Zambia Embarks on a New Digital Era with MTN–STEM Foundation Partnership
Zambia has taken a decisive step toward a digitally empowered future with the launch of a landmark partnership between the MTN Zambia Foundation and the Zambia National STEM Foundation.
The collaboration marks a significant milestone in the country’s efforts to widen digital inclusion, strengthen STEM education, and build the human capital required for an innovation-driven economy.
As the nation accelerates its development agenda, the urgency to enhance digital literacy, expand access to technology, and modernise education has never been greater. The partnership brings together two institutions dedicated to providing young Zambians with the skills, tools, and opportunities essential for participating meaningfully in the global digital economy.
During the launch, speakers emphasised that bridging the digital divide demands strategic collaboration, sustained investment, and visionary leadership. The event highlighted shared commitments to strengthen national capacity, equip learners for future jobs, and champion STEM education as a driver of economic transformation.
Technology and Science Minister Hon. Felix Chipota Mutati MP described the partnership as a crucial enabler of Zambia’s digital transformation. He expressed concern over the country’s low digital literacy rate, currently at 34%, and STEM proficiency at approximately 20%, noting that these gaps hinder progress.
He outlined five key pillars guiding the government’s approach: developing enabling policies, improving human capital, using data for informed decision-making, enhancing digital infrastructure, and fostering partnerships.
He emphasised that collaboration remains the most powerful catalyst for progress, praising both MTN and the STEM Foundation for their leadership.
The Minister added that STEM will be central to national growth in areas such as climate resilience, agriculture, energy, and emerging technologies including artificial intelligence.
MTN Zambia CEO Mr Abbad Reda reiterated the company’s commitment to ensuring that every citizen benefits from a connected, modern life. He stated that MTN’s work aligns with both the African Union’s Digital Transformation Strategy and MTN’s Ambition 2025.
He revealed that the MTN Skills Academy—launched in 2022—has already trained 20,000 young people, with a long-term goal of supporting at least 60% of youth and adults to attain basic digital proficiency.
Mr Reda also introduced the MTN Schools Digital Skills Challenge, a pilot initiative targeting 15 schools and 1,500 learners. The programme will provide mentorship, digital training, career guidance, and incentives, including equipment, internet access, and STEM learning kits for top-performing schools.
He stressed that empowering young people is synonymous with securing Zambia’s economic future.
Representing the Presidential Delivery Unit (PDU), Mr Mupota Muchelemba commended MTN’s active role in the Digital Economy Roundtable. He reaffirmed the government’s ambition to support 160,000 Zambians to enter the digital economy by 2026.
He noted that the MTN Skills Academy offers world-class training and assured stakeholders that the PDU would closely monitor progress to ensure national targets are achieved. He urged other organisations to replicate the model established through this partnership.
Zambia National STEM Foundation Chief Operations Officer, Dr Mah Asombang, celebrated the initiative as a transformative investment in Zambia’s next generation of innovators. She highlighted the Foundation’s ongoing work—including teacher training, STEM boot camps, robotics challenges, and national festivals—as essential in nurturing learners’ creativity and problem-solving abilities.
Dr Asombang described the Schools Digital Skills Challenge as a movement designed to offer equitable STEM opportunities, free online courses, mentorship, and modern competencies to 1,500 learners across 15 schools.
She reaffirmed the Foundation’s commitment to ensuring no learner is left behind in the nation’s scientific and digital advancement.
