Zambia Launches MTN–STEM Foundation Partnership to Advance Digital Skills

The Ministry of Technology and Science in Zambia  has announced the launch of a landmark partnership between the MTN Zambia Foundation  and the Zambia National STEM Foundation , a collaboration aimed at advancing the country’s digital transformation and strengthening national STEM capabilities. The initiative, unveiled on 19 November 2025 at MTN Zambia Headquarters, underscores a shared commitment to equipping young people with the skills, tools, and opportunities required to thrive in the emerging digital economy. The partnership reflects a broader national effort to modernise education, expand access to technology, and prepare learners for the demands of a fast-evolving global landscape.

During the launch, Minister of Technology and Science Hon. Felix Chipota Mutati MP described the partnership as a significant milestone in addressing Zambia’s low digital literacy—currently at 34%—and STEM proficiency levels of around 20%. He outlined five strategic pillars guiding the government’s approach: policy development, human capital development, data-driven decision-making, digital infrastructure expansion, and multi-sector collaboration. The Minister noted the impact of the free education policy, which has brought 2.3 million children into the school system, and stressed the importance of enhancing teacher skills, strengthening digital networks, and fostering partnerships that accelerate national progress.

MTN Zambia CEO Abbad Reda reaffirmed the company’s commitment to ensuring that every Zambian benefits from a modern, connected life. He highlighted MTN’s alignment with the AU Digital Transformation Strategy for Africa and the MTN Ambition 2025. Reda reported that the MTN Skills Academy—launched in Zambia in 2022—has already provided digital and financial skills training to 20,000 young people, with the goal of helping 60% of youth and adults achieve basic digital proficiency. He also launched the MTN Schools Digital Skills Challenge, a pilot programme targeting 15 schools and 1,500 learners, offering mentorship, digital training, career guidance, and incentives such as equipment and STEM kits for top-performing schools.

Representing the Presidential Delivery Unit (PDU), Mr. Mupota Muchelemba commended MTN for its leadership within the Digital Economy Roundtable and reiterated the government’s goal of bringing 160,000 people into the digital economy by 2026. He emphasised the world-class nature of the training offered through the MTN Skills Academy and said the PDU would continue tracking progress to ensure national targets are met. He encouraged other organisations to emulate the collaborative model demonstrated by MTN and the STEM Foundation.

Dr. Mah Asombang, Chief Operations Officer of the Zambia National STEM Foundation, described the partnership as a transformative step for the nation’s youth. She highlighted ongoing initiatives such as 21st-century skills training for teachers, STEM boot camps, robotics and AI challenges, and national STEM festivals. Speaking about the Schools Digital Skills Challenge, she stressed that the programme aims to reach 15 schools and 1,500 learners, provide free access to online STEM courses, offer mentorship and career guidance, and build essential 21st-century competencies. Dr. Asombang reaffirmed that STEM education is foundational to Zambia’s economic and scientific future, expressing gratitude to MTN and pledging continued collaboration with educators, mentors, and stakeholders across the country.