MTN Zambia Foundation Launches the First MTN Skills Academy

MTN Zambia Foundation has launched the first MTN Skills Academy as part of the Digital  Skills for Digital Jobs program. The initiative aims to address the challenges faced by the  Zambian youth, such as unemployment, limited digital literacy, and insufficient skills. The  Academy seeks to develop digital technology producers and consumers and is a  collaborative effort of MTN Zambia Foundation, the Zambian government, private sector  partners, PACE Career Centre, and online learning provider Coursera. 

Officiating at the event this morning, Minister Youth, Sports, and Arts Hon. Elvis Nkandu MP, commended MTN Zambia Foundation on the launch of MTN Skills Academy, noting  that it comes at a crucial time when the Zambian government is actively working on ways  to improve digital literacy among the youths to bridge the digital divide in the country. He  highlighted that the Academy’s focus on providing accessible online training in digital  and financial skills and work readiness programs will be instrumental in equipping the Zambian youth with the necessary skills to thrive in the digital economy.  

Speaking at the same event, MTN Group Chief Sustainability & Corporate Affairs Officer  Ms Nompilo Morafo said that the MTN Group Corporate Social Investment strategy now  emphasizes the development of highly skilled individuals who can produce, consume, and  innovate digital technologies. “This approach aligns with MTN’s goal of creating solutions  that address the challenges faced by the youth in the African continent, such as  unemployment resulting from low digital literacy, access, and skills” she added. 

MTN Zambia Foundation Chairperson, Ms. Rose Sibisi, highlighted that the Foundation’s goal of creating impactful solutions that cater for the needs of Zambian youth by  enhancing opportunities and addressing unemployment will be achieved through the  Digital Skills Academy.  

She added that MTN Zambia Foundation will work with the Zambian government and  other stakeholders to ensure that the Zambian youth are empowered with the necessary  skills and resources needed for them to excel in this fast digital age.

MTN Zambia’s Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Bart Hofker said that MTN Zambia’s  commitment to the ‘Digital Skills for Digital Jobs’ program is aimed at bridging the gap  between digital skills training and job demand. He said that the launch of MTN Digital Skills Academy aligns with the company’s “Ambition 2025” strategic objective that aims  to create a skilled workforce to take advantage of digital opportunities. “The MTN Digital  Skills Academy is a significant step towards achieving MTN’s belief that “everyone  deserves the benefits of a modern connected life”. 

The Academy offers accessible free online training in digital and financial skills, work readiness programs, and a job hub to improve job placement prospects throughout  Africa. The launch of the MTN Skills Academy aligns with MTN’s Ambition 2025 strategic  objective and aims to create a skilled workforce to take advantage of digital  opportunities. The initiative will be instrumental in equipping the Zambian youth with the necessary skills to thrive in the digital economy.  

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