Seventy young graduates have successfully completed an intensive five-month training programme in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Data Science under the Code4Food Security Fellowship, an initiative implemented by Blossom Academy in partnership with the World Food Programme (WFP) and the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA).
The programme was designed to bridge the digital skills gap in Ghana’s agricultural sector by equipping young people with the technical and professional competencies needed to address food security and agriculture-related challenges through technology.
At a graduation ceremony held on June 19, 2026, officials and partners described the fellowship as a significant step towards building a digitally skilled workforce capable of driving innovation in agriculture and related sectors.
Throughout the programme, fellows received training in AI, Data Science and professional development, complemented by elevator pitch sessions, mock interviews, presentations, teamwork exercises and communication workshops aimed at preparing them for careers in the digital economy.
A key feature of the fellowship was its commitment to inclusion and diversity. Women made up 63 per cent of the cohort, while four per cent of participants were Persons with Disabilities (PWDs), including a visually impaired fellow. Organisers said tailored support systems ensured that all participants were able to fully engage with and benefit from the programme.
Participants also gained practical industry exposure through visits to Agro Kings and WARC Africa, where they learned about modern agricultural operations, agribusiness challenges, and the role of data and research in decision-making.
According to organisers, 26 of the 70 graduates secured employment before completing the programme, while efforts continue to support the remaining fellows in finding opportunities in the technology and agricultural sectors. All graduates have also been enrolled on the premium version of DataCamp to support continued learning and skills development.
Speaking at the ceremony, WFP Country Director Aurore Rusiga commended Blossom Academy, trainers, mentors and technical partners for delivering a rigorous and industry-relevant programme.
“The projects showcased innovative approaches to addressing food security challenges while highlighting the role digital technologies can play in improving agricultural productivity and food systems management,” she said.
Rusiga also expressed appreciation to the Government of the Republic of Korea and KOICA for their support, noting that the investment contributes to both individual career development and Ghana’s digital innovation and food security resilience.
One of the programme’s standout innovations was MaizeSecure, an AI-powered Fall Armyworm monitoring and advisory system developed to support maize farmers in Ghana. The project, which uses data analysis, feature engineering and deep learning to detect infestations and provide timely recommendations, won the Best Overall Project Award.
“Leading the MaizeSecure team was a rewarding experience. Winning Best Overall Project reflects the team’s dedication, collaboration and commitment to using technology to solve real challenges faced by farmers,” said Team Lead Paula Manye Herzuh.
Facilitator Henry Kusodzi described the diversity of the cohort as one of the programme’s greatest strengths, noting that participants from different backgrounds developed into a strong learning community through collaboration and peer learning.
The Code4Food Security Fellowship is expected to contribute significantly to Ghana’s digital economy while strengthening the use of technology to improve agricultural productivity, food systems and resilience.
