Ghana is emerging as a competitive hub for Information Technology (IT) and digital services in West Africa, buoyed by its youthful population, growing tech ecosystem, and strategic investments in digital infrastructure. The country has seen a steady rise in IT-enabled services (ITES) and business process outsourcing (BPO), with Accra ranking among the top African cities for technology outsourcing. According to the International Trade Centre, Ghana’s BPO market has the potential to employ over 100,000 people, generating significant foreign exchange and fostering innovation.
Despite this promising trajectory, the sector faces a persistent mismatch between industry demand and the available workforce. While global trends point to rising opportunities in areas such as data analysis, artificial intelligence, cloud computing, and software engineering, many young Ghanaians lack the technical and soft skills required to participate meaningfully in these high-growth fields. Digital literacy, especially among underserved populations, also remains uneven, posing an inclusion challenge in the digital transformation journey.
To fully harness the potential of the IT sector as a driver of youth employment and economic development, Ghana must strengthen its talent pipeline through quality education, industry-aligned training, and inclusive access to digital tools.
Swisscontact Ghana is contributing to Ghana’s digital transformation by supporting young people to build relevant skills for the evolving IT landscape. Through its work in skills development and private sector engagement, Swisscontact identifies entry points to strengthen the talent pipeline for digital and tech-enabled jobs. The approach focuses on improving access to quality training, enhancing employability, and fostering connections between learners and industry.
The IT pillar is geared toward addressing gaps in digital literacy, technical know-how, and employment readiness. By working closely with training providers, businesses, and other ecosystem actors, Swisscontact ensures that interventions are aligned with market needs and inclusive of underrepresented groups, including women and youth in marginalized communities.
Code Connect, the flagship initiative under the IT pillar, is designed to provide practical, industry-relevant training in digital and coding skills. It equips young people with competencies in areas such as web and mobile development, digital tools, and freelancing essentials, while also connecting them to real-world opportunities through mentorships, internships, and job linkages. Code Connect aims to create a pathway for youth to actively participate in the digital economy—both locally and globally.