MTN Foundation a corporate social responsibility arm of MTN Uganda on Thursday launched the second cohort of the MTN ACE Program, welcoming 154 fellows selected from a pool of 789 applicants. The fellows will undergo training in International Computer Driving License (ICDL), business skills, and technical skills, all designed to equip them with the tools needed to thrive in the fourth Industrial Revolution.
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.
