MTN Uganda has launched the MTN ACE initiative, a youth-centered economic empowerment program designed to equip young people with relevant skills and create opportunities for fresh graduates, students, innovators, entrepreneurs, and tech-driven start-ups. This program aims to bridge the gap between education and employment by providing tailored training and support.
MTN ACE Program Structure
The MTN ACE initiative, spearheaded by the MTN Uganda Foundation in collaboration with various partners, consists of three main components: Ace Skilling, Ace Career, and Ace Tech.
Ace Skilling
About the Ace Skilling Programme
The Ace Skilling program aims to provide practical knowledge and skills to young people, enabling them to develop innovative ICT solutions to address community problems. The focus is on creating digital products and solutions in Education, Youth Empowerment, Health, and Agriculture.
Programme Details
- Application Process: Applications will be invited through MTN digital channels, and 100 successful applicants will be selected for each cycle.
- Training: Selected candidates will undergo training to acquire the International Computer Driver’s License (ICDL) certificate. Those who complete this certification will advance to the next level.
- Next Level Training: A 10-week session will offer hands-on training in technical and business skills to help participants identify and solve community challenges.
- Incubation Program: The best ideas will be nurtured through the MTN Incubation program, providing mentorship and support to develop ICT solutions for their communities.
2. Ace Career:
Overview
The Ace Career initiative provides three months of soft skills training and internship placements for fresh graduates to enhance their workplace skills.
Program Details
- Internship: Graduates will be placed at MTN Uganda or partner organizations for a three-month internship.
- Training Partner: The training and coaching are conducted by Makerere University Business School Innovation, Incubation, and Entrepreneurship Centre (MUBS-EIIC).
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must meet the following requirements:
| Criteria | Details |
|---|---|
| Citizenship | Must be a Ugandan citizen |
| Residency | Must currently reside in Uganda |
| Education | Degree/diploma holder from a recognized university by the National Council for Higher Education |
| Graduation Timeline | Graduated in the last three academic years (2019/2020, 2020/2021, 2022/2023) |
| Age | Between 18 and 29 years old |
| Language Proficiency | Must be proficient in English |
| Employment Status | Must not be in formal employment at the time of application |
| Internship Commitment | Able and willing to participate in a three-month internship at MTN Uganda or partner organizations |
| Training Participation | Able and willing to attend in-person soft skills training sessions (three days per month for three months) |
Priority Categories
Priority is given to:
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Academic Excellence | Graduates with First Class and Upper Second Degrees/diplomas |
| STEM Graduates | Graduates of STEM-related courses |
| Female Graduates | Priority for female applicants |
| Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) | Priority for applicants with disabilities |
| Disadvantaged Backgrounds | Graduates from disadvantaged families or rural communities |
3. Ace Tech:
Overview
The Ace Tech program, in partnership with the National ICT Innovation Hub and Centenary Technology Services, focuses on business development, capacity building, and incubation of tech innovations. It provides an environment for ICT innovators to overcome challenges such as limited workspace and internet connectivity.
Program Details
- Support: The program provides training, coaching, and mentorship for startups.
- Target Audience: Ugandans with innovative ideas addressing real-life problems in sectors aligned with Uganda’s Vision 2040 – National Development Priorities.
Key Priority Areas:
| Sector | Focus |
|---|---|
| Agriculture | Innovations in agriculture |
| Tourism & Trade | Enhancing tourism and trade |
| Minerals & Energy | Solutions for the minerals and energy sectors |
| Health | Innovations in healthcare |
| Education | Educational technology solutions |
| Refugee/Host Communities | Support for refugee and host communities |
| Justice, Law and Order Sector | Solutions for justice and law enforcement |
MTN Uganda’s ACE initiative aims to empower young people by providing them with the skills and opportunities needed to succeed in today’s digital world. Through comprehensive training, internships, and support for tech innovations, the program seeks to create a more skilled and empowered youth population in Uganda.
