Empowering Uganda's Youth: MTN Foundation Launches MTN Skills Academy

In a groundbreaking move, MTN Uganda's corporate social responsibility arm, the MTN Foundation, has introduced the innovative MTN Skills Academy. This online platform is poised to transform the lives of Uganda's youth and bridge the digital divide that has hindered their progress for too long.

?A Collaborative Effort for Digital Empowerment

In collaboration with esteemed partners such as the Ministry of ICT and National Guidance, the National ICT Innovation Hub, American Tower Corporation (ATC), and Huawei, the MTN Skills Academy aligns seamlessly with Uganda's National Development Plan III, Digital Vision 2040, and the National Digital Transformation Roadmap. Its primary goal is to offer comprehensive digital and financial skills training to the youth of Uganda and the wider African continent. This initiative aims to catalyze job creation and open up numerous employment opportunities.

?A Pledge to Drive Digital Solutions

During the grand launch at the ATC Digital Community in Mukono District, Sylvia Mulinge, the Chief Executive Officer of MTN Uganda, highlighted the pivotal role of the MTN Skills Academy. She emphasized MTN's commitment to advancing digital solutions for Africa's progress. Mulinge stated, "With the launch of the MTN Skills Academy in Uganda, we aim to equip the country’s youth, who are at the forefront of digitalization, with the necessary skills to advance the digitalization agenda and drive the nation’s progress."

?Addressing a Pressing Issue

Mulinge also pointed out that the MTN Skills Academy would play a critical role in addressing the challenges faced by Uganda's youth, who make up the majority of the population but remain one of the most vulnerable groups in the country. The statistics from the World Bank reveal that over 75% of Uganda's population is below the age of 30. Furthermore, Uganda grapples with one of the highest youth unemployment rates in Sub-Saharan Africa, currently standing at 13.3%. The International Finance Corporation estimates that by 2030, approximately 230 million jobs will require digital skills.

?Government Applause

Hon. Joyce Nabbosa Ssebugwawo, the Minister of State for Information, Communications, and Technology, commended MTN for its continuous commitment to innovation and its role in driving Uganda's sustainable development through ICT. She stated, "We acknowledge that progress can only be achieved collaboratively. I extend my gratitude to MTN for continually seeking and implementing innovations that propel our digitalization agenda forward."

?Strong Support from Digitalization Partners

The launch event also witnessed the enthusiastic participation of renowned digitalization partners, including Huawei and ATC, who welcomed this innovation with open arms and pledged their unwavering support for the program.

?Fostering Sustainable Economic Growth

Nompilo Morafo, MTN Group Chief Sustainability and Corporate Affairs Officer, emphasized that the MTN Skills Academy would not only address the digital skills shortage but also contribute to sustainable economic growth in Uganda. She stated, "In a world where digital literacy is as crucial as reading and writing, the MTN Skills Academy serves as a testament to our commitment to Uganda’s sustainable development."

?A Continent-Wide Vision

MTN's commitment to empowering youth extends beyond Uganda's borders, as the company plans to roll out the MTN Skills Academy across all its operating companies in Africa. Their goal is to empower at least one million youths by 2025.

?Complementary Initiatives

It's essential to note that MTN Uganda has complementary initiatives under the MTN ACE program, aimed at empowering youth to leverage ICTs for Uganda’s socioeconomic transformation. The first cohort of 185 youths will graduate today, armed with practical skills in digital technologies to provide innovative ICT solutions for their communities.

?A Dedication to Progress

MTN remains steadfast in its dedication to supporting Uganda's youth and delivering digital solutions for Africa's progress. They firmly believe that everyone deserves the benefits of a modern connected life.

?About MTN Uganda Foundation

The MTN Uganda Foundation is a nonprofit legal entity inaugurated in July 2007 to implement MTN Uganda's Corporate Social Investments (CSI). MTN Uganda invests 1% of net profit after tax into the Foundation for community initiatives, with a focus on Economic Empowerment, Education, Health, and humanitarian response. They prioritize projects that utilize innovative, technology-driven solutions.

About MTN Uganda

MTN Uganda is a leading telecoms company in Uganda, with a primary objective of operating a national telecommunications network. They offer network services, digital and financial technology services, interconnect and roaming, sale of mobile devices, and MTN Mobile Money. MTN has a presence in all 134 districts of Uganda, serving millions of subscribers.

?About the MTN Group

The MTN Group, launched in 1994, is a leading emerging market operator with a clear vision to lead the delivery of a bold new digital world to their 240 million customers in 21 countries in Africa and the Middle East. Their strategy focuses on growth in data, fintech, and digital businesses, with a strong commitment to providing a modern connected life to everyone. The MTN Group is listed on the JSE Securities Exchange in South Africa under the share code “MTN”.

#MTNUGANDA Mulinge Sylvia M.B.S Rhona. A. Kyongera , MBA Prisca Baike #MTNSKILLSACADEMY

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