A person is a person through other people— this profound Xhosa proverb, rooted in the African philosophy of Ubuntu, speaks to the essence of our shared humanity—the idea that our well-being is inextricably linked to that of others. It is a timeless reminder that we rise by lifting others, and that prosperity means little unless it is shared. This belief lies at the heart of MTN Uganda’s approach to corporate social responsibility.
In 2024, while the company delivered a record-breaking UGX 641.5 billion in net profit, it remained grounded in its higher purpose: to create value not just for shareholders, but for communities across Uganda. Guided by the principle of shared prosperity, MTN used its strength—not just as a market leader in telecom and fintech, but as a responsible corporate citizen—to invest in lives, livelihoods, and the environment.
Through the work of the MTN Foundation, the company channelled UGX 4.6 billion into impactful programmes in education, health, youth empowerment, digital inclusion, and environmental sustainability. These initiatives reflected not only a strategic commitment to sustainable development but a moral imperative to uplift those often left behind in the digital and economic divide.
As the country journeys toward a more inclusive and digital future, MTN Uganda continues to shine—not just with powerful networks and cutting-edge innovation but also with a big yellow heart that beats for the people it serves.
A Foundation of Purpose: The Role of the MTN Foundation
Since its establishment, the MTN Uganda Foundation has played a central role in the company’s CSR agenda, operating as the philanthropic arm that implements and supports projects aligned with Uganda’s development priorities. In 2024, the Foundation further scaled up its footprint, empowering thousands of Ugandans across the country.
One of the most significant investments by the Foundation during the year was in digital education and skills development. Through a partnership with Uganda Christian University, MTN rolled out the MTN Skills Academy, training over 14,000 university students in digital skills designed to prepare them for the evolving job market. This programme targets youth across different disciplines and is part of the company’s broader ambition to nurture future-ready citizens capable of thriving in a knowledge-driven economy.
Similarly, the MTN Girls in Tech initiative continued to expand its reach. In its second edition in 2024, the programme trained 400 girls annually in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM), with a particular focus on ICT fields that are traditionally male-dominated. This intervention is part of MTN’s commitment to gender equity and building an inclusive digital future.
Outside the Foundation’s budget, MTN also spent an extra UGX600 million to support secondary school education institutions as part of the company’s 21 Days of Y’ello Care volunteer initiative. Under this initiative, MTN staff donated 20 computers fully connected to high-speed internet to Kansanga Seed Secondary School, a government-aided school in an underserved community. In addition to the equipment, MTN staff provided basic digital training to both students and teachers, promoting e-learning and digital literacy.
Promoting Health and Wellbeing in a Digital Age
Health and wellness are integral to human capital development, and MTN Uganda took deliberate steps in 2024 to contribute to this critical pillar. Through the Foundation, the company supported a range of health-focused initiatives that responded to the evolving needs of Ugandans.
MTN invested in a state-of-the-art wellness centre to promote physical and mental health among its employees. More broadly, the company leveraged digital tools to support health management. The Afya Pap app, which uses artificial intelligence and behavioural science, was introduced to help users manage and prevent chronic illnesses such as diabetes and hypertension. This app is not only available to MTN staff but is also being scaled for broader public use, positioning the company as a driver of digital health solutions.
In addition, the MTN Move app encouraged physical activity and healthy lifestyles, creating a culture of wellness across the MTN ecosystem. These investments in digital health reaffirm MTN’s commitment to using its core capabilities—technology and connectivity—for social good.
Investing in Women and Inclusive Economic Growth
In 2024, MTN Uganda made significant strides in promoting gender equity and economic inclusion. Through its Advancing Women Entrepreneurs Programme, the MTN Foundation supported 118 female entrepreneurs, providing training, capital access, and business mentorship. This initiative is helping women-led enterprises scale up, become sustainable, and contribute to local economies.
MTN’s efforts toward supplier diversity also saw tangible results. The company increased its spending on women-owned businesses by 73.8%, reaching UGX 73.6 billion in 2024. This spend represented 11.4% of MTN’s total supplier payments, a number the company aims to grow to 250 female suppliers by 2025 under its supplier inclusion strategy.
Within the company, gender equity remained a top priority. MTN’s workforce was 48.4% female, with 38% of senior management roles held by women. The Board of Directors also led by example, with 55.5% female representation. These statistics not only reflect internal inclusion but also set a national benchmark for gender-responsive corporate leadership.
Concern for the Girl Child (CGC) at 25: New Board, Renewed Mission for the Girl ChildClimate Action and Environmental Sustainability
MTN Uganda’s environmental impact strategy is guided by Project Zero, an initiative focused on reducing carbon emissions and transitioning to sustainable energy solutions. In 2024, the company upgraded 3,339 cell sites to solar and hybrid power, marking a 3% increase from the previous year. This move significantly reduced the reliance on diesel-powered generators, cutting both emissions and operational costs.
The company achieved a 9% reduction in carbon emissions, bringing total emissions down to 4,225 tCO2. Smart energy management systems were deployed to monitor energy use, enabling MTN to identify inefficiencies and implement corrective actions swiftly.
MTN also prioritised water and waste management. At its head office in Kampala, a water recycling and reuse system was introduced, while 2.6% of all operational waste was recycled or repurposed. These efforts align with MTN’s commitment to the UN Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Goal 13 on Climate Action and Goal 12 on Responsible Consumption and Production.
Connecting Communities through Culture and Innovation
In 2024, MTN Uganda amplified its focus on community empowerment through culture and innovation. One of the most visible campaigns was the “Show Us Your Fayaa” initiative launched in partnership with the Federation of Uganda Football Associations (FUFA). The campaign aimed to rally national support for the Uganda Cranes during their African Cup of Nations qualifier matches. Beyond cheering from the sidelines, MTN simplified access to match tickets through MoMo ticketing and engaged fans through interactive activations in local communities.
In addition, MTN partnered with the Buganda and Bunyoro Kingdoms to implement cultural youth initiatives such as the Ekisakate kya Nabagereka and the Enganda Football Tournament. These partnerships aimed to blend traditional heritage with modern innovation, using technology to empower youth and preserve cultural values.
The Foundation also introduced Tesadeals, a digital marketplace hosted on the MyMTN app. This innovation is designed to support youth-led small and medium enterprises (SMEs) by providing them with access to a scalable online selling platform. Through such programmes, MTN is helping young Ugandans unlock new economic opportunities.
Governance, Recognition, and International Standards
MTN Uganda’s community work is firmly grounded in its ESG governance framework. In 2024, the company received ISO 37301:2021 certification, a global standard that affirms the strength of its compliance and governance systems. It also won the Best Listed Entity Reporting Award at the Institute of Certified Public Accountants of Uganda Financial Reporting Awards, underscoring its commitment to transparency and stakeholder accountability.
The company’s leadership also received high praise. MTN Uganda was named MTN Group’s best operating company in Africa through the Million Dollar Challenge Award, and CEO Sylvia Mulinge was recognised as Uganda’s Most Admired CEO by CEO East Africa Magazine.
These recognitions reflect not just MTN’s financial strength but its ability to align business excellence with social responsibility.
Looking Forward: The Future of Shared Value
As Uganda positions itself for projected economic growth of 6.4% to 7.0% in 2025, MTN Uganda is set to play an even greater role in national development. With digital transformation, financial inclusion, and ESG at the heart of its strategy, the company is committed to being a reliable partner for progress.
Through its MTN Foundation, ESG initiatives, and CSR programmes, MTN Uganda is building a future where communities are not just connected—but empowered. It is enabling farmers to access weather and market information, girls to pursue ICT careers, women to grow businesses, and rural students to learn online. All this is made possible not just by MTN’s network of towers, but by its network of care.
With a big yellow heart beating at the centre of its operations, MTN Uganda is showing that true corporate success lies not just in profits—but in people, in progress, and in shared prosperity.