MTN Champions Girls in ICT to Power Africa’s Digital Future

As Africa continues its journey toward inclusive digital transformation, one truth has become clear: unlocking the potential of girls and young women in ICT is not only a question of equality — it is a cornerstone of sustainable development. This Girls in ICT Day, MTN  reaffirms its commitment to empowering the next generation of female digital leaders across the continent, aligning with the African Union’s Agenda 2063 and its broader goals for gender equality, innovation, and inclusive economic growth.

Despite notable progress in many sectors, the gender gap in technology and science remains wide. According to the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), only about 30% of the global tech workforce is female. In Africa, this gap is often more pronounced due to structural barriers, socio-cultural norms, and unequal access to digital tools and education. UNESCO reports that just 28% of women worldwide pursue STEM careers, and those numbers drop significantly in low- and middle-income countries. The implications of this disparity are profound — not just for individuals, but for entire economies.

However, the data also tells a more hopeful story: one of opportunity. Research suggests that if gender gaps in labour force participation and digital inclusion were closed, Africa could see a GDP boost of over $300 billion by 2025. Increasing women’s participation in ICT is not a peripheral concern — it is an economic and social necessity. For MTN, empowering girls with digital skills, confidence, and opportunity is not just a moral imperative — it is a strategic investment in Africa’s future.

This vision is already coming to life through MTN’s initiatives across several of its markets. In Liberia, the Next Gen programme is reimagining what access to STEM education looks like. Specifically designed for young women from non-STEM backgrounds, the programme delivers interdisciplinary training in STEAM — science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics. Participants like Sasha and Amaze represent a new generation of learners who are building bridges between creativity and technology. By equipping young women with both technical expertise and problem-solving skills, the programme opens doors to careers in fields that were once considered out of reach.

In South Africa, MTN is driving inclusion through innovation-focused programmes like the Women in Digital Business Challenge and the Digital Skills for Digital Jobs initiative. These platforms provide not only critical technical training — including in high-demand areas like artificial intelligence, coding, and cybersecurity — but also access to mentorship and funding. This integrated approach ensures that women are not only prepared for the jobs of the future, but are also positioned to create and sustain their own businesses. Many of the programme’s alumni have gone on to launch startups, lead digital transformation in their communities, and contribute to a growing ecosystem of women-led innovation in Africa.

In Cameroon, MTN’s impact is equally profound. At the Yaoundé V Social Centre, over 250 girls have completed practical ICT training courses that range from digital literacy and e-commerce to social media marketing. These skills are not just theoretical — they translate directly into income-generating activities. Many of the programme’s graduates have since launched their own small enterprises, proving that when girls have the right digital tools, they can drive economic development at the grassroots level. This kind of transformation is exactly what Agenda 2063 envisions: communities where women are empowered agents of change, shaping local economies and contributing to national growth.

MTN’s commitment to gender equality in the digital age extends beyond programme delivery. It is embedded in our broader strategy to mainstream gender considerations across all areas of development. This includes creating pathways for leadership and decision-making roles for women within the tech ecosystem, supporting women entrepreneurs with access to capital and business networks, and advocating for policy environments that prioritise digital inclusion.

Education remains central to this mission. MTN recognises that without access to foundational and advanced learning opportunities in science and technology, millions of girls will be left behind in the digital revolution. That is why our initiatives are designed to reach underserved communities, tackle stereotypes about women in tech, and create safe, supportive environments for girls to explore, experiment, and excel in ICT fields.

As we mark Girls in ICT Day, it is important to recognise that the stakes are high. This is not simply about bridging a digital divide — it is about shaping a digital future that reflects the full diversity of Africa’s potential. Whether in Monrovia, Johannesburg, or Yaoundé, the stories emerging from MTN’s initiatives reveal a powerful truth: when girls are empowered with knowledge, resources, and opportunity, they become architects of progress.

Africa’s journey toward inclusive, tech-driven development will not be complete without the full participation of its daughters. At MTN, we are committed to making sure they are not only included, but empowered to lead. Because doing for tomorrow means investing in the girls who will build it today.