JOHANNESBURG, 26th MARCH 2025, –/ Centre for African Journalists, (CAJ) News Africa – A GROUP of 742 young South Africans, who were part of the class of ’24 graduated with new-found digital skills from the MTN funded Digital Skills for Digital Jobs initiative, and are now poised to enter the economy with marketable digital skills that will help reduce youth unemployment, fill the IT skills gap and secure the nation’s place in an increasingly digital economy.
The programme is an essential part of MTN’s commitment to actively driving digital skills development and job creation across all its African markets. Through focused holistic programmes, MTN aims to help address issues raised in the Digital Skills Gap Index report, which states that Africa is home to 12 of the world’s 20 countries with the weakest digital skills. Adding to this picture, the International Finance Corporation has stated that by 2030, approximately 230 million jobs will require digital skills, a target that Africa is unlikely to reach, says Arthur Mukhuvha, General Manager of the MTN SA Foundation.
“The challenge in Africa, and particularly in South Africa, is to create opportunities that provide access to world-class training and resources in digital and financial literacy, work readiness, mentorship, and job placement services, “adds Mukhuvha.
Initiatives such as Digital Skills for Digital Jobs and the MTN Skills Academy platform, which are already active in several countries where MTN has a presence, are strategically designed to empower young people and secure their place in the economy. Key to the success of these programmes is a dedication to bridging the digital divide and ensuring that everyone benefits from the transformational power of digital technology.
The central issue in South Africa is youth unemployment. According to a 2024 Stats SA announcement, youth between 15 and 34 remain vulnerable in the labour market. This announcement highlights the stark reality that, during the fourth quarter of 2023, the number of unemployed youths increased to 4.7 million, representing 44.3% of the total.
“Against this backdrop, it is vital that young people are given opportunities to unlock their potential and contribute value to the economy as employees or by pursuing an entrepreneurial path and eventually becoming employers in their own right,” says Mukhuvha.
Turning to the graduates of the 2024 Digital Skills for Digital Jobs programme, Mukhuvha said that the 742 graduates were the last group to complete the 12-month accredited programme, which began with 900 unemployed youth, 100 from each province, being selected for the programme. The MICT-accredited skills programme covered data analytics, cybersecurity, digital marketing and web design.
MTN’s annual investment in this programme is evidence of and firm belief in the potential of South African youth.
At the heart of creating further opportunities in an ever-changing digital economy, is the MTN Skills Academy, a free online platform which provides digital and financial skills courses and career mapping tools.
The strength of the Academy, open to people between 15 and 24, is that it broadens the scope of the Digital Skills for Digital Jobs initiative by enabling young people to embrace upskilling from wherever they may be, neutralising the difficulties and expenses of travelling to major centres. The curriculum is compiled in collaboration with leading industry experts to ensure that the material is relevant and current.
Mukhuvha adds, “We regard providing training as the first vital step in creating opportunities but recognise that ‘completing the circle’ by identifying job opportunities is just as important. To expand the impact of the Digital Skills for Digital Jobs programme, we have partnered with Harambee, a youth employment accelerator that connects first-time job seekers with employers.”
As part of this collaboration, the 1,800 youth from the 2023 and 2024 programmes will be introduced to Harambee’s SA Youth Mobi platform, which will connect them to job opportunities, entrepreneurial support, and additional skills development resources.
By incorporating the identification of employment pathways into the demand-led digital skills programme, the Foundation is directly helping to address youth unemployment in South Africa, says Mukhuvha.
As a leading tech-based company, MTN regards it as its social obligation to encourage interest in the digital economy and create upskilling opportunities essential for South Africa to take its rightful place on the international business stage. MTN says its ongoing commitment and investments in the Digital Skills for Digital Jobs and the MTN Skills Academy reflect its core belief as a corporate that everyone deserves the benefits of a modern connected life.
“In this regard, we are particularly proud of our efforts to empower the unemployed youth of South Africa and marginalized women,” says Mukhuvha. “By assisting these vulnerable people with the skills necessary to achieve their dreams, we are making tangible contributions to strengthening the socio-economic fabric of our country,” Mukhuvha concludes.
Distributed by Centre for African Journalists, (CAJ) News Africa on behalf of MTN SA.
ISSUED BY:
Mthokozisi Ndlovu, Senior Manager: External Communication, MTN SA
Cell: 083 209 2683
E-mail: Mthokozisi.Ndlovu@mtn.com
About the MTN Group
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