MTN Ghana and the University of Ghana have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to promote local artificial intelligence (AI) talent development, research and practical technology solutions through the Tekyerema Pa AI Hackathon ’26.
The partnership is expected to provide students and other participants with an opportunity to identify local challenges and develop AI-powered solutions to address them.
Speaking at the MoU signing ceremony in Accra, Ibrahim Misto, Chief Digital Officer at MTN Ghana, said the collaboration was intended to move beyond theoretical discussions about AI and focus on solutions to real-world problems in Ghana.
“We believe that technology like AI, we don’t want to support the intelligence. We would rather build solutions looking for key points and local problems that we have,” he said.
The hackathon will challenge participants to apply AI to practical problems, while strengthening collaboration between academia and industry.
Mr Misto said the partnership was not intended to remain limited to the signing of the MoU, but to produce measurable outcomes through joint initiatives.
“This is very important, and this is just beyond signing an MOU or having things just on paper… it’s to see impact,” he said.
As part of the initiative, a digital awards scheme will be introduced to recognise outstanding AI projects developed by students.
The awards will include recognition for the best AI project and the best female-led project, with the aim of encouraging practical, industry-focused innovation and greater participation by women in technology.
Beyond the hackathon and awards, MTN Ghana and the University of Ghana plan to support research and organise masterclasses as part of efforts to strengthen Ghana’s local AI ecosystem.
Mr Misto noted that the range of activities would help create an environment for talent development and collaboration between industry and academia.
“We believe with all these initiatives that we’ll be doing together, we’ll be able to co-create an ecosystem that helps flourish the local talent development in the country,” he added.
On whether the hackathon would become an annual event, Mr Misto said MTN Ghana was supporting the programme for the current year, while the MoU would be reviewed as the collaboration develops.
He indicated, however, that the partners were looking towards a longer-term relationship centred on talent development, research and innovation.
