MTN ACE Program Second Phase to receive Shs4.5bn

MTN Uganda has announced a Shs4.5bn funding for the second phase of its youth-centered MTN ACE program.

This funding, provided by MTN Uganda’s corporate social responsibility arm, MTN Foundation, follows the success of the initial phase.

The three-year initiative aims to equip 8,000 youths and create 150 startups, transforming Uganda’s population into a digitally skilled workforce in line with the Fourth Industrial Revolution.

MTN Uganda is collaborating with key partners, 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 partnerships are instrumental in ensuring the program’s success and sustainability,” said Sylvia Mulinge, MTN Uganda Chief Executive, at the launch event held at the Nakawa Innovation Hub in Kampala.

“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,” Mulinge stated. “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.”

Mulinge noted that the program aligns with MTN’s Ambition 2025 of leading digital solutions for Uganda’s progress and supports the government’s National Development Plan III and Vision 2040.

Since December 2022, the first phase of the MTN ACE program graduated 185 youths across three programs: 51 from MTN ACE Tech, 47 from MTN ACE Career, and 87 from MTN ACE Skills. Additionally, 20 enterprises were selected for ACE Tech acceleration and 15 for incubation. MTN invested Shs1.5 billion in the first phase.

Beyond Kampala, MTN plans to establish four regional ICT and innovation hubs at Makerere University, Gulu University, Kabale University, and Busitema University.

Junior Minister for ICT Joyce Nabbosa Ssebugwawo said, “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 Minister was escorted by the ICT Ministry Permanent Secretary, Aminah Zawedde.

The MTN ACE program focuses on three areas: MTN ACE Tech, which upskills youth interested in tech 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.