ACCRA, GHANA – 20 November 2025 -The Design & Technology Institute (DTI), Ghana’s leading private Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institution, has graduated its sixth cohort of 328 students since its establishment in 2019. The ceremony, held on Thursday, 20 November 2025 at the Agape New Testament Church in Accra, was organised under the theme “Character By Design: Building Tomorrow With Purpose.” It marked yet another significant milestone for an institution that continues to set new standards for technical education excellence across West Africa.
In partnership with the Mastercard Foundation, DTI continues to equip young Ghanaians through its flagship programmes in Precision Welding and Fabrication, Design, Innovation, and Entrepreneurship. Of the 328 graduates, women constituted 55 percent — a remarkable achievement in a field traditionally dominated by males. DTI’s holistic approach blends technical training with strong character-building, producing graduates who are not only skilled but ready for real workplace environments.
“Education builds skill. Character transforms societies,” said Constance Elizabeth Swaniker, Founder and President of DTI. She stressed the importance of soft skills in enhancing teamwork, communication, and leadership in today’s dynamic world. Swaniker highlighted initiatives such as the DTI Challenge, Creative Arts, and co-curricular activities as essential tools that help learners discover their voice, develop emotional intelligence, and build lifelong confidence. “Technical ability may open the door — but character, adaptability, and soft skills determine how far you go.”
This year’s graduation follows the October launch of DTI’s state-of-the-art Welding Training and Testing Centre, a groundbreaking facility featuring a 40-booth welding workshop, digital welding simulators, and a metallurgical testing laboratory. The centre strengthens Ghana’s positioning as a regional hub for internationally accredited welding and fabrication skills. DTI remains the only dual TVET institution in Ghana, offering both theoretical and practical training within a production school model — a rare innovation in West Africa.
Keynote speaker Will Senyo, Co-Founder and CEO of Impact Hub Accra, addressed the graduates on innovation and entrepreneurship. With over 15 years of experience in Africa’s innovation ecosystem, Senyo has mobilised more than $10 million in programme financing. He also led the development of the 20,000 sqm Ako Adjei Park innovation district, home to global VC-backed firms, startups, and social entrepreneurs. His message encouraged graduates to embrace creativity, resilience, and leadership as they enter the world of work.
During the ceremony, students received institutional certificates and competed for awards including Best Design Innovation, Best Entrepreneurship, Exemplary Leadership, and Overall Best Student. These honours reflect DTI’s commitment to recognising excellence and inspiring continuous improvement.
DTI’s strong employability record continues to set it apart. Over 70 percent of its graduates secure employment in sectors such as telecommunications, engineering, welding and fabrication, fashion and design, insurance, interior design, media, hospitality, and technology. Others have launched successful businesses with incubation support and seed funding. The institute’s 70 percent employability score, verified by the International Finance Corporation (IFC), highlights its effective co-designed curricula, entrepreneurship focus, and industry-driven training model.
DTI also works closely with the Ghana Standards Authority, the Commission for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (CTVET), and the National Development Planning Commission to help shape national TVET policy. Support from the Mastercard Foundation’s Precision Manufacturing and Job Creation programme has expanded DTI’s influence and enabled thousands of young people, especially women and vulnerable groups, to access quality technical education.
As DTI continues to redefine technical training in Ghana and Africa, the 2025 graduation ceremony was more than a celebration of academic success — it was a declaration that Ghana’s youth are prepared, empowered, and ready to drive the country’s industrial transformation.
About the Design and Technology Institute (DTI)
Founded in 2016, DTI is a privately accredited TVET institution dedicated to youth employment and skills development. It specialises in Welding and Fabrication, Design Innovation and Entrepreneurship, and Precision Manufacturing. DTI trains young people aged 18–27 from SHSs, Technical Institutes, and Universities across Ghana.
🌍 Website: www.dtiafrica.com
About the Mastercard Foundation
The Mastercard Foundation works with mission-driven organisations to create dignified employment opportunities for young people in Africa and Indigenous communities in Canada. Established in 2006, it is one of the world’s largest private foundations, focusing on education, financial inclusion, and equitable development.
🌍 Website: www.mastercardfdn.org
About Young Africa Works
Young Africa Works is the Foundation’s flagship strategy aimed at enabling 30 million young Africans, especially women, to access dignified work by 2030. The programme operates in Ghana, Rwanda, Ethiopia, Kenya, Uganda, Senegal, and Nigeria.
Media Contact – Design & Technology Institute
📞 Mohit Sharma – Project Coordinator
📞 Ernest Frempong – Executive Assistant, Office of the President
📧 info@dtiafrica.com
🌍 www.dtiafrica.com
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