By Our Reporter
MTN Uganda has launched a training program aimed at equipping local SMEs with knowledge and techniques on business survival and continuity amidst and post the COVID-19 pandemic.
The program will benefit 600 SMEs in six districts of Uganda namely; Kampala, Wakiso, Masaka, Mbarara, Jinja and Lira selected on the basis of economic sector, turnover, number of employees and the threat arising out of the pandemic on the business survival and continuity.
Prior to the training, a needs assessment will be conducted for each participating SME to tailor elements of the training to the participants and will cover topics of digitization, effective people management, leadership and strategic thinking, financial management, fraud prevention and cyber security.
The program will run for a period of 3 months, kick starting on 1st November with participating SMEs required to attend the training for a minimum of three days a month, upon which a certificate will be awarded on successful completion of all the modules.
While launching the project, Ibrahim Senyonga, the General Manager MTN Enterprise Business Unit reaffirmed the Telecom’s commitment to supporting the communities in which it operates.
“At MTN we believe that our business can only thrive in thriving communities and therefore the sustainability of our business is dependent on the success of the community in which we operate. While many big businesses have continuity plans, the small businesses are usually unprepared for times such as this and therefore lack the tenacity to bounce back after such a huge set back,” Senyonga said.
He further noted that MTN Uganda, the leading provider of technology and business solutions in the country has decided to partner with Smart 24 TV, a business dedicated channel to provide a solution among many others out there to make a difference in the SME sector which plays a crucial role in our country’s economic growth and development.
The training will be delivered online and aired live on Smart 24 TV, with recordings of the sessions airing at different times for the benefit of those that would have missed the live broadcast.
Speaking at the training launch at the Smart 24 TV studios in Kikuubo, downtown Kampala, Hon. Nathan Nabeta, the Chairman of Smart 24 TV thanked MTN Uganda for standing with the local business community and urged SME owners to seize this opportunity to learn and turnaround their businesses.
“We are so grateful for the support from MTN that will enable us to run this program that will go a long way to equip many SMEs navigate the challenges the COVID-19 pandemic has brought forth. Some businesses have shut down with others hanging by the thread; I am confident that this training will not only equip them with techniques that will give them another lifeline but also propel them to grow.” Hon Nabeta said.
Entries are invited from SMEs registered and operational in the aforementioned six districts starting until the 31st of October 2020 (the registration deadline).