Accra: Ms. Constance Swaniker, the Founder and President of the Design and Technology Institute (DTI), emphasized the importance of integrating, uplifting, and formalizing the informal sector for national progress. She stated that solutions should be bottom-up, culturally relevant, and practically grounded while speaking at the 2025 Job and Opportunities Fair in Accra.
According to Ghana News Agency, the two-day event, themed "The Career Expedition: Pathways, Partnerships, Possibilities - A Mindset Journey towards Self-discovery," focused on creating entrepreneurship opportunities. Ms. Swaniker highlighted the role of entrepreneurship, noting that not every young person would be employed by a company, but each could be empowered to solve problems, start ventures, and build livelihoods. The fair included masterclasses on branding, digital tools, and monetizing crafts in the gig economy, with a global perspective.
Ms. Swaniker pointed out the demand for skilled welders, a flagship training area at DTI, is predicted to exceed 450,000 globally over the next decade, particularly in sectors like construction, automotive, aerospace, and energy. She emphasized preparing learners to meet these international demands and the importance of practical competencies in creating opportunities.
She urged the youth to equip themselves to meet job market needs and choose paths that align with their passions while responding to demand. Over the next two days, the fair would feature practical workshops on entrepreneurship, branding, digital platforms, grooming policy forums, advocacy conversations, speed networking, and CV reviews to facilitate real-time connections. Industry-led sessions on monetizing creativity and adapting to the gig economy, as well as discussions with employers across sectors, were also scheduled.
Ms. Swaniker commended the ongoing collaboration with the Mastercard Foundation, highlighting its commitment to systems change and youth employment. With the Foundation's support, DTI was building pathways to dignified and fulfilling work across Ghana and the continent.
Dr. Abdul-Rashid Hassan Pelpuo, Minister for Labour, Jobs, and Employment, remarked that skills are tools for self-discovery and part of Ghana's golden ticket to sustainable development and global competitiveness. He noted DTI's efforts since 2016 in redefining TVET across Ghana and contributing to over 30,000 job opportunities through industry-relevant training.
The Minister called for the replication of DTI's partnership with the Mastercard Foundation, which focuses on equipping young women and vulnerable groups with essential skills and an entrepreneurial mindset, in other sectors such as agriculture, digital technology, creatives, and the green economy to expand opportunities for all.