• MTN Uganda graduates 298 vulnerable young women in coding, graphic design, and cybersecurity.
• Women face higher unemployment and training gaps, with nearly 40% of Ugandan women aged 15-24 not in education or work.
• MTN plans to expand the initiative nationwide, linking training to self-employment and job placements.

Companies address Africa’s digital skills shortage by targeting young women with focused training programs. On July 18, MTN Uganda awarded diplomas to 298 girls from vulnerable backgrounds after they completed an intensive digital bootcamp run with the Smart Girls Foundation.

MTN Uganda, in partnership with @smartgirlsug Foundation, has graduated 298 youths under its Girls in Tech and Girls with Tools initiatives, expanding efforts to reduce youth unemployment and close the digital skills gap in one of Africa’s youngest nations. #MTNFoundation… pic.twitter.com/NehHRjex95

— MTN Uganda (@mtnug) July 18, 2025

The program trained participants in high-demand skills like coding, graphic design, and cybersecurity over several weeks. It supports MTN Foundation’s digital inclusion strategy through the MTN Skills Academy platform. Partnerships with Huawei ICT Academy and Coursera enabled free certified training for the students.

The World Bank reports that 39% of young Ugandan women aged 15 to 24 are not in employment, education, or training (NEET), compared with 27% of men. This gap hinders their access to an economy increasingly driven by technology. The International Finance Corporation (IFC) warns that sub-Saharan Africa faces a shortage of 230 million digital skills by 2030, underscoring the urgent need for training.

As start-ups, digital services, and e-commerce grow, demand for tech talent in Africa rises. But women often miss out on these opportunities. MTN’s program targets women to reduce gender gaps and boost access to training and jobs, aligning with national goals for social and economic inclusion.

MTN plans to expand the initiative across Uganda. With help from local incubators, it will ease access to self-employment or internships after training. The program’s success depends on how well it connects skills training with real opportunities in Uganda’s digital economy.

This article was initially published in French by Félicien Houindo Lokossou (intern)
Edited in English by Ange Jason Quenum