A short time back, I encountered a young fellow called Eric at an Edtech conference in Accra. Having recently graduated from university, he was actively looking for employment. Even though he held a degree in business administration, finding a suitable position proved challenging for him.
"Everybody is demanding digital skills—such as data analysis, artificial intelligence, and coding—but none of these were part of my curriculum at school," he confessed. Eric's experience isn't uncommon.
Throughout Ghana, numerous recent university graduates encounter a stark truth: although their education holds value, it frequently fails to align with the competencies that contemporary, rapidly evolving employment sectors demand from job seekers.
Here is where EdTech enters the scene—not merely as a trending term but as a crucial support system. However, let us pause to filter out the distractions momentarily. Past all the excitement, what genuine impact does EdTech hold for shaping Ghana’s upcoming workforce?
Is it merely about sophisticated applications and web-based classes, or does it have the potential to genuinely close the gap between education and job opportunities? Let's delve into this question.
The skill mismatch: an issue we must address
Let’s begin with an uncomfortable reality: The job market in Ghana is changing more rapidly than the conventional educational system can adapt. There is a surge in positions related to artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, digital marketing, software development, and data science. Yet, how many graduates are emerging equipped with these specific skill sets?
A 2023 World Bank report revealed that over 50percent of youth in Sub-Saharan Africa lack the basic digital skills needed for the modern workplace.
The result?
- Employers struggle to find qualified talent despite high youth unemployment.
- Graduates like Eric feel lost — qualified on paper but unprepared in practice.
So, how does Edtech fix this?
Edtech as the bridge between learning and earning
Edtech isn’t just about putting textbooks online — it’s about creating a direct path from classroom to career. Here’s how it’s already making a difference in Ghana:
Skills-based learning platforms
Platforms like ALT School Afria, ALX, Blossom Academy etc go beyond traditional subjects, offering courses in coding, UI/UX design, AI, and entrepreneurship.
- A high school graduate in Tamale can learn graphic design or app development online.
- A college student in Cape Coast can enhance their data analysis abilities with the help of AI-driven educational resources.
The outcome? Graduates who are prepared for jobs, equipped with both qualifications and hands-on abilities.
Micro-credentials and certifications
Those times have passed where merely obtaining a degree ensured employment. Platforms such as Coursera, LinkedIn Learning, and MEST Africa now provide micro-credentials—brief, focused courses designed to develop particular abilities like Python programming, digital marketing, or cloud computing.
These certifications provide individuals such as Eric an opportunity to demonstrate their abilities to potential employers — even if these skills were not acquired in an educational setting.
Virtual internships and simulations
Imagine if students had the opportunity to immerse themselves in actual workplace settings prior to graduating.
Several EdTech platforms currently provide virtual internships—enabling students to tackle actual projects for businesses from afar.
- A student at a business school in Kumasi could complete a remote internship with a technology start-up based in Nairobi.
- A budding software engineer in Accra might develop AI models for an international firm — entirely using their laptop.
It’s more than just theory now — it’s practical experience.
Professional coaching coupled with artificial intelligence mentoring
Services such as Prepclass and Gradely leverage AI-driven career counseling resources to assist students in identifying their skills, selecting suitable professions, and developing customized study programs. This is akin to carrying a personal career advisor who can guide teenagers through the transition from schooling to job placement.
The path forward: readying Ghana’s workforce for the future
But let’s be honest — Edtech isn’t a magic wand. For it to truly shape Ghana’s future workforce, we need:
- Widespread digital access – Rural students can’t learn digital skills if they don’t have internet or devices. Expanding internet coverage and making learning tools affordable is critical.
- Teacher training – Our educators need to be equipped with modern digital teaching methods so they can prepare students for future jobs — not just traditional careers.
- Partnerships between Edtech and industry – Schools and universities must collaborate with Edtech startups and companies to create job-relevant curricula — ensuring students graduate with skills employers actually need.
A future where learning leads to earning
So, back to Eric’s question: What does Edtech really mean for Ghana’s future workforce?
It means:
- A world where students aren’t just memorizing facts — they’re learning real-world skills.
- A future where graduates won’t merely possess degrees but will also boast digital portfolios and micro-certifications highlighting their skills.
- A team of workers who aren’t just waiting for job assignments but are actively generating new chances via technology, artificial intelligence, and innovative thinking.
EdTech goes beyond education; it focuses on employability. In Ghana, the future job market will be shaped by individuals prepared for what lies ahead—and through EdTech, we can guarantee everyone stays relevant. The coming era is digital, so let’s develop a workforce equipped for this new landscape.
>>>The author serves as the President of the Ghana EdTech Alliance. You may contact him through ghanaedtechalliance@gmail.com
Provided by Syndigate Media Inc. ( Syndigate.info ).