With only five years remaining to achieve the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the call for accelerated action is intensifying.
Amid uneven global progress and persistent challenges in Africa, including inequality, youth unemployment, and safety, the UN Global Compact spotlighted business-led innovation at its annual SDG Innovation Accelerator Programme, held alongside the United Nations General Assembly.
Representing South Africa, a graduate team from MTN emerged as one of the top global innovators and was selected as one of only two African teams to present their project at the UN Global Compact Leaders’ Summit in New York.
Their award-winning initiative, an AI-powered platform to protect children online, tackles the escalating risks of digital harm, including a more than 6,000 % increase in child sexual abuse material and a 450 % surge in cyberbullying worldwide.
The solution aims to shield children from online predators, limit exposure to harmful content, and reduce digital bullying. It directly supports SDG 16.2, which seeks to end abuse, exploitation, and violence against children, while also contributing to SDG 3 on health and well-being.
Dr. Achieng Ojwang, Executive Director of UN Global Compact South Africa, emphasized the urgency of accelerating progress. “The SDGs will not be met at the current pace, which is why programmes like the Accelerator are critical. They empower young professionals to create the type of bold, scalable solutions that can fast-track progress. The MTN graduates demonstrated that Africa is not only contributing but leading in tackling issues such as child online safety.”
The project, titled YelloGuard, was developed by graduates Lungelo Gwala, Senam Tsormetsri, Ziyanda Thomas, and Koketso Kekana, the youngest participants in the programme. With mentorship from Asanda Nkungwana, MTN Group Sustainable Product Development Lead, and UNGC coaches Lazarus Mosako and Maanda Rashaka, the team transformed their concept into a viable solution with global potential.
Reflecting on the experience, Lungelo Gwala said, “The Accelerator gave us the chance to show that African ideas can help accelerate progress on the SDGs. Representing South Africa at the UN reinforced that our generation has the power to shape a safer digital future.”
Ziyanda Thomas added, “Being part of a global platform reminded me that Africa’s voice must not only be heard it must lead. YelloGuard may be a modest innovation today, but its potential to safeguard millions of children across the continent is profound.”
The recognition underscores MTN’s commitment to youth empowerment, digital innovation, and sustainable development, while highlighting Africa’s pivotal role in driving progress toward the UN SDGs by 2030.
