The two-week intensive training which was held at MTAC Mbale Campus and Mahanga Senior Secondary School in Nagongera Sub County in Tororo District, was delivered in collaboration with the Maendeleo Foundation, providing participants with foundational ICT skills, empowering them to explore opportunities in education, entrepreneurship, and employment.

The graduation ceremony follows similar graduations in Western Uganda, where 378 youth, including 217 women, completed the program in September, and in Northern Uganda, where over 100 individuals graduated last month.

Allan Njagala, MTN Uganda’s Head of Commercial Eastern Region, speaking at the graduation ceremony at the MTAC Mbale Campus, underscored MTN’s ongoing commitment to ensuring inclusivity and diversity in the digital space. “We firmly believe that everyone, regardless of background, should have access to the benefits of a modern, connected life,” he said. “This initiative is more than just about teaching digital skills, it is about empowering individuals, embracing diversity, and ensuring a future where all Ugandans can thrive in the digital economy.”

The Digital Literacy Program aligns with MTN Uganda’s Ambition 2025 Strategy, focusing on driving nationwide digital and financial inclusion. This initiative also supports Uganda’s Vision 2040, National Development Plan III, and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, contributing to a more equitable and inclusive digital economy.

Since its inception in 2022, MTN’s Digital Literacy Program worth UGX500 million has reached out to 4,224 Ugandans, including 2,009 women and 2,215 men, across three phases. The program is set to continue its expansion with the goal of empowering one million young people by 2025 through the MTN Skills Academy.

Meanwhile, the graduation ceremony also featured a quiz for the graduates, with top performers receiving laptops and internet access to further enhance their digital learning experience.

The Inspector of Schools for Mbale City, Wangwe Moses applauded MTN Uganda for the digital literacy program and said it aligns perfectly with the country’s National Digital Transformation Roadmap, Vision 2040, and the National Development Plan III.

See also: ITU Secretary-General, Doreen Bogdan-Martin applauds Uganda’s digital transformation roadmap

“To the graduates, this graduation marks the beginning of your journey. The skills you have gained are tools to shape your future and uplift your communities,” Wangwe said. “I encourage you to continue learning and exploring. Technology evolves rapidly, and with it, so do opportunities.” Adding “Embrace this dynamic world with curiosity and determination. Seek to innovate, collaborate, and contribute solutions that address the challenges faced by your communities.”

In support of the Digital Literacy Program, MTN Uganda has also established 57 ICT labs across educational institutions nationwide designed to provide thousands of students with access to state-of-the-art digital resources and learning opportunities.

The post 253 Youth in Eastern Uganda Graduate From MTN’s Digital Literacy Program appeared first on PC Tech Magazine.

Rt Hon. Nabbanja applauded Huawei Technologies Uganda for their support and the opportunities they have created for Ugandans (mostly the youth) to explore their potential on a global level in ICTs —on top of their commitment to the technological advancement of Uganda over the years.

As Huawei’s flagship corporate social responsibility program, the LEAP program has been held consecutively in Uganda since its launch in 2016. To date, 50 Ugandans have benefited from this program through physical training that is held in China, and 162 beneficiaries have joined the program virtually and obtained certificates.

Along with other participants around the world, the five Ugandans will have the opportunity to explore and attend various trainings in areas of;

• Technology and innovation: Basic and advanced levels will be proposed to have a better understanding of key technologies such as 5G, cloud computing, and AI. You will also hear from scientists, experts, or professors who share their perspectives on a wide range of topics from cyber security to smart cities.
• Discovering Huawei: This set of courses has been designed to give a glimpse at Huawei’s history and technological developments from different angles: a corporate presentation showcasing the evolution of the company, and virtual tours of the Huawei campus and flagship stores to discover the different aspects of the company.
• Leadership and career development: Discover the 7 habits of highly successful people, learn how to work in a cross-cultural environment understand the strategic leadership model, etc.
• Traditional and modern China: Chinese culture discovery remains a key feature of the program. Specially selected Chinese documentaries and virtual tours of Chinese scenic spots are available anytime to provide flexibility for the participants to enjoy at your rhythm.

Mr. Ssali Gao, the Deputy Managing Director of Huawei Technologies (Uganda) Co. Limited highlighted that Huawei acknowledges ICT has become a crucial growth engine for many different industries in Uganda.

As a global ICT leader, Gao noted that Huawei is committed to promoting ICT industry development in Uganda, and aims to drive long-term economic, social, and environmental sustainability. In addition, the technology firm also seeks to close the gap between knowledge learned in the classroom and the skills required by the industry and enhance knowledge transfer. This is done through its programs such as the DigiTruck Project, Huawei ICT Academy, Huawei ICT Competitions, Seeds for the Future program, and the ICT Job Fair, among other programs.

The main reason for having these initiatives by Huawei Technologies is talent development is crucial for the growth of any industry —and as a result, across the ICT talent ecosystem, there is an urgent need for large numbers of technical staff who can address the challenges posed by this transformation.

The five, merit selected Ugandan participants, alongside other global participants will have the opportunity to explore and attend various trainings in areas of;

The post Prime Minister, Robinah Nabbanja Flags Off Five Ugandans for Huawei’s LEAP Digital Talent Training in China appeared first on PC Tech Magazine.

The AVR Cluster Center is designed to address longstanding challenges in STEMI education, where complex and abstract concepts often require more than traditional teaching methods can provide. With AVR technology, students at UICT can now learn in immersive, interactive environments that make learning engaging and accessible. This 20-seat lab facility is equipped with advanced VR headsets, AR glasses, smart screens, and high-performance computers. The AVR Center offers tools for 3D modeling, virtual labs, and interactive simulations, empowering students with hands-on experiences that bridge theory and practical application.

Dr. Fredrick Kitoogo highlighting the potential of AVR technology to address critical obstacles in education said education, particularly in Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics, and Innovation (STEMI) subjects, faces significant challenges. “Complex and abstract concepts are difficult to teach and understand within traditional classroom settings. Insufficient student engagement, uncontextualized learning, and limited teacher-student collaboration further compound these challenges,” he said. “The introduction of AVR technology promises to address these issues by providing immersive, interactive, and contextualized learning experiences that make complex concepts accessible and engaging for all students.”

The launch of the AVR Cluster Center is a testament to UICT’s commitment to fostering a knowledge-based economy in Uganda, where technological advancements play a central role in economic development. Dean Munene, Chair of the Governing Council at UICT, elaborated on the institution’s vision.

“In a world where technology shapes nearly every aspect of our lives, the decision to incorporate AVR into teaching and learning at UICT stems from a need to modernize our educational methods, enhance student engagement, and equip our learners with skills that are essential for success in the digital age,” he remarked. “This lab provides our students and faculty with hardware platforms and experimental devices that facilitate the creation of digital environments, promoting active student engagement.”

The government has robustly supported this initiative through the Ministry of ICT and National Guidance. Dr. Aminah Zawedde, Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of ICT and National Guidance, underscored the collective effort required to drive Uganda’s digital transformation.

“As we move forward, let us remember that our journey toward a knowledge-based economy is a collective effort,” said Dr. Zawedde. “The government remains committed to providing the necessary support and creating an enabling environment for this and other digital initiatives to thrive.” She added, “Together, we will ensure that Uganda’s digital transformation is inclusive, impactful, and sustainable.”

Hon. Dr. Chris Baryomunsi, Minister of ICT and National Guidance, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the importance of stakeholder collaboration to foster innovation, support research, and promote new technologies that benefit society.

The Uganda Communications Commission (UCC) has also committed resources to ensure the AVR Center’s success. Eng. Christine Mugimba, Director of ICT and Research at UCC, reaffirmed UCC’s dedication to advancing Uganda’s digital agenda through initiatives like UICT’s AVR Cluster Center.

“As UCC, we’re committed to empowering UICT’s new AVR Cluster Center with cutting-edge tech, expert training, and industry opportunities for students and researchers,” she said. “Uganda’s most valuable resource is its people, and through human capacity development, we will drive our nation’s digital agenda forward.”

UICT’s AVR Cluster Center represents a strategic step toward empowering Uganda’s youth with the skills and knowledge necessary to thrive in a technology-driven world. Through immersive, mixed-reality learning experiences, UICT is setting a precedent for the future of education in Uganda, one that prepares students for the demands of a rapidly evolving digital economy.

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This initiative aims to support the 392 students aged 13 to 20 at St. Joseph Seminary Nyenga, equipping them with the essential tools needed to thrive in today’s digital landscape.

“This is not just about handing over the equipment, it’s about opening doors to knowledge and opportunities for our youth,” said MTN Foundation Senior Manager Bryan Mbasa. “We believe that everyone, regardless of their background, deserves the chance to benefit from a modern connected life. This donation is a vital step in empowering the next generation of leaders, innovators, and problem solvers.”

The Rector of St. Joseph Seminary Nyenga Fr. Eugene Safari expressed gratitude for MTN Uganda’s generous support saying “The commitment to providing us with a fully equipped computer lab truly highlights its dedication to empowering our future leaders with the skills they need to thrive in today’s digital world.”

Dr. Monsignor Richard Kayondo, the Vicar General of Lugazi Diocese said the lab will give the students access to modern technology and digital resources, helping to cultivate a skilled and tech-savvy workforce for a brighter tomorrow. Monsignor, who doubles as the Chairperson Board of Directors, St Joseph Seminary Nyenga, urged seminarians to use the computer lab responsibly.

Mbasa noted that access to technology is only the beginning and the real impact comes from how students utilize these resources —while encouraging students and teachers to embrace this opportunity to explore, learn, and prepare for their futures.”

The donation aligns with MTN Uganda’s Ambition 2025 Strategy, which focuses on driving digital transformation across the country. This initiative also supports Uganda’s Vision 2040 and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals by promoting digital literacy and capability nationwide.

As part of its Digital Access Program, MTN Uganda is investing over UGX390 million this year to establish computer labs in various schools and communities across Uganda, including St. Catherine Girls Secondary School and Tunaweza Foundation, making St. Joseph’s Seminary Nyenga, the third beneficiary

Also read:

• • MTN Foundation launches the second cohort of the MTN ACE program, welcoming 154 fellows
  • MTN Foundation, UCU partner to equip students with digital skills

Schools set to benefit from this initiative include Revival Girls in Mbarara District, and St. John’s Secondary School in Sheema District as well as Code Campus a digital literacy community organization operation in the slums of Kampala.

MTN Uganda has so far established over 57 ICT labs in educational institutions nationwide, including six technical institutes including Amelo Technical Institute (Adjumani), St. Simon Peter’s Vocational Training Centre (Hoima), Millenium Vocational Training Centre (Hoima), Uganda Technical Institute (Masindi), Kasese Polytechnic, and St. Daniel Comboni Polytechnic (Moroto).

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Stephen Mutana, the Chief Strategy and Stakeholder Officer at MTN Mobile Money (U) Limited expressed his enthusiasm for the new cohort. “We are proud to welcome these talented individuals to the MTN Ace Program,” he told the press. “We are committed to empowering the next generation of entrepreneurs and innovators to create sustainable solutions for their communities —through initiatives like this.”

The selected fellows will commence their training in the coming weeks.

The training is divided into three key phases: the ACE Skilling Program, which offers foundational skills in essentials of computing, technical, and soft skills; ACE Career, which provides fully paid internships for 3 months; and ACE Enterprise, a business incubation phase designed to nurture startups that cover 6 months.

Participants will first complete a three-month online training program under the ACE Skilling phase, which focuses on essential technical computer skills and soft skills. Top-performing fellows will either advance to the ACE Career or ACE Enterprise pathways, where they will be evaluated for internship placements or business incubation opportunities.

The MTN ACE Program continues to position itself as a critical tool in addressing youth unemployment in Uganda. With 75% of the country’s population under 30 years and a youth unemployment rate of 13.3%, programs like MTN ACE are essential in equipping youth with the skills necessary for job creation and innovation.

In collaboration with key partners, including the Ministry of ICT & National Guidance, MUBS Entrepreneurship, Innovation and Incubation Centre, Centenary Technology Services, Engage Consult, the National ICT Innovation Hub, and MTN Mobile Money (U) Limited, MTN is committed to supporting youth-led startups, enhancing employability through digital skills for digital jobs, and bridging gaps in the country’s digital and entrepreneurial ecosystems.

Steven Kirenga, the General Manager of Product & Business Development and Customer Experience at Centenary Technology Services expressed enthusiasm about assisting youth in acquiring technical skills that will empower them to establish their businesses.

“We are excited about helping the youths with technical skills that will enable them to create their enterprises,” said Kirenga —while he emphasized that the MTN ACE program will be anchored in the Digital Transformation Roadmap, guiding participants to focus their innovative ideas on national priority sectors such as commercial agriculture, oil and gas, tourism, health, manufacturing, ICT, etc.

Dr. Diana Nandagire Ntamu, Director at the MUBs Entrepreneurship, Innovation, and Incubation Centre also applauded MTN Uganda for the program in preparing the youths for the job market.

“Over time, we have recognized 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. “That’s why we are committed to providing our fellows with the essential skills that will empower them to succeed in their careers.”

As part of its long-term strategy, MTN Foundation remains dedicated to uplifting communities and empowering youth across Uganda through impactful initiatives like the MTN Ace Program. Now in its second phase since its launch in December 2022, the Program, with an investment of UGX 2.17 billion aims to empower graduates, small and medium enterprises (SMEs), and innovators by delivering practical knowledge, skills, and experiences. The goal is to prepare participants to address their communities’ pressing challenges using innovative ICT solutions.

Mutana also emphasized that the program is closely aligned with the company’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.

Last year, MTN Uganda accepted 280 fellows into the program, with 185 graduating across the three disciplines. Over the years, MTN has remained committed to empowering youth by offering various training opportunities through platforms such as the MTN Skills Academy, which helps young people undertake digital skills for digital jobs and realize their full potential while making positive contributions to their communities and the nation.

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The Chief Strategy and Stakeholder Officer Stephen Mutana said “MTN Uganda believes that everyone should enjoy the benefits of a modern connected life, irrespective of their background or status and this includes access to opportunities.” He added, “Our partnership with the Uganda Christian University marks a pivotal chapter in MTN’s mission to ensure that every young Ugandan has access to the digital skills needed to succeed in today’s economy.”

Central to this partnership is the integration of the MTN Skills Academy into the university’s curriculum, bridging the digital skills gap and fostering economic growth through education and technology. The integration of the 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.

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, the MTN Skills Academy has enrolled over 1,420 young individuals eager to enhance their digital proficiency and seize new employment opportunities.

According to the World Bank, 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.

UCU’s Vice Chancellor, Mr. David Mugawe, expressed enthusiasm for the partnership, noting that the university is dedicated to educational excellence and preparing its 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,” he said.

“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,” he added. “It is a testament to our collective responsibility to equip our youth with the skills necessary to lead Uganda into a digitally empowered future.”

Beyond the MTN Skills Academy, the 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 the foundation’s unwavering commitment to enhancing digital literacy and access across Uganda.

The post MTN Foundation, UCU Partner to Equip Students With Digital Skills appeared first on PC Tech Magazine.

The training session involved 3 days of technical training that took place at Kabia and Sons Millers where the farmers had a hands-on learning session at the plant gaining knowledge on the entire process of producing cassava flour, proper post-harvest handling to maintain quality, and good manufacturing practices and an overall approach to value addition on their cassava produce with the required quality so that they can explore regional trade opportunities.

The final day of the training involved a financial literacy session led by the team from the PostBank Arua branch to ensure that farmers are equipped with the knowledge to properly handle their finances and educate them on the different agricultural products offered by the bank that can support them on their journey as they grow and prosper.

“At PostBank, we are committed to fostering prosperity for Ugandans which aligns with our new tagline, Grow Prosper. By upskilling farmers, we can enable them to transition from subsistence to commercial farming,” said Kizito Enzama, a Personal Banker at the PostBank Arua branch, on behalf of the Branch Manager. “This transformation allows their products to meet both local and international market standards, improving their market base.”

Upon completing the four-day training, the participants received certificates, which were handed over by the Resident City Commissioner, Arua Town, Charles Ichogor.

“We are truly grateful that Arua District was selected for this very insightful training, and I encourage all the participants to adopt and put into practice the knowledge they have acquired to ensure better quality cassava products,” said Ichogor. “I commend the efforts of PostBank Uganda and their implementation partner FSME towards extending such opportunities to our people which have a positive impact and overall, such engagements complement government efforts of social economic transformation of our people.”

PostBank Uganda through its Corporate Social Investment arm launched its Agri SME Skills Development Program in 2022. In collaboration with FSME, PostBank conducted SME Value Addition and financial literacy training to over 700 beneficiaries countrywide, over the years.

The 2024 program cohort targeting 300 beneficiaries was launched in March and beneficiaries have received training in millet processing in Soroti district, agro-tourism in Fort Portal, and cassava processing in Arua district. The final training, focusing on coffee value addition, will be held in Kampala.

See also: TekJuice, a new revolutionary tech talent management company launches in Uganda

The post Farmers, SMEs in Arua Gain Agri Skills via PostBank’s Development Programme appeared first on PC Tech Magazine.

There is a pressing need to equip talent in Sub-Saharan Africa with digital skills. According to the World Economic Forum (WEF), more than one billion people worldwide must be upskilled or reskilled by 2030. Furthermore, the International Financial Corporation (IFC) estimates that over 230 million jobs in Sub-Saharan Africa will require digital skills by 2030.

“Digital skills development and access to ICT is not about ICT, it’s about people. It’s about empowering people to participate sufficiently in the digital economy,” said John OMO, Secretary-General of the African Telecommunications Union (ATU) during his opening speech at the LEAP Summit 2024.

While OMO reiterated a human-first approach to technology, he encouraged stakeholders to collectively participate in the effort to upskill to give the youth not just a future but also a present in which they can thrive.

Hon. Minister Counselor He Hongyan, Department of African Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China, emphasized the importance of China-African talent cooperation as outlined in the China-Africa Cooperation 2035 —noting that LEAP is helping Africa build a pool of digital talent, boost its digital economy, bridge the digital divide, and boost and drive inclusive development.

Hon. Dr. Tatenda Annastacia Mavetera, Zimbabwe’s Minister of ICT, Postal and Courier Services said beyond the impressive ICT talent achievements on display, LEAP is a testament to the power of collaboration. “It is through partnerships between governments, industries, leaders, academia, and civil society that we unlock the full potential of ICT for the benefit of humanity,” she remarks.

In a video call, Siddharth Chatterjee, the United Nations Resident Coordinator in China highlighted the importance of a multilateral approach to addressing the digital skills gap and upskilling of workers. He hoped that these efforts could help people everywhere better harness digital technologies, narrow the skill gap, and create sustained prosperity along with sustainable development, all of which are essential to achieving sustainable development goals.

Huawei launched its Leadership, Employability, Advancement, and Possibilities (LEAP) digital skills development program in Sub-Saharan Africa in 2022. “After more than two years of development, we are glad to see that so many people have benefited from this program,” said Jeff Wang, Senior VP, President of Public Affairs and Communications at Huawei.

The program aims to foster a strong digital leadership and skilled ICT workforce, build a digital talent pool, and promote digital literacy among citizens. It also includes a range of activities from ICT training & certification courses to government digital capacity building, and ICT skills competitions.

Hover Gao, President of Sub-Saharan Africa, Huawei, noted that they have made much positive progress in talent development across African countries thanks to collaborations with government agencies, academia, and industries in respective countries.

SEE ALSO: WE SHALL CONTINUE WORKING WITH HUAWEI ON OUR DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION JOURNEY — BARYOMUNSI

During the summit, Huawei and its partners launched a series of activities for digital talent development in Sub-Saharan Africa.

Steven Fan, Director of Huawei’s Training and Certification Department, released a new Huawei Digital Intelligence Talent Development Program. This initiative includes free Huawei Certificate courses and exam vouchers for the Huawei ICT Academy and outstanding personnel.

They also announced the Digital Badge program that enables students and teachers who have attended Huawei ICT Academy programs to display their certifications on their social media platforms and unlock employment opportunities.

Notably, the TECH4ALL Digital Inclusion Initiative is one of the key pillars of Huawei’s Corporate Sustainable Development strategies.

During the summit, Joyce Liu, Director of TECH4ALL Digital Inclusion Office at Huawei, said, “We must take a long-term perspective on how education can help shape a more inclusive and sustainable future, building connectivity for schools, improving capabilities for people, and supporting STEM content development for digital upskilling and reskilling.”

ALSO READ: MUSEVENI LAUNCHES HUAWEI DIGITRUCK PROJECT TO BOOST DIGITAL INCLUSION

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The three-year initiative, with an investment worth UGX4.5 billion, aims to create 150 startups and equip 8,000 youths with digital skills —transforming Uganda’s population into a digitally skilled workforce as the country positions itself to reap its dividend from the ongoing Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR).

As noted by MTN Uganda’s CEO, Ms. Sylvia Mulinge, the MTN ACE program seamlessly 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.

Like many other nations, youth unemployment in Uganda is alarmingly high. The Uganda Bureau of Statistics (UBOS) indicates that youth unemployment increased from 6.54% in 2021 to 6.58% in 2022. Moreover, the Economic Policy Research Centre (EPRC) notes that approximately 30% of institutionally qualified youths struggle to find jobs, with the situation being worse for semi-skilled and unskilled youths.

Peter Kahiigi, CTO at Centenary Technology Services (Cente-Tech), a subsidiary of Centenary Group, said “This is not just a statistic; it is a call to action.” “Our young people, brimming with potential and innovation, deserve more than the uncertainty of joblessness. They deserve the chance to contribute meaningfully to our society and economy.”

To take action on reducing the unemployment rate, Kahiigi said Cente-Tech will be upskilling the youth in tech-related innovations through the MTN ACE Enterprise —a program Centenary Technology Services will be implementing in this partnership.

“By nurturing tech talent, we are addressing the immediate issue of unemployment and laying the foundation for a future where Uganda is a hub of technological innovation and entrepreneurship,” said Kahiigi. “Every skill learned, every innovation developed, and every start-up launched translates into jobs created and lives transformed.”

The MTN ACE Enterprise is one of the three key areas the MTN ACE Program continues to focus on. The other two are MTN ACE Career which empowers fresh graduates with workplace skills and internship placements, and the MTN ACE Skills which is tailored for youths in or out of school, equipping them with entrepreneurial skills to start businesses.

With Uganda’s first oil expected in 2025, there will be immense opportunities in the minerals and energy sector. Kahiigi revealed that Cente-Tech is committed to seeking partnerships within this sector to open up more opportunities for the youth. “This sector is poised for significant growth, and we aim to ensure that our youth are well-prepared to take advantage of the jobs and entrepreneurial opportunities that will arise,” he said.

Kahiigi urged the youth to sign up (JOIN FROM HERE) for the MTN ACE Programs —highly emphasizing how the program is their chance to ignite their potential.

“The MTN ACE Program is not just about providing skills and opportunities, it’s about empowering you to realize your dreams and ambitions. We believe that every young person in Uganda has the potential to make a difference, to innovate, and to lead,” Kahiigi goes on to elaborate. “This is your moment to shine, to turn your ideas into reality, and to contribute to the development of our nation. As we ignite your potential, we are lighting the path toward a brighter future for all of us.”

In his concluding remarks, Kahiigi said together with their partners, they are dedicated to ensuring that the objectives of the MTN ACE Program are not just met but exceeded. ” I would like to express my excitement and optimism about the future we are building together,” Kahiigi tells their partners. “The MTN ACE Program is a testament to what we can achieve when we invest in our youth.”

The first phase of the MTN ACE program which has been running since December 2022, saw 185 youths graduate across three distinct programs; MTN ACE Tech, MTN ACE Career program, and MTN ACE Skills program. Additionally, 20 enterprises were selected for ACE Tech acceleration, and 15 for incubation, demonstrating the program’s significant impact on nurturing youth skills and enterprises.

With UGX4.5 billion earmarked for the second phase, a bigger reach is promised.

The MTN ACE Program is aptly timed to support Uganda’s national aspirations, as outlined in the recently read National Budget for 2024/2025. The budget highlights the critical need for economic empowerment and inclusion, particularly for our youth.

This program targets Ugandans with innovative ideas that solve real-life problems across all sectors, focusing on the key priority areas of Uganda’s Vision 2040 — National Development Priorities. These areas include Agriculture, Tourism & Trade, Minerals & Energy, Health, Education, Refugee/Host Communities, and the Justice, Law & Order sector. It aligns perfectly with our national goals, offering a pathway to economic self-reliance and prosperity.

ALSO READ: MTN INVESTS UGX4.5BN IN THE SECOND PHASE OF MTN ACE PROGRAM

The post Peter Kahiigi: MTN ACE Program Proves Youth Investment Pays Off appeared first on PC Tech Magazine.

This initiative underpins the company’s ambition of leading digital solutions for Uganda’s progress based on the belief that everyone deserves the benefits of a modern connected life. The three-year initiative, with an investment worth UGX4.5 billion, aims to create 150 startups and equip 8,000 youths with digital skills transforming Uganda’s population into a digitally skilled workforce as the country positions itself to reap its dividend from the ongoing Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR).

For this second phase, the telco collaborates with the Ministry of ICT & National Guidance, the National ICT Innovation Hub, Centenary Technology Services, MUBS Entrepreneurship Innovation & Incubation Centre, and Engage Consult to ensure the program’s success and sustainability.

The second phase of the MTN ACE Program was launched at the National ICT Innovation Hub in Nakawa with the State Minister for ICT and National Guidance, Hon. Joyce Nabbosa Ssebugwawo, Ps. for the Ministry of ICT & National Guidance, Dr. Aminah Zawedde, CTO at Centenary Technology Service, Peter Kahiigi, and Steven Kirenga, Head of Product & Business Development at Centenary Technology Service, among others in attendance.

While speaking at the launch event, MTN Uganda CEO, Ms. Sylvia Mulinge remarked that as the second phase of the MTN ACE program takes shape, the telco is more committed than ever to empowering the youth to become innovators, entrepreneurs, and leaders in the digital age.

“The MTN ACE program seamlessly 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,” explained Mulinge.

Hon. Joyce Nabbosa Ssebugwawo appreciated the partners’ effort in developing a digitally experienced and empowered generation. She encouraged innovation and productivity across people, organizations, businesses, and government.

The first phase of the MTN ACE program which has been running since December 2022, saw 185 youths graduate across three distinct programs; MTN ACE Tech, MTN ACE Career program, and MTN ACE Skills program. Additionally, 20 enterprises were selected for ACE Tech acceleration, and 15 for incubation, demonstrating the program’s significant impact on nurturing youth skills and enterprises.

Also read:

• • MTN Uganda unveils 118 women suppliers under the AWE Program
  • MTN Foundation celebrates the graduation of 70 girls under the MTN Girls in Tech program
  • MTN Uganda unveils the ‘AWE Project’ to pave the way for women entrepreneurs

MTN Uganda has sunk UGX1.5 billion in the first phase of the program.

With UGX4.5 billion earmarked for the second phase, a bigger reach is promised. MTN will set up four regional ICT and innovation hubs in the main national public universities; Makerere University (Central), Gulu University (North), Kabale University (West), and Busitema University (East). These hubs will be established in close collaboration with the program partners.

The hubs will create an environment for ICT innovators who face challenges with workspace, limited internet connectivity, and the need for creative spaces that spur innovative thinking. The construction of these hubs in these regions is to showcase that the program is national, ensuring that youth from all regions of the country can participate and benefit from the program.

The MTN ACE program continues to focus on three key areas (1); the MTN ACE Tech which upskills youth interested in tech-related innovations, (2); the MTN ACE Career empowers fresh graduates with workplace skills and internship placements, and lastly (3) the MTN ACE Skills is tailored for youths in or out of school, equipping them with entrepreneurial skills to start businesses. You can join any of the programs here.

Beyond the MTN ACE program, the MTN Foundation is involved in several other youth empowerment initiatives, including MTN Skills Academy and MTN Internet Bus —providing the youth with digital skills, and enhancing their employability and entrepreneurial capabilities in Uganda and beyond.

MTN Uganda remains dedicated to fostering digital literacy and innovation to drive economic growth and development.

The second phase of the MTN ACE program is a testament to the telco’s commitment to empowering the youth and transforming Uganda’s digital and subsequently, economic landscape.

ALSO READ: MTN UGANDA BOOSTS DIGITAL LITERACY AND PROMOTES EDUCATION IN KARAMOJA

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