In Northern Ghana, where access to digital literacy remains a challenge, particularly for young women, Fatahiya Musah is breaking barriers. A nurse by profession, Fatahiya’s passion for technology and community development led her to establish Tizaa Tech Hub, an IT skills training center dedicated to equipping young graduates with essential digital skills. Through the support of NiV’s YES Project and Empower – The Emerging Market, Fatahiya transformed her vision into a sustainable social enterprise, impacting the lives of many young people in her community.
Challenges Before Joining NiV YES Project
“I was struggling with setting up the business plan and securing resources to get started.”
Before joining NiV’s YES Project, Fatahiya faced significant challenges in bringing her idea to life. “I had the idea in me, but I didn’t know how to turn it into a business venture,” she shared. Despite her strong vision for digital literacy, she lacked the necessary resources and strategic business knowledge to launch her initiative. “I was struggling with setting up the business plan and securing resources to get started.”
How NiV YES Project Provided Support
“NiV equipped me with essential skills like business development, customer relations, and sustainability strategies,”
NiV provided Fatahiya with critical entrepreneurial training, funding, and mentorship that enabled her to refine her business model and launch Tizaa Tech Hub. “NiV equipped me with essential skills like business development, customer relations, and sustainability strategies,” she explained. Through the program, she also learned effective communication and pitching skills, allowing her to confidently present her business idea to potential partners and beneficiaries.
In addition to knowledge, NiV provided a GHS 6,000.00 grant, funded by Empower, which allowed Fatahiya to acquire the necessary resources to kickstart her business. “The funding gave me the push I needed to finally establish my hub. Without it, I would still be struggling to bring my idea to life.”
Impact and Growth
Since launching Tizaa Tech Hub, Fatahiya has trained over 43 young individuals, with 33 junior high school graduates successfully acquiring essential digital skills. “We’ve had six beneficiaries move on to study IT-related courses in senior high schools, which is a huge step towards bridging the gender gap in technology,” she noted.
Beyond digital skills, the hub offers a safe learning environment for young girls, preventing them from engaging in social vices or migrating to urban areas for menial labor. “Many young girls in our community face financial difficulties and often resort to traveling south for ‘Kayayo’ (head porter jobs). Through our hub, they can acquire skills that offer them better opportunities.”
Tizaa Tech Hub has achieved significant milestones:
- Successfully trained and graduated 43 participants in digital skills.
- Currently conducting ongoing training for 21 trainees.
- Established three girls’ tech clubs across different schools, promoting early exposure to STEM education.
- Secured partnerships with Tipagya Creative Hub and the IT Department of Tamale Girls’ Senior High School to deliver digital and AI training to 50 final-year students.
- Collaborated with Impact4Development (Togo) to provide virtual tech mentorship to young businesswomen across borders, strengthening international knowledge exchange.
- Fataya was featured by Soronko Academy as one of Ghana’s leading Women Tech Trailblazers, recognizing her role in tech empowerment and innovation.
- Recently won the YCI Catalyst Fund, receiving 5,000 Canadian dollars to further scale her impact.
Social Impact and Future Goals
Fatahiya’s mission extends beyond training individuals. She is committed to bridging the digital divide in Northern Ghana. “We don’t want IT to be a privilege for only those who can afford it. Our goal is to make digital education accessible to everyone, regardless of their financial background.”
“We don’t want IT to be a privilege for only those who can afford it. Our goal is to make digital education accessible to everyone, regardless of their financial background.”
Looking ahead, she plans to expand her reach by training 500 young women in digital literacy, including digital marketing and graphic design. Additionally, she aims to develop an e-learning platform to bring STEM education to underserved communities. “We want to ensure that even those who don’t own computers can still access IT education.”
Overcoming Gender Stereotypes in Tech
As a woman in a male-dominated field, Fatahiya has faced skepticism and bias. “People often doubt my abilities simply because I’m a woman. They assume men are better suited for tech roles,” she revealed. To counter these stereotypes, she continues to enhance her technical expertise and deliver high-quality training. “The best way to build trust is through excellence. I make sure I execute every task with precision, proving that women can excel in tech just as much as men.”
Conclusion
Fatahiya Musah’s journey from a nursing professional to a tech entrepreneur exemplifies the transformative power of social entrepreneurship. With NiV and Empower – The Emerging Market support, she has created a lasting impact in her community, empowering young people especially women with digital skills that open doors to better opportunities.
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