In a move to bridge the digital divide and empower the next generation of African innovators, Thrive & Shine has strengthened its mission to bridge Ghana’s digital divide by convening a major stakeholder conference focused on advancing Artificial Intelligence (AI) literacy through STEM education. The initiative brought together students, educators, policymakers, development partners, and industry leaders to explore practical pathways for preparing Ghanaian youth for the future digital economy.
Thrive & Shine has strengthened its mission to bridge Ghana’s digital divide by convening a major stakeholder conference focused on advancing Artificial Intelligence (AI) literacy through STEM education. The initiative brought together students, educators, policymakers, development partners, and industry leaders to explore practical pathways for preparing Ghanaian youth for the future digital economy.
The conference, themed “Closing the Digital Divide: Advancing AI Literacy through STEM Education,” reflects Thrive & Shine’s growing commitment to creating opportunities for talented young people through mentorship, scholarships, internships, and industry exposure. The organization currently supports scholars from institutions including University of Ghana, Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, University of Development Studies, and Kumasi Technical University.
According to co-founder Yvonne Eyram Dumor-Boakye Manu, the organization was established on the belief that while talent is universal, opportunities are not. She emphasized that Thrive & Shine seeks to close this gap by equipping young people with the skills, networks, and resources needed to compete and innovate in the global AI ecosystem
A key focus of the organization is addressing talent shortages in STEM and AI while promoting greater participation of women in technology. Through strategic partnerships, mentorship programmes, and practical learning experiences, Thrive & Shine is helping young Ghanaians move beyond being consumers of technology to becoming creators of AI-driven solutions for local and global challenges.
As part of this vision, Thrive & Shine has entered into a long-term collaboration with MTN Ghana to expand digital opportunities for young people. The partnership provides mentorship, internship placements, industry exposure, and access to technology resources that will help participants translate classroom learning into real-world innovation.
The initiative aligns with broader projections that digital and technology-related jobs across sub-Saharan Africa will continue to grow significantly over the coming years, making AI literacy and digital skills increasingly essential for economic participation and national development.
Through its scholarship programmes, mentorship initiatives, and advocacy for inclusive digital education, Thrive & Shine is positioning itself as a catalyst for developing Ghana’s next generation of AI and technology leaders
