MTN Uganda empowers 112 youths with digital skills certification

MTN Uganda’s corporate social responsibility arm, MTN Foundation, has launched an ambitious digital skills training program to bridge the digital divide and tackle youth unemployment.

The initiative, which has already seen 112 youths graduate in Computer Applications User Occupation, aims to empower young people across the country with the skills they need to thrive in today’s tech-driven world.

The program, which is being implemented in partnership with Smart Girls Foundation, a youth-led non-profit organization, has already made a significant impact. The latest cohort of graduates includes eight males and 104 females, bringing the total number of graduates to 305 since the program’s inception.

The training, which is intensive and one-month long, covers essential software tools such as Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. The graduates are awarded certificates from the Directorate of Industrial Training (DIT), a recognition of their newfound skills.

According to Josephine Nassiwa, Manager, Wholesale Accounts at MTN Uganda, the program is designed to address the growing need for digital skills in the modern workplace. “We recognize that technology is rapidly changing the way we work and live, and we want to ensure that our youth are equipped with the skills they need to succeed,” she said.

The program is also aimed at addressing the significant challenges of youth unemployment in Uganda, where the rate stands at 17%, surpassing the national average of 11.7%, according to the Uganda National Bureau of Statistics. By providing young people with digital skills, MTN Uganda hopes to create a more inclusive digital economy and drive social and economic transformation in communities.

Smart Girls Foundation CEO Jamila Mayanja praised the graduands for their effort in enhancing their skills relevant in the modern era. “We are proud of the progress our graduands have made, and we encourage them to continue learning and growing in their newfound skills,” she said.

The program is part of MTN Uganda’s broader efforts to support youth empowerment and digital inclusion in the country.

The company has pledged an additional UGX 271 million to Smart Girls Foundation towards the implementation of the second phase of the MTN Girls in Tech program, which aims to equip more than 500 youths with digital skills.