in close cooperation with 4th-IR and KNUST.
Bridging the Skills Gap for the Global Business Services Sector
In his remarks, Simon Hochstein, Head of Component for Invest for Jobs at GIZ Ghana, stressed the project’s strategic contribution to Ghana’s positioning as a competitive player in the Global Business Services (GBS) industry.
“This project has contributed to building a pipeline of skilled digital professionals who are ready to deliver high-quality services for international clients,” he said.
Mr Hochstein explained that by combining technical training, practical industry exposure, and internationally recognised certifications, the initiative has empowered young Ghanaians to compete in both domestic and international markets, particularly in IT outsourcing and Business Process Outsourcing (BPO).
He reaffirmed the German Development Cooperation’s commitment to supporting initiatives that generate decent jobs and promote sustainable economic growth in Ghana.
Addressing Graduate Unemployment Through Digital Skills Training
Dr Ahene, Project Lead at KNUST, highlighted the programme’s role in addressing graduate unemployment, a persistent challenge in Ghana. According to the Ghana Statistical Service’s 2022 Labour Statistics Report, over 20% of tertiary graduates remain unemployed, many struggling to transition from education into the workforce.
“In the digital economy, opportunities are abundant, but they are accessible only to those with the right skills,” Dr Ahene noted.
He commended the project’s outcomes, citing a 95% certification pass rate in both UiPath and SAP, proof of the trainees’ readiness to meet the demands of the evolving job market.
Equipping Youth for Future-Proof Careers
Representing 4th-IR, Bernhard Janischowsky, Chief Commercial Officer, described the programme as a blueprint for creating practical, future-proof training tailored to the realities of the global digital services sector.
“Our partnership has delivered real-world skills development that directly aligns with the needs of global digital markets,” he said.
So far, 120 young people have completed the training, with 33 jobs created in IT Outsourcing roles. The comprehensive curriculum blended technical skills development, project-based learning, and international certification across four high-demand IT fields.
A Call for Collective Action in Scaling Ghana’s Digital Workforce
A major highlight of the event was a fireside chat on the theme: “Strengthening the Talent Pipeline for Ghana’s GBS Sector: The Crosscutting Role of Education and Ecosystem Partners.”
Speakers from the Ghana Hubs Network, the Business Outsourcing Services Association of Ghana (BOSAG), the Delegation of German Industry and Commerce in Ghana (AHK Ghana), and GIZ stressed the importance of collaboration in scaling digital workforce readiness.
They agreed that Ghana’s aspiration to become a trusted hub for global business services will depend on sustained investment in skills development, academic-industry partnerships, and the growth of a digitally empowered youth workforce.
The Careers in Modern IT Fields project leaves behind a lasting legacy, setting a benchmark for future programmes aimed at advancing Ghana’s digital transformation and expanding job opportunities for young people.
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