MTN Foundation Boosts Digital Access in Palabek Refugee Settlement

MTN Foundation Uganda has expanded its digital inclusion efforts by establishing a new Information and Communication Technology (ICT) hub in the Palabek Refugee Settlement, located in Lamwo District.

This initiative, a collaboration with Hopelink Action Foundation Uganda, aims to bridge the digital divide by offering free access to computers, internet connectivity, and digital learning resources. The facility is designed to serve both the refugee population, which is largely comprised of South Sudanese individuals, and the surrounding host communities.

Francis Gimara, a Trustee of the MTN Foundation, stated that the investment aligns with their commitment to ensuring that all communities benefit from Uganda’s ongoing digital transformation. He emphasized that access to technology is no longer a luxury but a necessity for education, information, employment, and economic participation.

The new ICT hub is expected to function as more than just an access point for computers and the internet. It will also serve as a platform for developing digital skills and exploring economic opportunities. Users will be able to engage with online learning, job search resources, and entrepreneurship tools.

This project supports Uganda’s Fourth National Development Plan, which highlights digital transformation and human capital development as key drivers for inclusive growth. Richard Ochaka Okot, Executive Director of Hopelink Action Foundation Uganda, expressed optimism about the hub’s potential to open doors to knowledge and innovation for its users.

The Palabek facility is the latest in MTN Foundation’s ongoing efforts to extend digital infrastructure beyond urban centers. Since 2007, the foundation has supported 94 ICT centers across Uganda, benefiting schools and various community organizations.

Beneficiaries are also encouraged to utilize platforms like MTN ACE and MTN Skills Academy to build practical skills and translate digital access into tangible educational and economic advantages.

This expansion signifies the crucial role of private sector investment in reducing Uganda’s digital disparity and bringing the advantages of the digital economy to previously underserved populations.

Source: Nile Post