Accra: The Design and Technology Institute (DTI) has called on young Ghanaians to embrace artificial intelligence (AI), technical skills, and entrepreneurship to remain competitive in an evolving labour market. The appeal was made during the 2026 Jobs and Opportunities Fair, organized in collaboration with DTI's lead industry partner, Accents and Art, aimed at equipping young individuals with skills for an AI-enabled future and strengthening the connection between education and industry.
According to Ghana News Agency, Ms. Constance Swaniker, Founder and President of DTI, addressed participants by emphasizing that Africa's primary challenge is not job displacement due to machines, but rather the inability to equip young people with the necessary skills to seize opportunities created by technological advancements. She highlighted the Fair's role in connecting young individuals with employment, entrepreneurship, and career opportunities through collaboration among employers, educators, innovators, investors, and development partners. This year's event builds on the success of the 2025 edition, which attracted over 50 companies and facilitated employment interviews, mentorship engagements, and business creation opportunities.
Ms. Swaniker cited projections from the World Economic Forum, indicating that AI and automation could displace approximately 85 million jobs globally by 2030 but are also expected to create 97 million new roles, underscoring the need for continuous learning, upskilling, and reskilling. She expressed concern over youth unemployment, referencing Ghana Statistical Service figures showing that unemployment among individuals aged 15 to 24 is at 32.5%, with more than 1.3 million young people not engaged in employment, education, or training.
Across Africa, Ms. Swaniker noted that between 10 million and 12 million young people enter the labour market each year, competing for about three million formal jobs. She emphasized that DTI's mission is to address this gap by training young people for the existing and emerging economy, generating over 41,000 employment and entrepreneurship opportunities since its establishment in 2016, with more than half of the beneficiaries being young women.
Representing the Commission for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (CTVET), Mr. Anthony Kwame Seyram Zu, Deputy Director-General, reaffirmed the Commission's commitment to skills development, innovation, and AI-driven transformation within Ghana's Technical and Vocational Education and Training sector. He commended DTI's industry-led approach, highlighting its internationally accredited programs and globally recognized certifications that prepare young people for competitive careers in Ghana and abroad.
Dr. David King Boison, Chief Executive Officer of the Knowledge Web Centre and Lead Consultant for the AI Africa Project, delivered the keynote address, urging young people to view AI as a tool for innovation and productivity rather than a threat. He emphasized that future competitiveness will depend on combining technical expertise with AI literacy, stating that occupations such as welding, fabrication, manufacturing, and design will become even more valuable when enhanced by digital technologies.
The Fair also featured the Accra Floods Hackathon, where participants developed technology-driven solutions to improve flood preparedness, disaster response, and urban resilience. Five finalists were selected from 88 applicants, each receiving US$600 in seed funding to further develop their projects.
The event included the DTI Entrepreneurship Challenge Awards, with five businesses receiving US$10,000 each in seed funding. Presenting the awards, Ms. Swaniker described the finalists as 'Africa's future changemakers' and encouraged them to focus on creating solutions that address societal challenges. The beneficiaries acknowledged that participation in DTI programs, particularly the Precision Quality Internship initiative, provided practical industry exposure and support that strengthened their businesses.
In his closing remarks, Mr. Mohit Sharma, DTI Project Coordinator, urged young people to embrace lifelong learning and innovation, emphasizing that the future of work demands adaptability, creativity, problem-solving skills, and continuous learning. More than 50 organizations from various sectors participated in the Fair, offering workshops on AI, prompt engineering, entrepreneurship, personal branding, financial readiness, and career development, facilitating interactions with employers, recruiters, and industry professionals.