Overview

2025 has been a deeply fulfilling and impactful year, marked by measurable progress toward my mission of bringing global opportunities to local communities. Through strategic leadership, program design, and partnerships, my work this year has focused on youth empowerment, entrepreneurship, digital inclusion, cybersecurity awareness, and STEM education.

Leadership & Innovation in Entrepreneurship and Career Development

A major milestone in 2025 was the design and rollout of two flagship development models:

• Genius IT School of Enterprise and Innovation (GSEI)
• Genius IT Life Design and Career Innovation Program (LiDCIC)

Under GSEI, the Founder’s Forge (Level 1) has already engaged over 50 learners, equipping them with foundational entrepreneurial thinking, innovation skills, and practical business frameworks.
Similarly, over 50 participants have benefitted from the LiDCIC Program, focused on life design, career clarity, leadership, and future readiness.

These models represent scalable, locally relevant approaches to leadership and entrepreneurship education.

Cybersecurity Awareness & Digital Safety Advocacy

In 2025, I led the Genius IT Foundation in delivering cybersecurity education and awareness to over 1,800 participants through the National Cybersecurity Awareness Month Celebration – 4th Volta Regional Engagement, held in partnership with Ho Technical University.

This landmark engagement convened key stakeholders, including:

• Volta Regional Coordinating Council (VRCC)
• National Youth Authority
• Ghana Police Service
• University of Health and Allied Sciences (UHAS)
• Department of Gender
• Armed Forces
• Other public and private sector institutions

Beyond this event, I continue to lead broader national efforts through:

• CyberSecure Ghana Campaign
• Cybersecurity Professionals Network (CPN)

These initiatives strengthen public awareness, promote responsible digital behavior, and build a growing ecosystem of cybersecurity professionals.

STEM Education for Children and Youth

Under my leadership, the Genius IT Foundation expanded its STEM education initiatives for basic school pupils and basic school graduates.

In 2025 alone, approximately 70 beneficiaries received hands-on STEM training. A highlight was the annual graduation ceremony, attended by:

• Ghana TVET Service (Volta Regional Secretariat)
• Ghana Education Service
• Department of Gender
• National Youth Authority
• Other key stakeholders

Their presence underscored the growing recognition of STEM education as a critical pathway for youth development and future workforce readiness.

Digital Skills & Workforce Development

Through Genius IT Brainery, we trained 95 youths and adults in professional digital skills, leadership, and entrepreneurship.
Participants included:

• Teachers
• University students and graduates
• Health professionals
• Working professionals across sectors
• and more

These efforts are directly contributing to reducing digital illiteracy, improving employability, and enhancing productivity.

Regional and Institutional Leadership

In addition to program leadership, I currently serve as:

• Volta Regional Lead, Ghana Chamber of Young Entrepreneurs (GCYE)
• Director of Operations and Strategy, Volta Africa American Chamber

These roles align with my broader commitment to development, enterprise growth, and opportunity creation for young people.

Impact & Alignment with Development Goals

My initiatives, organizations, and programs collectively contribute to:

• Poverty reduction
• Improved livelihoods
• Quality education
• Youth empowerment
• Digital inclusion and innovation

Speaking Engagements & Thought Leadership Impact

Public speaking remains one of my most effective platforms for driving impact, shaping mindsets, and advancing my vision for youth development, digital inclusion, and innovation. Through invited speaking engagements, I extend the reach of my institutions, organizations, and programs, translating ideas into action and inspiring young people to leverage opportunity.

Key Speaking Engagements in 2025

Next Level African Conference

I delivered a keynote session on the opportunities within the digital economy, highlighting practical pathways for African youth to leverage digital skills, technology platforms, and global markets for career growth and entrepreneurship.

Springboard Roadshow

At the Springboard Roadshow, I spoke on innovation through technology, guiding young people on how to creatively apply digital tools to solve problems, build solutions, and create sustainable value in their communities.

Guest Lecture at Taff College

At TAF College, hosted at Perez University College in Accra, I delivered a transformative guest lecture on Personal Branding and Professional Freelancing, gathering students and young professionals eager to redefine their career paths.

The session emphasised building meaningful, value-driven personal brands beyond visibility, introducing a practical Personal Branding Framework rooted in skills and societal contribution.

I also highlighted freelancing as a pathway to financial independence, encouraging participants to develop high-value skills and confidently offer them in professional markets, inspiring renewed focus on personal and career growth.

Ho Digital Youth Conference

I had the privilege of addressing critical cybersecurity issues, focusing on digital safety, responsible online behavior, and practical steps young people can take to protect themselves in an increasingly connected world.

Barcamp Ho 2025

At Barcamp Ho 2025, my session focused on innovation and value creation. I explored what innovation truly means, how it connects directly to solving real problems, and the mindset required to remain consistently innovative in a fast-changing environment.

Impact of Speaking Platform

• Through these engagements, my speaking career has:
• Reached and inspired diverse youth audiences
• Amplified awareness of digital opportunity and cybersecurity
• Reinforced innovation as a mindset, not just a skill
• Advanced the missions of Genius IT Foundation, Genius IT Brainery, and affiliated programs

Speaking continues to be a powerful tool through which I catalyze change, influence perspectives, and connect vision with real-world impact.

Awards and Recognitions

2025 National Youth Shakers Awards

Desmond Kitsi was honoured at the 2025 National Youth Shakers Awards, selected from 126 nominees as one of 30 changemakers for his transformative leadership in digital skills education, youth empowerment, and entrepreneurship through Genius IT Foundation and Genius IT Brainery, solidifying his role as a leading young innovator in Ghana’s development landscape.

Appreciation

I extend my sincere appreciation to all friends, partners, collaborators, and supporters who have contributed to this journey. While I may not mention names, every form of support has been invaluable.

Closing Reflection

The world is vast, but meaningful impact always begins at home. From our local communities, we can create change that resonates globally.

My name is Kitsi Desmond, and these are some of my achievements in 2025.