Dschang: MTN Skills Academy empowers over 1,400 youth on entrepreneurship.

The programme took place recently in Dschang. It sought to empower youth with the knowledge and tools needed to thrive in the digital economy.

The MTN Skills Academy is designed to promote digital inclusion and youth empowerment by equipping students, recent graduates, and young entrepreneurs with practical skills that can improve their employability and entrepreneurial capacity. 

Through a combination of expert-led training sessions, practical workshops, and certification opportunities, participants gained competencies that can support both their academic pursuits and professional ambitions.

According to the organisers, the programme recorded remarkable participation as a total of 1,792 young people registered for the training sessions, while 1,430 participants successfully completed the programme and obtained certifications. 

The turnout, organisers said showed the growing interest among young Cameroonians in acquiring digital skills. 

Participants received training in several key areas including basic digital literacy, cybersecurity awareness, professional communication, and digital entrepreneurship. 

These areas, organisers said are increasingly considered essential in a world where digital technologies are shaping industries, businesses, and learning environments. 

Speaking during the programme, the Chief Executive Officer, CEO, of MTN Cameroon, Wanda Matandela, emphasised on the company’s commitment to youth empowerment.

He explained that the MTN Skills Academy seeks to prepare young people to play an active role in the evolving digital economy.

“Through the MTN Skills Academy, we are equipping young people with the tools they need to become key players in the digital economy. Our commitment is to create opportunities and support Cameroonian youth on their journey toward employability, innovation, and entrepreneurship,” he said. 

Speaking on behalf of the Rector, the Vice-Rector in charge of Cooperation and Relations with the Business World, Bernard Guimdo Dongmo, praised the initiative, noting that such partnerships help prepare students for the realities of the modern job market.

The General Manager for Regulatory and Corporate Affairs at MTN Cameroon, Melvin Akam, noted that the programme demonstrates the company’s commitment to building inclusive digital societies. 

He noted that access to digital skills is an important driver of social and economic development.

The initiative, the official said aligns with MTN’s broader Ambition 2025 strategy, which seeks to empower communities while building Africa’s largest digital platform. 

Through programmes like the MTN Skills Academy, the company, he added hopes to nurture a new generation of digitally skilled entrepreneurs capable of contributing to Cameroon’s digital transformation.

Enter participants 

Participants on their part also highlighted the impact of the training. A student who took part in the programme, Oscar, said the academy changed his perspective on digital tools. 

He explained that previously, he mainly used them for communication and entertainment, but the training revealed his potential for learning, innovation, and entrepreneurship.

Another participant, Judith, described the programme as an enriching experience that not only improved her digital skills but also strengthened her confidence in navigating opportunities in the digital world.

The article was first published in The Guardian Post Edition No:3730 of Friday March 13, 2026