Nova Impact Aims to Train One Million Young People in Tech by 2030

Ghanaian non-profit Nova Impact has set itself a goal of giving at least one million young people technology skills by 2030, saying the effort is meant to narrow the digital divide and open the digital economy to more of the country's youth.

The organisation's Director of Operations, Festus Harlley, outlined the plan to journalists at the fourth Ghana Youth Tech Summit. The event took place on Saturday, November 7, 2026, at the University of Ghana's Cedi Conference Centre in Accra, as first reported by Citi News.

Mr Harlley acknowledged that the goal is ambitious. He said meeting it would depend on long-term commitment, enough staff and funding, and closer cooperation with government and other partners.

"We have a vision that by 2030, we want to train at least one million young people in tech-related skills, and that is a huge projection that we cannot relent on," he said.

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He explained that the organisation's programmes are built around hands-on learning rather than speeches alone, so that participants can put what they learn into practice and each person who takes part gains from the experience.

Mr Harlley described government backing as vital to the plan. He said Nova Impact intends to hold talks with relevant ministries and agencies to form partnerships for running its programmes.

Among the institutions he named were the Ministry of Education; the Ministry of Environment, Science, Technology and Innovation; and the Ministry of Communication, Digital Technology and Innovation, along with other agencies working in the sector.

He also called on government to put in place conditions that allow young people to build their skills, develop new ideas and play a meaningful part in Ghana's digital transformation.

In his view, young Ghanaians already have the ability and drive to succeed in technology but need institutional backing and opportunities.

"The talent, enthusiasm and determination of young people is there; what we need government to do is to create an enabling environment that supports young people to thrive," he said.

This year's summit was held under the theme "Building What's Next: Youth Driving Innovation & Inclusive Growth". It drew young people, tech professionals, entrepreneurs, policymakers, industry figures and development partners to discuss how emerging technologies can shape digital transformation in Ghana and across Africa.

Nova Impact, based in Accra, works to close the digital gap, advance gender equity and empower African youth, women, girls and underserved communities through technology, digital skills training and policy advocacy.

The Ghana Youth Tech Summit is its main yearly event. It aims to link young innovators, developers and entrepreneurs with policymakers and industry leaders, and to give them access to skills, networks and partnerships.

The 2026 edition was organised with Expertise France, with funding from the European Union. Other partners included UNESCO, Amalitech, Bako Ambianda Foundation, Jobberman, Progressive Sage, InovTech, Africa Sales Academy, Africa Prosperity Network, Exports Association Ghana, Veloxa, Gatherwell and Buildive.