By Phiwa Sikhondze
The MTN NextGen STEM programme is reshaping the future of technology by empowering young women with the skills, confidence, and leadership needed to break barriers and excel in the rapidly evolving tech industry.
The 2024 cohort (second cohort) recently celebrated their successful graduation at the MTN Eswatini headquarters in Ezulwini, marking the completion of a transformative six-month programme that balanced rigorous academic commitments with intensive technical training.
The programme’s celebration on February 14, 2025, drew university representatives, and MTN Eswatini executives, all of whom praised the graduates for their dedication and resilience.
Dr. Mzabalazo Lupupa, a lecturer at the University of Eswatini’s Department of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, emphasized the importance of initiatives like the MTN NextGen STEM in addressing the shortage of women in engineering.
“Eswatini, like many countries, faces an underrepresentation of women in engineering. programmes like NextGen STEM are vital in exposing young women to real-world applications of their academic knowledge and inspiring them to take on the challenges of the tech industry,” Dr. Lupupa explained.
The programme bridges the gap between theory and practice by providing participants with hands-on experience and insights into various tech industries. This exposure makes them highly competitive candidates in the global job market. Beyond technical expertise, the programme also emphasizes vital soft skills such as teamwork, leadership, time management, and resilience—critical tools for success in any career.
One of the first cohort graduates, Tifeziwe Dlamini, who is now working under MTN Eswatini’s Marketing Department, reflected on how the programme shaped her personal and professional development.
“It was more than just learning technical skills. It taught me to step into leadership roles, collaborate effectively, and manage my time in a competitive environment,” she shared. “These are lessons I will carry with me as I navigate my career in the tech sector.”
MTN Eswatini’s commitment to gender equality and empowering women in technology is evident in its focus on the NextGen STEM programme. As part of the company’s broader strategy to create a diverse workforce, MTN has set ambitious goals to increase female representation. By 2030, the company aims to achieve 50% female representation, a goal that is already within reach, with 49% of its current workforce being women, including 40% in management roles.
“This programme plays a key role in helping us meet our gender diversity targets,” the CEO of MTN Eswatini, Wandile Mtshali said. “We are creating a pipeline of talented women in STEM who will drive innovation in the company and contribute to the economic transformation of Eswatini.”
The programme also aligns with MTN Eswatini’s broader goal to foster a digital economy in Eswatini. By equipping young women with the skills needed to excel in technology, the NextGen STEM programme contributes to the country’s ongoing digital transformation. Graduates are now poised to lead innovation in sustainable technologies, digital infrastructure, and new business models to address local challenges.