MTN is collaborating with the Ministry of ICT & National Guidance, the National ICT Innovation Hub, Centenary Technology Services, Refactory, MUBS Entrepreneurship Innovation and Incubation Centre, and Engage Consult.
This three-year initiative, aims to equip 8,000 youths and create 150 startups in a bid to transform Uganda’s population with digital skills in preparation for high-tech jobs.
18th June 2024. Hon. Min. Joyce Ssebugwawo launched the second phase of the MTN ACE program to continue equipping youths with digital skills in preparation for high-tech jobs.
MTN Uganda is collaborating with the Ministry of ICT & National Guidance, the National ICT Innovation Hub, Centenary Technology Services, Refactory, MUBS Entrepreneurship Innovation and Incubation Centre, and Engage Consult.
This three-year initiative aims to equip 8,000 youths and create 150 startups in a bid to transform Uganda’s population.
The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of ICT & National Guidance, Dr. Aminah Zawedde noted that the success of the first phase of the MTN ACE program has demonstrated the impact that can be achieved “when we invest in our youth and provide them with the right tools and opportunities. The MTN ACE initiative saw 185 youths graduate across three distinct programs: 51 from MTN ACE Tech, 47 from the MTN ACE Career program, and 87 from the MTN ACE Skills program.”
Furthermore, 20 enterprises were selected for ACE Tech acceleration, and 15 enterprises for incubation, underscoring the program’s significant impact on nurturing youth skills and enterprises.
“At MTN Uganda, we believe that everyone deserves the benefits of a modern connected world, and access to digital skills is a critical avenue to achieving that aspiration,” said MTN CEO Sylvia Mulinge.
“As the second phase of the MTN ACE program takes shape, MTN Uganda is more committed than ever to empowering the country’s youth to become innovators, entrepreneurs, and leaders in the digital age,” added Mulinge.
This initiative is particularly timely, as the latest World Bank report indicates that more than three-quarters of Uganda’s population is under the age of 30, with this demographic expected to double by 2060, underscoring the urgent need for job creation.
Hon. Min. Joyce Ssebugwawo said the program’s second phase aligns with MTN’s Ambition 2025 of leading digital solutions for Uganda’s progress and supporting the government’s development goals in the National Development Plan III and Vision 2040, especially in addressing the high youth unemployment rate—a challenge projected to grow as the population expands. She also thanked the partners led by MTN Uganda.
The MTN ACE program, equips learners with digital skills through online classes. The second phase of the MTN ACE Program will focus on the usual three key areas:
MTN ACE Tech: Focuses on upskilling youth interested in tech-related innovations.
MTN ACE Career: Empowers fresh graduates with workplace skills and internship placements.
MTN ACE Skills: Tailored for youths in or out of school, equipping them with entrepreneurial skills to start businesses.
Mr. Peter Kahiigi (CTO of Centenary Technology Services)further encouraged the girl-child to enrol and participate in the program to the end better than in phase 1. “The ICT sector has many powerful women in leadership and needs more to lead tomorrow or else the men will do it.”
“To our youth, we urge you to seize this opportunity and become the change-makers our country needs. We extend our deepest gratitude to our partners, whose dedication and hard work continue to turn our aspirations into reality. Let us continue with this spirit because together we’re unstoppable,” said Mulinge during the launch.
Applications for the three programs—ACE Career, ACE Tech, and ACE Skills—opens June 16th, and will close on June 30th.
Sign up here: mtn.co.ug/ace
