The Digital Access and Rural Empowerment (DARE) program is a transformative digital literacy and skills development initiative designed to empower rural communities in Ghana, particularly young women and mothers, by providing them with access to digital tools, training, and entrepreneurship support.
Launched in 2025, the DARE program aims to bridge the digital divide between urban and rural areas by introducing underserved populations—especially girls and women aged 15 to 35—to Information and Communication Technology (ICT). Through structured training modules, participants learn basic computer skills, digital entrepreneurship, online business practices, and soft skills essential for employability and self-reliance in today’s digital economy.
DARE is implemented by GI-KACE Consult, a subsidiary of the Ghana-India Kofi Annan Centre of Excellence in ICT, in collaboration with key partners such as UNESCO, the University of Ghana Business School, and Mastercard Foundation. These organizations work together to create a learning environment that not only transfers knowledge but also builds confidence and community resilience.
The first phase of the program was rolled out in Somanya and Bekwai, reaching about 240 young women, with each cohort receiving intensive hands-on training. This initiative directly supports the national development agenda by promoting digital inclusion, youth empowerment, and economic transformation in rural Ghana.
By focusing on women and mothers, DARE recognizes the critical role females play in community development and seeks to equip them to become agents of change through technology. The program goes beyond skill acquisition—it also offers mentorship, business incubation opportunities, and pathways to financial independence.
In summary, the Digital Access and Rural Empowerment (DARE) program is not just a training initiative; it is a strategic investment in the future of rural Ghana, fostering inclusion, innovation, and sustainable growth through digital empowerment.
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