Telecommunications group MTN South Africa has launched its MTN Skills Academy to bridge the digital skills gap and equip youth with the necessary skills and knowledge to succeed in the digital age.

The platform provides a range of courses and training programmes, including coding, web development, digital marketing and data analytics, besides others, with the aim of ensuring that 60% of youth and adults have at least basic proficiency in sustainable digital skills by 2025.

“By investing in the skills of the youth, MTN South Africa is investing in the future of the country, creating a pipeline of talent that will help drive innovation and growth in the digital economy for years to come,” says MTN South Africa Foundation GM Arthur Mukhuvha, pointing out that the academy is a cornerstone of MTN’s Ambition 2025.

The MTN Skills Academy is the next phase of MTN’s commitment to the youth after the MTN South Africa Foundation upskilled 900 unemployed youth countrywide through the Digital Skills for Digital Jobs programme.

The new academy is expected to play a pivotal role in enhancing digital and financial skills, while fostering digital inclusion, innovation and long-term career prospects for participants.

“Developed in collaboration with strategic partners, including PACE and Coursera, the MTN Skills Academy is set to be a game changer for digital education.”

The strategic partnerships ensure a diverse curriculum, from basic to advanced technology and business skills.

Tailored to meet industry demands, the academy’s skills development extends beyond traditional education, targeting the acquisition of practical, in-demand skills that directly translate into employability.

“The MTN Skills Academy boasts a comprehensive learning platform, offering a user-friendly web-based platform available to all mobile users, providing free access to digital and financial courses, career guidance and entrepreneurial skill development,” says Mukhuvha.

Further, the academy is designed to be inclusive and accessible to all, with features like low-data use and accessibility for differently abled individuals.