The Independent Uganda: You get the Truth we Pay the Price
This comes as more than 75% of the country’s population is under the age of 30 and a high youth unemployment rate
Kampala, Uganda | PATICIA AKANKWATSA | MTN Foundation, the corporate social responsibility arm of MTN Uganda, has announced the second cohort of its MTN Ace Skilling Initiative. 154 talented individuals have been selected from a pool of 789 applicants to participate in this comprehensive training program designed to equip them with the essential skills to thrive in the digital age.
The MTN Ace Program, now in its second phase since its launch in December 2022, aims to empower young university graduates, small and medium enterprises (SMEs), and innovators through practical training in International Computer Driving License (ICDL), business skills, and technical skills. The program is part of MTN’s Shs 2.17 billion investments in youth development from 2024 to 2025.
Participants in the program will undergo a 12-month training program, divided into three key phases: Ace Skilling, Ace Career, and Ace Enterprise. The Ace Skilling phase focuses on essential technical computer skills and soft skills, while the Ace Career phase provides fully paid internships for 3 months. The Ace Enterprise phase is a business incubation phase designed to nurture startups.
Stephen Mutana, the Chief Strategy and Stakeholder Officer at MTN MoMo expressed his enthusiasm for the new cohort, stating, “We are proud to welcome these talented individuals to the MTN Ace Program.
“At MTN, we are committed to empowering the next generation of entrepreneurs and innovators to create sustainable solutions for their communities,”
The MTN Ace Program aligns with MTN’s Ambition 2025 Strategy, Uganda Digital Transformation Roadmap, Uganda’s National Development Plan III, and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly in promoting inclusivity, diversity, and equity.
This comes as more than 75% of the country’s population is under the age of 30 and a high youth unemployment rate.
Dr. Diana Nandagire Ntamu, Director at the MUBs Entrepreneurship, Innovation, and Incubation Center, commended MTN Uganda for the program’s role in preparing youth for the job market.
“Over time, we have recognised that while universities offer a strong theoretical foundation, they often fall short in equipping students with the practical skills needed to thrive in the workforce,” she said.
“The MTN Ace Program fills this gap by providing our fellows with the essential skills that will empower them to succeed in their careers and contribute meaningfully to Uganda’s economic development,”
Steven Kirenga, GM of Product & Business Development and Customer Experience at Centenary Technology Services expressed excitement about helping young people develop the technical skills necessary to create their enterprises.
“By providing technical training and mentorship, we are empowering these young individuals to become self-reliant and contribute to Uganda’s entrepreneurial ecosystem,” he said.
The selected fellows will commence their training in the coming weeks, and all participants will receive certificates upon completing their programs. Other implementing partners in the initiative include Ministry of ICT & National Guidance, MUBS Entrepreneurship, Innovation and Incubation Centre, Centenary Technology Services, Engage Consult, the National ICT Innovation Hub, and MTN MoMo Uganda.
