MakersPlace is equipping Ghana’s youth with AI and robotics skills, preparing them for global competitiveness through hands-on STEM education, international competitions, and innovative training programs despite resource challenges
In the next 10 years, artificial intelligence (AI) will be at the heart of almost every industry, transforming the way we work, live, and interact. For Ghana, projections indicate that AI-driven automation will impact key sectors like finance, healthcare, agriculture, and manufacturing, reshaping the job market and creating new economic opportunities. But the big question remains: Will the next generation have the skills to meet this fast-evolving trend?
AI has already begun reshaping industries worldwide. From self-driving cars and intelligent chatbots to automated medical diagnoses and smart agriculture, technology is rapidly changing the landscape of work. While some fear mass job losses due to automation, experts argue that AI will create new career paths, but only for those equipped with the right skills.
This is where MakersPlace comes in. Recognizing the urgent need to prepare young Ghanaians for the future, MakersPlace is leading a transformational movement in STEM education, ensuring that students are not just consumers of technology but creators and innovators in AI and robotics.
MakersPlace: Bridging the AI Skills Gap
MakersPlace is a technology-driven skills development organization focused on empowering K-12 learners with AI, robotics, and coding skills. With a team of active engineers and educators, the organization is building a globally competitive learning environment, accredited by STEM.org, to equip students with hands-on experience in emerging technologies.
According to Douglas Ayitey, Founder of MakersPlace, the organization’s mission is clear: “We are not just teaching kids how to code; we are preparing them to lead Africa’s digital revolution.”
Through its structured programs and school partnerships, MakersPlace is ensuring that Ghanaian students can compete on the global stage, learning the same advanced AI and robotics concepts taught in top-tier institutions worldwide.
Preparing Ghana’s Youth for Global AI Competitions
Beyond training, MakersPlace is also giving young innovators the opportunity to showcase their talents on international platforms. The organization has successfully led Ghanaian students to compete in major AI and robotics competitions in China, Greece, and Switzerland.
As the national organizer of the AI For Good Competition, a UN-backed initiative under AI For Good, MakersPlace is positioning Ghanaian students to develop AI solutions that address real-world problems. This year’s theme, “Disaster Response,” challenged participants to design robotic solutions capable of addressing real-world emergency scenarios, aligning with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Douglas Ayitey explained, “AI For Good is a global competition that happens in different countries, and the winning team gets the opportunity to represent their country at a world championship. MakersPlace is the national organizer, responsible for the national qualifiers under the UN-backed AI For Good initiative.”
The 2024 qualifiers saw 23 teams from different schools, makers, and hobbyists participating in the competition. The event was open to students between 10 and 17 years, divided into junior and senior categories, allowing them to develop their programming, robotics, and AI skills. My Redeemer School emerged as the winner, earning the chance to compete on the global stage.
MakersPlace has also been at the forefront of Ghana’s representation in global AI competitions. “Next month, we are taking students outside the country for the MRC Robotics Competition. In July, we’ll go to Switzerland for another competition, and in September, Ghana will host ‘Enjoy AI Africa,’ featuring teams from China, South Africa, Uganda, Ethiopia, and Kenya,” Ayitey stated.
Challenges in STEM Education and AI Training
Despite its successes, MakersPlace faces challenges in pushing AI education forward in Ghana. One of the biggest hurdles is limited resources and lack of access to hardware and devices for students.
“Many students don’t have access to laptops, tablets, or robotics kits. These tools are essential for coding, AI, and robotics training, but they remain expensive. We need stronger advocacy and investment to integrate technology into everyday learning,” Ayitey emphasized.
Another major challenge is the lack of support for local STEM education champions. While MakersPlace has been able to sustain its programs through training fees, it remains a privately driven initiative without significant external support.
The Future of AI Education in Ghana
MakersPlace envisions a future where AI and robotics are fully integrated into Ghana’s education system, producing a generation of innovators, problem solvers, and AI-driven entrepreneurs.
“In the next 10 years, a child who starts coding with us at age five will be 15, entering high school with a strong foundation in AI, problem-solving, and robotics. By the time they reach university, they will already have participated in national and international competitions, developed global networks, and be ready for high-level AI-driven careers,” Ayitey stated.
This long-term vision means that Ghana’s education system must adapt. Schools and universities will need to embrace a more hands-on, innovation-driven approach to learning, ensuring that students are equipped to thrive in the AI era.
The impact of MakersPlace is more than just education, it is a direct investment in Ghana’s future workforce. Through hands-on learning, mentorship, and global exposure, MakersPlace is proving that the future of AI in Ghana starts now, with young minds being equipped to innovate, create, and lead in the digital age.
