MTN graduates 503 youths as digital skills gap comes into focus

What the report says

MTN Uganda has graduated 503 young people from its ACE digital-skilling programme in Kampala, a milestone that the company and government officials framed as part of a broader shift in Uganda’s digital agenda from expanding connectivity to improving practical skills. The Independent Uganda reported that the latest cohort brings total ACE graduates to more than 1,190.

According to the article, participants included persons with disabilities and refugees, and they were trained through a hybrid model in basic computer and online use, digital marketing, e-commerce, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, data management and enterprise-related skills. Officials said the emphasis was on helping young people turn internet access into work opportunities, business ideas and community solutions.

An assistant commissioner at the Ministry of ICT and National Guidance, Amos Mpungu, said Uganda’s network coverage now reaches most of the country, but active internet use remains much lower, underscoring what he described as a skills gap. He argued that infrastructure alone does not create value unless people can use digital tools productively. Rotarian George Egadu, chair of the MTN Foundation board of trustees, made a similar case, saying digital access must be matched with skills that can support livelihoods and entrepreneurship.

The graduates are eligible to move into the ACE Career & Enterprise track. The report said this next phase is intended to deepen their digital and business training under MTN’s Ambition 2030 strategy, while also reflecting Uganda’s wider push to develop a young workforce for its digital economy.