By: Kanto
Kai Okanta
Vodacom Group says its
education and empowerment initiatives reached millions of beneficiaries across
its markets in the 2026 financial year, including 36,516 younger girls through
a peer-led mentorship programme in Mozambique.
The telecommunications group
disclosed the figures in a statement marking the International Day of the Girl
Child, observed under the theme “End child marriage and invest in girls’
rights!”
In Mozambique, the SHINE
programme, implemented by Girl MOVE Academy, equips young women with the
skills, confidence and pathways to transition from education into leadership
and employment. Vodacom said 2,311 girls completed the programme in FY2026, while
its peer-led mentorship initiative, Movimento Somos Luz, reached 36,516 younger
girls across schools and communities.
In Egypt, the Maaki
initiative is working to empower one million rural women over three years
through digital and financial inclusion, helping them develop digital literacy,
entrepreneurship skills and economic independence.
Vodacom also reported
awarding 183 bursaries in FY2026, including 100 to women. Its education
platforms and school connectivity programmes reached four million beneficiaries
with access to learning opportunities across its markets.
The company said its
commitment to empowering girls and young women extends beyond access to
education to include digital skills development, mentorship, leadership
training and partnerships that support personal and professional development.
“Every girl deserves the
freedom to dream, the opportunity to learn and the support to shape her own
future,” Vodacom said.
The group added that the
initiatives reflected its belief that empowering girls and young women today
creates opportunities for them to become the leaders, innovators and
changemakers of tomorrow.
“Together, we are helping
build a more inclusive future where every girl has the opportunity to learn,
lead and thrive,” the company said.
