The MTN Foundation, the corporate social responsibility branch of MTN Uganda, has announced a new collaboration with Uganda Christian University (UCU) to empower Ugandan youth with crucial digital skills. This partnership, formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed at MTN Uganda, underscores a mutual goal of equipping the next generation with the digital expertise needed to excel in a rapidly changing job market.
A key element of this partnership is the integration of the MTN Skills Academy into UCU’s curriculum. This initiative aims to close the digital skills gap and stimulate economic growth through education and technology.
The MTN Skills Academy, launched at the Mobile World Congress Africa in Kigali in October 2022, is a flagship project of MTN’s Digital Skills for Digital Jobs program. It is designed to offer young Ugandans practical digital training in line with the African Union’s ‘Digital Transformation Strategy for Africa’ and MTN’s Ambition 2025, which seeks to drive digital innovation for Africa’s development.
Since its introduction in Uganda in partnership with the Ministry of ICT and National Guidance, National ICT Innovation Hub, American Tower Corporation (ATC), and Huawei in September 2023, the MTN Skills Academy has enrolled over 1,420 young individuals eager to boost their digital capabilities and access new job opportunities. This program addresses the pressing issue of unemployment and limited opportunities caused by inadequate digital literacy among Uganda’s youth, more than 75% of whom are under 30, according to the World Bank.
Stephen Mutana, Chief Strategy and Stakeholder Officer at MTN Mobile Money Uganda Ltd, emphasized the importance of the initiative, stating, “At MTN Uganda, we are committed to ensuring that everyone benefits from a connected modern life, including access to opportunities. Our partnership with Uganda Christian University represents a crucial step in our mission to provide every young Ugandan with the digital skills necessary for success in today’s economy. The integration of the Skills Academy into UCU’s curriculum, particularly within the Foundational Basic Computing unit, will give students a solid foundation in digital skills, boosting their academic and career prospects.”
David Mugawe, Vice-Chancellor of Uganda Christian University, welcomed the collaboration, saying, “UCU is committed to academic excellence and preparing our students for the future. Partnering with MTN Uganda on this initiative will significantly enhance our curriculum and offer our students invaluable digital skills training.”
This MoU marks a significant collaboration between the private sector and educational institutions, aimed at advancing Uganda’s digital agenda. It highlights our shared responsibility to equip youth with the skills required for a digitally empowered future.
Mbasa concluded, “Together, we are making strides in addressing current challenges and paving the way for a brighter, opportunity-rich future for Uganda’s youth.”
In addition to the MTN Skills Academy, the MTN Foundation continues to implement various initiatives such as the MTN ACE program, the MTN Internet Bus, and the provision of computers to educational institutions, reflecting its ongoing commitment to enhancing digital literacy and access across Uganda.