In October, we launched our groundbreaking project in Ghana, which is entirely dedicated to the advancement of women in the IT sector. Our goal: to have a significantly higher number of women working in this emerging sector by May 2027. Through targeted training, mentoring and networking, we not only create jobs, but are also committed to equal opportunities and access to well-paid positions .
Our goals until 2027: Making women fit for IT jobs
The project, which is financed by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) and implemented with sequa gGmbH, has ambitious milestones. By 2027, we want to:
- Prepare 1,000 women for the job market through IT training and provide them with the basics and skills that are in demand in the industry.
- Successfully place 400 women in IT jobs – be it in large companies, start-ups or government technology projects.
- Establish a comprehensive mentoring program for IT talents: 45 companies, 270 female students and 800 young professionals are to be networked with each other and supported by experienced IT professionals.
- Develop and test placement services for female IT professionals in collaboration with 50 companies to create a platform for female IT specialists.
Environmental awareness: An important building block for success
In order to strengthen the environment for women in IT in the long term, we rely on targeted information work. Our project is aimed at:
- 4,000 female students, whom we inform about further education opportunities and career paths in the IT sector.
- 200 female entrepreneurs, whom we educate about digital solutions and the benefits of digitalization.
- 100 companies that will be informed about the opportunities of integrating women into the IT industry.
Strong together: Partners for implementation in Ghana
The project is implemented by AFOS in cooperation with three experienced Ghanaian organisations:
- The Institute of ICT Professionals (IIPGH), the country’s leading IT trade association,
- The Oxford Africa Women Leadership Institute (OAWLI), which works to promote women in leadership positions,
- And WERise, a network for Ghanaian women entrepreneurs that is committed to the professional and personal development of women.
Other strategic partners, such as the Women’s Haven Hub , will also play an active role in achieving the project goals.
The context: Ghana’s digital economy is booming
Ghana’s IT sector is one of the fastest-growing in the country, with an average growth of an impressive 19% per year between 2014 and 2020. With its Digital Agenda , the government is driving forward the further development of digital infrastructure and the digitalisation of public services. This not only strengthens and diversifies the national economy, but also creates new employment opportunities and investment incentives. But one major challenge remains: women have so far only been represented in small numbers in the IT sector and have difficult access to digital professions.
Why women are so important in the IT sector
An IT sector in which women are well represented brings numerous advantages. By increasing the involvement of women, the IT sector can become even more diverse and creative, and companies can access a wider range of talent. Women who acquire IT skills and gain a foothold in this field also often have more stable income opportunities and can improve their position in the labour market in the long term. Through the targeted promotion of women in the IT sector, our project makes an important contribution to Ghana’s economic and social development.
A strong sign for the future
The project shows that digitization can not only advance technical developments, but also contribute to social transformation. With more women in IT professions and a stronger network for female professionals, we are paving the way for a more inclusive and diverse IT industry. Together with our partners and the committed women in Ghana, we are setting an example – for economic development, for equality and for a future in which digital opportunities are open to all.
