MTN, the multinational telecommunications company, is set to expand its MTN Skills Academy across its operating companies in Africa, with a target of empowering at least one million youths by 2025. The academy, an online platform launched in 2022, aims to bridge the gap between digital skills training and job placement.
The MTN Skills Academy was initially launched in Uganda and Zambia and is now set to reach other African markets. In Uganda, the programme was introduced through MTN's corporate social responsibility arm, the MTN Foundation. The first cohort of 185 youths graduated last week, equipped with practical skills in digital technologies to provide innovative ICT solutions for their communities.
Sylvia Mulinge, MTN Uganda Chief Executive Officer, emphasized the company's commitment to driving digital solutions for Africa's progress. "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," she said.
The programme was launched in partnership with the Ministry of ICT and National Guidance, the National ICT Innovation Hub, American Tower (NYSE:AMT) Cooperation (ATC), and Huawei. It aims to provide access to digital and financial skills training across Africa.
This initiative comes at a crucial time as Sub-Saharan Africa grapples with high youth unemployment rates. According to World Bank statistics, over 75% of Uganda’s population is below the age of 30 and faces a youth unemployment rate of 13.3%, one of the highest in Sub-Saharan Africa. The International Labour Organization also noted that of Sub-Saharan Africa’s 200 million young people, around 38 million are not in any form of education, employment or training.
The Broadband Commission for Sustainable Development states that 60% of youth and adults must have at least a minimum level of proficiency in sustainable digital skills by 2025. This is particularly relevant as the International Finance Corporation estimates that by 2030 approximately 230 million jobs will require digital skills.
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