MTN Uganda has announced the launch of the second phase of its flagship youth empowerment initiative, the MTN ACE program. Backed by a UGX 4.5 billion investment from the MTN Foundation, this three-year program aims to equip 8,000 young Ugandans with essential digital skills and nurture 150 startups, positioning the country for success in the Fourth Industrial Revolution.
The MTN ACE program, which has already seen remarkable success in its initial phase, is a testament to MTN Uganda’s unwavering commitment to leading digital solutions for the country’s progress.
Sylvia Mulinge, the MTN Uganda Chief Executive Officer, emphasized this commitment, stating, “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.”
The second phase of the program will build on the achievements of the first phase, which saw 185 youths graduate across three distinct programs: MTN ACE Tech, MTN ACE Career, and MTN ACE Skills. Additionally, 20 enterprises were selected for ACE Tech acceleration, and 15 for incubation, showcasing the program’s significant impact on nurturing youth skills and enterprises.
To ensure the program’s success and sustainability, MTN Uganda has partnered with key stakeholders, including the Ministry of ICT & National Guidance, the National ICT Innovation Hub, Centenary Technology Services, MUBS Entrepreneurship Innovation and Incubation Centre, and Engage Consult.
These collaborations will be instrumental in driving the program’s objectives and creating a lasting impact on Uganda’s digital landscape.
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Mulinge emphasized the alignment of the MTN ACE program with MTN’s Ambition 2025, which aims to lead digital solutions for Uganda’s progress, as well as the government’s National Development Plan III and Vision 2040.
“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,” she said.
Beyond the capital city of Kampala, MTN Uganda plans to establish four regional ICT and innovation hubs at Makerere University, Gulu University, Kabale University, and Busitema University. These hubs will serve as catalysts for digital innovation and skill development across the country, ensuring that the benefits of the MTN ACE program reach every corner of Uganda.
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Hon. Joyce Nabbosa Ssebugwawo, the Minister of State for Information and Communication Technology (ICT) and National Guidance, expressed her enthusiasm for the program’s expansion, stating, “As we embark on Phase Two, we are more committed than ever to empowering our youth to become innovators, entrepreneurs, and leaders in the digital age. Together, we are encouraging innovation and productivity across people, organizations, businesses, and government.”
The three key focus areas of the MTN ACE program remain unchanged: MTN ACE Tech, which upskills youth interested in tech-related innovations; MTN ACE Career, which empowers fresh graduates with workplace skills and internships; and MTN ACE Skills, which equips in-school and out-of-school youths with entrepreneurial skills to start businesses.
Beyond the MTN ACE program, the MTN Foundation is involved in several other youth empowerment initiatives, including the MTN Skills Academy and MTN Internet Bus, which provide young people with essential digital skills and enhance their employability and entrepreneurial capabilities.
