In a world where gender equality and women empowerment are at the forefront of global discussions, MTN Uganda, a leading telecommunications and digital solutions provider, has taken a monumental step forward.
The company has launched the “MTN@25 Advancing Women Entrepreneurs” (AWE) project, a collaborative effort aimed at uplifting women entrepreneurs across Uganda. This initiative is not just about business; it’s about creating a more inclusive, connected, and empowered society.
What is the MTN@25 Advancing Women Entrepreneurs (AWE) Project?
The AWE project is a groundbreaking initiative by MTN Uganda in collaboration with several esteemed partners, including MTN Mobile Money (MOMO), The American Tower Corporation (ATC), UN Women, The Private Sector Foundation Uganda (PSFU), DFCU Bank, Innovation Village, NSSF Hi Innovators, and Outbox.
Its primary goal is to usher in a new era where women entrepreneurs experience improved business ownership, enriched diversity, and enhanced equality in the supply chain. The project aims to celebrate and amplify women’s significant contributions to the burgeoning tech industry in Uganda.
Why is this Initiative Important?
Statistics reveal a concerning disparity between male and female entrepreneurs in Uganda. Women-owned microenterprises generate 30% lower profits than those owned by men.
Factors such as lower levels of innovation, reduced use of capital and labor, and sector-based sex segregation contribute to this gap. Furthermore, women entrepreneurs in Uganda are less likely to introduce new products and have limited access to resources compared to their male counterparts.
The AWE project seeks to address these disparities by creating a platform that supports and attracts women entrepreneurs, with a vision of onboarding 250 women suppliers by 2025. MTN Uganda has committed a whopping $4 million (UGX 15,029,428,000) to this cause, emphasizing their belief in the untapped potential of women entrepreneurs.
What They Said
Sylvia Mulinge, MTN Uganda Chief Executive Officer: “The AWE project aligns with our core values and strategic vision. Our goal is ambitious yet achievable. By inviting women to join our supply chain, we aim to empower them, promote diversity, and strengthen the tech sector in Uganda.”
Adekemi Ndielli, UN Women Uganda’s Deputy Country Representative: “Our partnership with MTN Uganda is a magic bullet to bridge the gap and contributes to SDG 5. Bringing UN Women into this MTN AWE program means you will have access to these women, as there is a level of trust between them & us.”
Charles M. Mudiwa, Managing Director, DFCU Bank Uganda: “DFCU has been supporting women entrepreneurs since 2007. We express our gratitude to MTN and all our partners who have made this endeavor possible.”
Alex Rumanyika, Head of Strategy at NSSF: “The Fund has joined MTN Uganda for their AWE project, which aligns with our effort to support early-stage Small and Growing Businesses.”
Arthur Mukembo, Lead FutureLab Studio: “At Innovation Village, we focus on enabling women entrepreneurs to adopt tech solutions to grow their enterprise.”
Stephen Asiimwe, CEO of PSFU: “This is the inception of a movement, a catalyst for change. Together, we can create a brighter future for all.”
Dorothy Kabgambe Ssemanda, CEO of ATC Uganda: “We are dedicated to changing the narrative by supporting AWE candidates. ATC will offer robust training and continuous support to ensure their success.”
Eligibility and Application
MTN Uganda has set specific criteria for participation in the AWE initiative. Women entrepreneurs are encouraged to apply if they meet the outlined eligibility criteria. Those interested can visit MTN’s official website for more details and to apply before the 31st of October 2023.
Read About: Entrepreneurship in a digital Uganda
