The Ghana Investment Fund for Electronic Communications (GIFEC) has announced plans to train 500 girls in coding in 2027 under the African Girls Can Code Initiative (AGCCI), following the successful implementation of a pilot programme that benefited 150 girls across three regions.
The announcement was made by the Administrator of GIFEC, Tanko Rashid-Computer, at the national climax of the AGCCI programme held in Kumasi on Friday, October 2, 2026.
The 2026 pilot was implemented in partnership with the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and covered the Ashanti, Bono East and Northern Regions.
The AGCCI programme is designed to equip girls aged 14 and above with skills in coding, digital literacy, leadership, innovation and entrepreneurship, with the broader goal of increasing female participation in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) and helping bridge the digital gender gap.
Mr Rashid-Computer said the lessons and experience gained from the pilot would serve as the foundation for expanding the programme nationwide.
He said the target of reaching 500 girls in 2027 demonstrates GIFEC’s commitment to promoting digital inclusion and preparing young women to participate meaningfully in Ghana’s growing digital economy.
The GIFEC Administrator also encouraged the beneficiaries to make productive use of social media by using digital platforms to showcase their skills, promote innovations and create opportunities.
He urged the girls to use social media not only for entertainment but also for learning, networking, entrepreneurship and personal development.
The national climax was attended by the Member of Parliament for Kwadaso, the Municipal Chief Executive for Kwadaso and a representative of the Ashanti Regional Minister.
The dignitaries encouraged the beneficiaries to apply the knowledge and skills acquired through the programme to improve their lives and make positive contributions to their peers and communities.
The 2026 pilot was supported by 22 GIFEC facilitators, who received Training of Trainers from the ITU in collaboration with Qualcomm in June 2026.
GIFEC said the planned expansion in 2027 would build on the achievements of the pilot and provide more young girls with opportunities to acquire digital skills and pursue careers in technology and other areas of the digital economy.
