MTN Uganda To Skill 8,000 Youth

AfriCareers

13 August 2024

5 min read

Following the outstanding success of its initial phase, MTN Uganda's corporate social responsibility arm, MTN Foundation, has launched the second phase of the MTN ACE (Accelerating the Creation of Employment) program. This phase aims to continue equipping youth with essential digital skills, underlining MTN’s commitment to leading digital solutions for Uganda’s progress.

MTN Uganda Launches Second Phase of ACE Program with UGX 4.5 Billion Investment to Empower Youth

The initiative is based on the belief that everyone deserves the benefits of a modern connected life. With an impressive investment of UGX 4.5 billion, the three-year program aims to equip 8,000 youths and create 150 startups, transforming Uganda’s workforce to capitalize on the ongoing Fourth Industrial Revolution.

Collaborative Efforts and Strategic Partnerships

MTN Uganda is partnering with key stakeholders including the Ministry of ICT & National Guidance, the National ICT Innovation Hub, Centenary Technology Services, MUBS Entrepreneurship Innovation and Incubation Centre, and Engage Consult. These collaborations are crucial for the program's success and sustainability.

Speaking at the launch event held at the Nakawa Innovation Hub in Kampala, MTN Uganda CEO Sylvia Mulinge emphasized the company's vision:

“At MTN Uganda, we believe that everyone deserves the benefits of a modern connected world, and access to digital skills is a critical avenue to achieving that aspiration. As the second phase of the MTN ACE program takes shape, MTN Uganda is more committed than ever to empowering the country’s youth to become innovators, entrepreneurs, and leaders in the digital age.”

Mulinge highlighted that the program aligns seamlessly with MTN’s Ambition 2025 strategy of leading digital solutions for Uganda’s progress and supporting the government’s National Development Plan III and Vision 2040, particularly in addressing the high youth unemployment rate.

Phase One Achievements and Future Goals

The first phase of the MTN ACE program, which began in December 2022, saw 185 youths graduate across three distinct tracks: 51 from MTN ACE Tech, 47 from the MTN ACE Career program, and 87 from the MTN ACE Skills program. Additionally, 20 enterprises were selected for ACE Tech acceleration, and 15 for incubation, showcasing the program's significant impact on nurturing youth skills and enterprises. MTN invested UGX 1.5 billion in this initial phase.

With UGX 4.5 billion earmarked for the second phase, the program promises an even broader reach. MTN will establish four regional ICT and innovation hubs in major national public universities across Uganda: Makerere University in Kampala, Gulu University in Northern Uganda, Kabale University in the West, and Busitema University in the East. These hubs will be created in close collaboration with the program’s partners.

Program Focus and Broader Impact

The MTN ACE program continues to focus on three key areas:

MTN ACE Tech: Upskilling youth interested in tech-related innovations.

MTN ACE Career: Empowering fresh graduates with workplace skills and internship placements.

MTN ACE Skills: Equipping both in-school and out-of-school youth with entrepreneurial skills to start their own businesses.

Hon. Joyce Nabbosa Ssebugwawo, Minister of State for Information and Communication Technology (ICT) and National Guidance, praised the initiative: “As we embark on Phase Two, we are more committed than ever to empowering our youth to become innovators, entrepreneurs, and leaders in the digital age. We deeply appreciate our partners’ efforts in developing a digitally skilled and empowered generation. Together, we are encouraging innovation and productivity across people, organizations, businesses, and government.”

Beyond the MTN ACE program, MTN Foundation is involved in several other youth empowerment initiatives, including the MTN Skills Academy and MTN Internet Bus, which provide young people with essential digital skills, enhancing their employability and entrepreneurial capabilities in Uganda and beyond.

MTN Uganda remains dedicated to fostering digital literacy and innovation as drivers of economic growth and development. The second phase of the MTN ACE program stands as a testament to MTN’s commitment to empowering youth and transforming Uganda’s digital and economic landscape.

For more information, please contact:

MTN Uganda Corporate Communications

Email: communications@mtn.co.ug

Phone: +256 312 120 000