The Ghana Investment Fund for Electronic Communications (GIFEC), in partnership with the International Telecommunications Union (ITU), has successfully concluded a transformative Digital Skills Training programme for female small business owners in the Oti Region, under the Digital Transformation Centres (DTC) initiative. The two-week capacity-building programme was held across the Jasikan, Nkwanta South, and Kete Krachi districts, provided participants, mainly hairdressers, seamstresses, caterers and Persons With Disabilities (PWDs) with essential digital skills to enhance their businesses, improve customer engagement and strengthen their competitiveness in an increasingly digital marketplace. A total of 40 women were trained in each district, with Kete Krachi recording an additional 2 male participants

Speaking at the climax ceremony, the Administrator of GIFEC Mr. Sofo Tanko Rashid-Computer reaffirmed government’s unwavering commitment to expanding digital inclusion in underserved communities. He applauded the participants for their dedication and urged them to put into practice the knowledge and skills acquired.

The training equipped participants with essential digital skills through courses in Digital Awareness, practical use of computers and mobile devices, basic cybersecurity, social media marketing, and an introduction to digital finance, all aimed at helping them apply technology to efficiently run and grow their small businesses. The Administrator and his team also paid a courtesy call on the Benkuhene of the Krachi Traditional Area, Nana Atakora Gyembibi II, to update him on the training programme, outline the purpose of their visit to the district, and discuss the wider digitalisation initiatives planned for the region.

At the end of the programme, each participant received a certificate of completion, symbolising their hard work, dedication, and readiness to apply their newly acquired digital skills in growing their businesses

Key Discussion Points

• Training Programme: Two‑week digital skills training held in Jasikan, Nkwanta South, and Kete Krachi.
• Target Group: 40 women per district (plus 2 men in Kete Krachi), including hairdressers, seamstresses, caterers, and PWDs.
• Skills Taught: Courses in digital awareness, device use, cybersecurity, social media marketing, and digital finance.
• Government Commitment: Administrator reaffirmed dedication to expanding digital inclusion in underserved communities.
• Recognition : Participants received certificates of completion, symbolising readiness to apply new skills in business growth.