Telecommunications giant, MTN, has graduated 80 Africans from its Global Graduate Development Programme (GGDP) to drive the continent’s digital future.
The graduates represent a new wave of Fintech innovators that MTN has produced.
The ceremony, which took place in Accra on November 20, saw graduates from various African countries such as Ghana, South Africa and Nigeria.
Make an impact
In an address to the graduates, the CEO of the Ghana Chamber of Telecommunications, Sylvia Owusu-Ansah, urged the cohort to step into leadership roles within Africa’s expanding digital ecosystem.
“You are 80 people being unleashed to the world to make an impact,” she stated, calling on them to apply the discipline, creativity and resilience gained from the training.
She reminded the graduates that they stood within one of the continent’s most admired technology companies and encouraged them to bring forward their authentic selves in an era shaped by artificial intelligence.
Talent development, digital leadership
Ms Owusu-Ansah commended MTN for its ongoing investment in high-level talent development, as the programme had already produced more than 500 graduates across Africa.
She said the latest cohort reflected MTN’s commitment to preparing young people for roles in technology, digital and business functions.
“The GGDP directly supports MTN’s ambition 2025 by building a pipeline of talent for critical roles,” the telecoms chamber chief stated.
She added that the graduates would be responsible for contributing to the digital transformation of their home countries and strengthening Africa’s technology workforce.
Ms Owusu-Ansah encouraged them to embrace their new roles with confidence and purpose.
She stressed that the continent needed more innovators and problem-solvers who could shape technological progress and address Africa’s development challenges.
“Use what you have learnt to make MTN better, but also to make your individual countries better,” she said.
Women formed more than 60 per cent of the graduates, a milestone which Ms Owusu-Ansah said reflected MTN’s commitment to gender inclusion in technology, further commending the company for its dedication to supporting women in STEM.
The CEO linked the milestone to the telecoms chamber’s SEED for Ladies initiative, aiming to boost women’s involvement in STEM careers within the telecommunications sector.
She emphasised that the graduates were examples of how sustained investment in inclusion could strengthen Africa’s digital landscape.
“I am confident that you will go forward and be innovators, problem solvers and future leaders,” she added.