MTN Group yesterday launched its flagship MTN Skills Academy in Zambia, the first of its operating companies to roll out this initiative, which is aimed at addressing the digital skills gap in Africa.

First introduced at the Mobile World Congress in Kigali, the MTN Skills Academy is a free, online learning platform, which the pan-African telco is using to actively drive digital skills development and job creation across the continent.

The expansion of MTN Skills Academy into Zambia comes on the back of an accelerated push by private and public sector organisations across Africa to encourage the use of digital technologies to create productive jobs and boost economic growth.

In its latest report, ‘Technological Transformation for Jobs’, the World Bank says Africa’s share of the global workforce is projected to become the largest in the world by 2100.

As a result, the World Bank says it is critical for African countries to increase the uptake of digital technologies to drive employment growth.

Additionally, the International Finance Corporation predicts by 2030, approximately 230 million jobs will require digital skills.

In the case of MTN, the telco is targeting that at least 60% of youth and adults in its 19 markets have at a minimum level of proficiency in sustainable digital skills by 2025.

The telco says its MTN Skills Academy is delivered in line with the African Union’s digital transformation strategy ambitions.

“It’s no secret that in order to be competitive in this rapidly changing world, digital proficiency is a necessity,” said Nompilo Morafo, chief sustainability and corporate affairs officer, MTN Group.

She added: “It is for this reason that we are thrilled to bring the MTN Skills Academy to Zambia, and to help young people across the country gain the skills and knowledge they need to succeed in the digital economy.

“As a pan-African company, we are committed to driving growth and development across the continent, and through this investment, we are helping to create a more equitable and sustainable future for Africa.”

Speaking at the launch event, Zambia’s Minister of Sports, Youth and Art, Elvis Nkandu, said: “The launch of the MTN Skills Academy is a significant milestone for Zambia’s digital development.

“The government’s commitment to promoting science, technology, and innovation in the education sector, coupled with initiatives, such as the MTN Skills Academy, underscores Zambia’s determination to equip its youth with the skills necessary to thrive in the digital era.”