MTN Foundation, the corporate social
responsibility arm of MTN Uganda, has today partnered with Uganda Christian University (UCU) to
empower Uganda’s youth with essential digital skills.
This follows the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) at MTN Uganda, highlighting a
shared vision of equipping the next generation with the digital competencies required to thrive in the
rapidly evolving job market.
Central to this partnership is the integration of the MTN Skills Academy into UCU’s curriculum,
bridging the digital skills gap and fostering economic growth through education and technology.
Launched at the Mobile World Congress Africa in Kigali in October 2022, the MTN Skills Academy is a
flagship program under MTN’s Digital Skills for Digital Jobs initiative. It aims to provide young
Ugandans with practical digital skills, in alignment with the African Union's 'Digital Transformation
Strategy for Africa' and MTN’s Ambition 2025, which aspires to lead digital solutions for Africa’s
progress.
Since its inception in Uganda in partnership with the Ministry of ICT and National Guidance, National
ICT Innovation Hub, American Tower Cooperation (ATC), and Huawei in September 2023, the MTN
Skills Academy has enrolled over 1,420 young individuals eager to enhance their digital proficiency
and seize new employment opportunities.
This program addresses the critical challenge of unemployment and limited opportunities due to low
digital literacy among Uganda’s youth, over 75% of whom are under the age of 30, according to the
World Bank.
MTN Uganda | Media Release
“At MTN Uganda, we believe that everyone should enjoy the benefits of a modern connected life,
irrespective of their background or status and this includes access to opportunities,” said Stephen
Mutana, Chief Strategy and Stakeholder Officer at MTN Mobile Money Uganda Ltd.
“Our partnership with Uganda Christian University therefore marks a pivotal chapter in our mission to
ensure that every young Ugandan has access to the digital skills needed to succeed in today’s
economy. The integration of the Skills Academy into UCU’s coursework, specifically within the
Foundational Basic Computing unit, will provide students with a robust foundation in practical digital
skills, enhancing their academic and professional prospects.”
David Mugawe, Vice-Chancellor of Uganda Christian University, expressed enthusiasm for the
partnership, noting, "UCU is dedicated to educational excellence and preparing our students for the
future. Collaborating with MTN Uganda on this initiative will significantly enrich our curriculum and
provide our students with invaluable digital skills training."
The signing of this MoU exemplifies the fruitful collaboration between the private sector and
educational institutions in fostering meaningful change and driving Uganda’s digital agenda forward. It
is a testament to our collective responsibility to equip our youth with the skills necessary to lead
Uganda into a digitally empowered future.
“Together, we are unstoppable in addressing today's challenges and paving the way for a brighter,
opportunity-filled future for Uganda’s youth,” Mbasa added.
Beyond the MTN Skills Academy, MTN Foundation implements other initiatives such as the MTN ACE
program, the MTN Internet Bus, and the provision of computers to educational institutions to enhance
the population’s digital skills. These efforts reflect our unwavering commitment to enhancing digital
literacy and access across Uganda.
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