• Home
  • Zambia
  • Telecoms
  • New initiative to boost digital skills development among Zambia’s youth

New initiative to boost digital skills development among Zambia’s youth

By Arnold Mulenga, Zambia Contributor
Johannesburg, 21 Nov 2025
A partnership between Zambia’s government and its private sector has led to the launch of the MTN Schools Digital Skills Challenge to drive up digital skills development among the youth.
A partnership between Zambia’s government and its private sector has led to the launch of the MTN Schools Digital Skills Challenge to drive up digital skills development among the youth.

Hundreds of youngsters in Zambia stand to benefit from the launch of the MTN Schools digital Skills Challenge, a partnership between the government and the private sector.

The MTN Zambia Foundation and the Zambia National Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) Foundation have joined forces to equip Zambian learners with in-demand digital skills, driving innovation and bridging the skills gap. 

The pilot programme aims to reach 1 500 learners and 15 schools in the Southern African country.

“This partnership is not just about teaching skills, but creating pathways to employment, entrepreneurship and innovation,” said Felix Mutati, Minister of Technology and Science.

According to the government, Zambia is beset by low levels of digital literacy, currently estimated at 34%, with STEM proficiency at approximately 20%.

Abbad Reda, MTN Zambia CEO said the operator was committed to ensuring every Zambian enjoyed a modern, connected life.

“This includes equipping youth with the digital and financial skills necessary to thrive in the digital economy,” he said.

In 2022, the company launched the MTN Skills Academy in Zambia, which claims to have reached 20 000 youngsters.

Such initiatives align with the African Union (AU) Digital Transformation Strategy and the MTN Ambition 2025.

Share

Read more
ITWeb proudly displays the “FAIR” stamp of the Press Council of South Africa, indicating our commitment to adhere to the Code of Ethics for Print and online media which prescribes that our reportage is truthful, accurate and fair. Should you wish to lodge a complaint about our news coverage, please lodge a complaint on the Press Council’s website, www.presscouncil.org.za or email the complaint to enquiries@ombudsman.org.za. Contact the Press Council on 011 484 3612.
Copyright @ 1996 - 2025 ITWeb Limited. All rights reserved.