MTN is empowering girls across Africa with digital skills, mentorship, and opportunities to close the gender gap in technology.
The telecom giant is working to ensure girls are not left behind in Africa’s digital transformation. These efforts align with the African Union’s Agenda 2063 goals.
Currently, only 30% of the global tech workforce is female, according to the International Telecommunication Union (ITU).
In Africa, this gap is even wider due to cultural barriers, poor access to education, and lack of digital tools.
UNESCO also reports that just 28% of women globally choose STEM careers. The figure is lower in low-income countries.
This gap is hurting economies. Research shows that closing it could boost Africa’s GDP by over $300 billion by 2025.
For MTN, empowering girls is not just a moral issue. It is a smart investment in Africa’s economic and digital future.
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Bridging the Digital Divide
In Liberia, MTN’s Next Gen programme is helping girls with no STEM background learn science, tech, engineering, arts, and math.
Young women like Sasha and Amaze are now combining creativity with technology to solve real-world problems in their communities.
In South Africa, MTN runs the Women in Digital Business Challenge and the Digital Skills for Digital Jobs initiative.
These programmes teach coding, AI, and cybersecurity. They also offer mentorship and funding to help women start businesses.
Some graduates have started their own startups. Others now lead digital projects in their communities.
In Cameroon, MTN is training girls at the Yaoundé V Social Centre in digital literacy, e-commerce, and social media marketing.
Over 250 girls have completed the course and many now run small businesses with the skills they gained from the programme.
“This kind of transformation is exactly what Agenda 2063 envisions: communities where women are empowered agents of change,” said MTN.
Investing in Girls’ Education and Leadership to Shape Africa’s Digital Tomorrow
MTN says its commitment goes beyond training programmes. The company is including gender equality in all its development plans.
This includes pushing for more women leaders in tech and better policies that support women in digital spaces.
The company is also focused on education. It wants girls in underserved areas to explore and excel in science and tech.
“Without access to foundational and advanced learning opportunities in science and technology, millions of girls will be left behind,” said MTN.
This year, on Girls in ICT Day, MTN is showing what real change looks like in Africa’s tech space.
“Whether in Monrovia, Johannesburg, or Yaoundé, the stories emerging from MTN’s initiatives reveal a powerful truth,” said MTN.
“When girls are empowered with knowledge, resources, and opportunity, they become architects of progress.”
MTN believes Africa’s digital future needs the full participation of women and girls — not just as users, but as leaders.