Accra: The Government of the Republic of Korea, through the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA), in partnership with Hyundai Motor Company (HMC), Plan International Korea, and Plan International Ghana, has launched the Hyundai-KOICA NextGen Project. This five-year initiative, running from 2026 to 2030, aims to enhance Ghana's Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) system by equipping young people with industry-relevant automotive skills.
According to Ghana News Agency, the project was launched under the theme 'Empowering the Youth to Drive Automotive Excellence in Ghana.' The initiative will focus on creating Hubs of Excellence and maintenance technology education centers, which will provide practical learning environments aligned with industry needs and emerging technologies, such as hybrid and electric vehicles.
Mr. Tei-Nobi, a key spokesperson, highlighted the project's focus on gender inclusion, emphasizing that it would challenge traditional perceptions that automotive careers are reserved for men. He stated, "The Hyundai-KOICA NextGen Project gives us an opportunity to create pathways where young women can see themselves as technicians, engineers, entrepreneurs, electric mobility professionals, and leaders. Talent should determine opportunity, not gender."
The Acting Country Director expressed gratitude to KOICA, Hyundai Motor Company, Plan International Korea, and the Government of Ghana for their support. He described the project as a model of effective collaboration between government, development partners, educational institutions, and the private sector. He encouraged young people to seize the opportunities offered by the project, including technical training, practical exposure, and employability skills development.
Mr. Haruna Iddrisu, Minister of Education, highlighted the significance of the project as a substantial investment in Ghana's youth and the future of the country's automotive industry. He noted that the global automotive sector is transitioning towards cleaner and smarter mobility solutions, necessitating an adaptable TVET sector in Ghana.
"The Hyundai-KOICA NextGen Project is a five-year partnership dedicated to equipping young Ghanaian men and women with industry-relevant automotive skills, including competencies in emerging technologies such as electric vehicles, while modernizing TVET delivery through curriculum development, infrastructure, and scholarships," Mr. Iddrisu said.
Substantial progress has been made through extensive stakeholder engagements involving the Ministry of Education, the Commission for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (CTVET), the Ghana TVET Service, Accra Technical Institute (ATI) East Legon, Ho Technical University (HTU), and other key institutions. A review of a new electric vehicle curriculum is underway and expected to be completed by November 2026, with its official launch scheduled for December 2026.
Mr. Iddrisu also announced the identification of sites in Accra and Ho for the development of two maintenance and training hubs, which will serve as centers of excellence for automotive training.
Mr. Ko, another project leader, expressed confidence that the project would have a lasting impact on thousands of young people and their communities. The Hyundai-KOICA NextGen Project is being implemented by Plan International Korea and Plan International Ghana with support from the Government of the Republic of Korea through KOICA and in partnership with Hyundai Motor Company. The project aims to strengthen institutional capacity, improve training facilities and curricula, expand industry engagement, and create greater opportunities for young people, particularly young women, to access quality automotive skills development.