Free Digital Skills Training For Africans With MTN Academy
Sandra Quarshie 
OVERVIEW
MTN Group, a leading telecommunications company in Africa, has launched the MTN Skills Academy to address the digital skills gap and boost youth employment across the continent. This initiative aims to equip young Africans with essential digital and financial skills, preparing them for the evolving digital economy.
LAUNCH AND EXPANSION
Introduced in October 2022 during the Mobile World Congress Africa in Kigali, Rwanda, the MTN Skills Academy initially targeted Uganda, Zambia, Ghana, and Rwanda. The goal is to extend the program to all 17 African countries where MTN operates by 2025, aligning with the company's ambition to digitally train one million people by that year.
PROGRAM COMPONENTS
The Academy offers a comprehensive curriculum focusing on:
- Career Guidance: Providing tools to help young individuals identify suitable career paths.
- Digital and Financial Skills Training: Offering courses at foundational, intermediate, and advanced levels in both English and French.
- Work Readiness and Mentorship: Preparing participants for the job market through mentorship programs.
- Job Placements: Collaborating with public and private sectors to improve employment prospects.
IMPACT IN GHANA
In Ghana, the MTN Skills Academy launched in December 2023 with the objective of training over 100,000 young Ghanaians by 2025. The program collaborates with local ICT hubs to recruit unemployed youth, offering them access to online courses and resources.
ACCESSIBILITY AND INCLUSIVITY
The Academy ensures accessibility by providing both online and offline learning options, making it possible for individuals in remote areas to participate. This approach promotes continuous learning and keeps participants updated with emerging digital trends.
STRATEGIC ALIGNMENT
The initiative aligns with the African Union's 'Digital Transformation Strategy for Africa' and MTN's Ambition 2025 strategic intent of leading digital solutions for Africa's progress.
TOPICS COVERED UNDER THIS FREE SKILLS TRAINING
- Social media management
- Data analysis
- Product analysis
- Web development
The MTN Skills Academy plays a pivotal role in bridging the digital skills gap in Africa, empowering the youth with the necessary tools to thrive in a digital economy. By focusing on comprehensive training and strategic partnerships, MTN is contributing significantly to the continent's digital transformation and economic development.
Interested individuals can apply for the free skills training here : MTN DIGITAL SKILLS ACADEMY
