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Tag: MTN Uganda

  • MTN Uganda donates computers to support visually impaired students at St. Mary Gorreti School

    MTN Uganda donates computers to support visually impaired students at St. Mary Gorreti School

    In an effort to support inclusive education, MTN Uganda, through its MTN Changemakers initiative, donated computers, a workstation, and desks valued at UGX 20 million to St. Mary Gorreti Secondary School in Ngetta on Monday.

    The school, which was founded last year by the Itinga Charity Education Foundation (ICEF) and its partners, currently serves Senior One and Senior Two students. There are 45 students enrolled, 10 of whom are completely blind and 12 of whom have low or partial blindness.

    To help visually impaired students learn, the contribution includes 40 desks and three desktop computers with Braille JAWS software. The donation creates 80 extra learning spaces and guarantees that every student has a comfortable place to study.

    During the handover ceremony, Brian Kagwisagye, the Regional Business Manager for Northern Uganda at MTN, reiterated the company’s dedication to promoting universal access to education.

    “Education remains one of the most powerful tools for empowerment, yet for many learners with disabilities, access remains a challenge. Our support to St. Mary Gorreti Secondary School, Ngetta, reflects our belief that no child should be left behind. Through technology and infrastructure support, we hope to enable these students to pursue their ambitions unhindered,” he said.

    Read also: Africa Startup Factory awards N10 million to 10 women-led tech startups

    MTN Uganda’s Ambition 2025 strategy

    Brian pointed out that this MTN Foundation-led intervention is a component of MTN Uganda’s larger Ambition 2025 strategy, which seeks to advance education for all Ugandans in addition to fostering financial and digital inclusion. He went on to say that the program supports the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the UN, specifically Goal 4 (high-quality education) and Goal 10 (less inequality).

    By making sure that students with disabilities have access to the resources they need to succeed academically, ICEF—the organisation that founded the school— continues to promote inclusive education.

    ICEF Executive Director Acen Kevin praised MTN Uganda’s contribution, saying:

    “This initiative will significantly enhance the learning experience of our students, particularly those with visual impairments. By providing assistive technology and improving classroom infrastructure, MTN Uganda is not only addressing immediate challenges but also laying the foundation for a more inclusive educational system.”

    Read also: Wema Bank celebrates innovation and inclusion at Hackaholics 5.0 finale

    MTN Uganda to invest UGX 500 million in 25 projects nationwide

    Brian added that MTN Uganda is investing UGX 500 million in 25 projects nationwide as part of the second edition of the MTN Changemakers Initiative, assisting groups that are promoting change in important areas like economic development, health, and education.

     In addition, MTN Uganda has provided support for educational initiatives under the 40 Days Over 40 Smiles Foundation: vocational training through the Hands of Hope Skilling Centre in Iganga, the Empowering Single Mothers and Deprived Children in Education (ESMDCE) initiative in Kabarole, and paediatric cancer care at the Bless a Child Foundation.

    MTN Uganda reaffirmed its commitment to creating a lasting impact in communities throughout the nation last year by investing UGX 500 million in 25 community-driven projects through the MTN Changemakers initiative.

  • MTN Uganda empowers Kabarole women, children with UGX 15.4 million vocational training equipment, education support

    MTN Uganda empowers Kabarole women, children with UGX 15.4 million vocational training equipment, education support

    On Friday, MTN Foundation, the company’s corporate social responsibility division, donated UGX 15.4 million worth of vocational training equipment to the Empowering Single Mothers and Deprived Children in Education (ESMDCE) initiative in Kabarole District.

    This assistance is a component of MTN’s Changemaker Program, which aims to improve educational outcomes and promote economic empowerment for marginalised communities.

    ESMDCE was established in 2023 with the goal of giving impoverished children and single mothers access to education and skill development, two major obstacles to economic mobility in Uganda.

    In addition to providing 135 children with school fees and academic supplies to aid in their education, the donation will help 71 women by giving them the resources they need to start tailoring businesses.

    Read also: MTN partners with Airtel Africa to improve network access in Nigeria and Uganda

    Donated vocational training equipment 

    Three industrial machines, an overlock machine, a baby lock machine, ten foot-pedal machines, semi-industrial machines, a cupboard, a flat iron, sewing threads, sewing needles, and various sewing supplies are among the vocational training equipment included in the donation.

    In addition to allowing the children to continue their education, these resources will give the women the skills they need to work for themselves—two essential steps in ending the cycle of poverty.

    According to ESMDCE founder Robert Kugonza, MTN Uganda’s assistance will improve the lives of those who are most in need.

    “This support will equip the beneficiaries with practical skills and educational opportunities that will shape their futures. For many, this is the first step towards financial independence and the chance to change the course of their lives,” he said.

    MTN’s commitment to empower underserved communities

    Andrew Tusubira, Regional Commercial Head – West at MTN Uganda, emphasised that the telecom company is committed not only to ensuring everyone enjoys the benefits of a modern, connected life but also to promoting a life of dignity and opportunity for all.

    “This partnership reflects our belief that empowerment goes beyond just providing resources; it’s about creating sustainable opportunities that uplift entire communities. Together, our ambition is unstoppable,” he said.

    According to Tusubira, MTN Uganda is investing UGX 500 million in 25 projects nationwide as part of the second cohort of the MTN Changemakers Initiative, which is run by the MTN Foundation. These projects will support organisations that are promoting change in important areas like economic development, health, and education.

    Along with ESMDCE, MTN Uganda has also provided support for educational initiatives run by the 40 Days Over 40 Smiles Foundation, vocational training at the Hands of Hope Skilling Centre, and paediatric cancer care at the Bless A Child Foundation.

    Additional projects are planned, such as the Bushenyi Carpentry Project, the Kalangala Home for Children with Special Needs, and water access projects in Lira and Soroti.

    Read also: MTN South Africa pioneers Africa’s initial satellite phone call

    Previous MTN empowerment initiative

    Through the MTN Changemakers initiative, MTN Uganda invested UGX 500 million in 25 community-driven projects last year.

    These initiatives are a component of MTN Uganda’s Ambition 2025 plan, which aims to alleviate social injustices and support the nation’s social and economic advancement.

  • Women in Leadership: Sylvia Mulinge steers MTN Uganda to historic UGX 641 billion profit in 2024

    Women in Leadership: Sylvia Mulinge steers MTN Uganda to historic UGX 641 billion profit in 2024

    MTN Uganda reported a historic 2024 net profit of UGX641.5 billion (about $175 million) reflecting a strong financial performance and a year of consistent commercial momentum. This was contained in MTN Uganda’s 2024 Financial Year report released on Thursday.

    The telecom operator has maintained its market leadership and grown its digital and fintech offerings under the leadership of CEO Sylvia Mulinge.

    Due to the robust performance of its voice, data, and fintech services, MTN Uganda’s overall revenue increased by 18.9 percent to UGX3.17 trillion, with double-digit growth across all major business lines.

    Service revenue, which makes up the majority of earnings, increased by 19.5 percent to UGX3.14 trillion, with voice revenue rising by 12.7 percent to UGX1.3 trillion and data revenue soaring by 30.5 percent to UGX811.8 billion.

    Fintech revenue increased by 22.8 percent to UGX947.5 billion, supported by rising mobile money transaction volumes and a robust uptake of digital financial services.

    “Our Earnings Before Interest, Tax, Depreciation, and Amortization (EBITDA) increased by 20.7 percent to UGX1.7 trillion, with an improved margin of 52.2 percent, up 0.8 percentage points. Profit After Tax (PAT) surged by 30.1 percent to UGX641.5 billion, while earnings per share increased to UGX28.7, demonstrating strong value for investors,” stated Mulinge in a letter to shareholders accompanying the published results.

    Read also: MTN Group, Paysky partner to launch Market by MoMo in Uganda

    MTN Uganda’s capital expenditure increased by 18.3% to UGX418 billion

    MTN Uganda maintained its aggressive network expansion strategy, increasing capital expenditure (excluding leases) by 18.3 percent to UGX418 billion, allowing a significant expansion of 4G and 5G coverage throughout the nation.

    “Our 4G and 5G population coverage increased to 87.9 percent and 15.3 percent, respectively, with growth in our 5G sites to 538, from just 37 in 2023. Notably, we were recognised at the 2024 Mobile World Congress in Barcelona for having the fastest network in Uganda and the fastest LTE network in Africa,” Mulinge highlighted.

    Additionally, MTN doubled its fiber-to-the-home customer base in 2024 by expanding its residential internet services and expanding the fibre network coverage by 47.2 percent to 17,774 km.

    Read also: Airtel Money partners with Mastercard, others to launch Global Pay Card for simplify international payments in Uganda

    MTN Uganda’s regulatory obstacles 

    MTN Uganda encountered regulatory obstacles in spite of its impressive financial accomplishments, such as a mandate from the Uganda Communications Commission to lower local mobile termination fees (MTR) by 44 percent to UGX26. Voice revenues in Q4 were hurt by this.

    Furthermore, from 2018 to 2022, the Uganda Revenue Authority (URA) conducted an investigative audit of the tax compliance of the telecom industry.

    “MTN Uganda is cooperating fully with this process, providing comprehensive data and necessary clarifications in a timely and transparent manner,” Mulinge assured stakeholders.

  • Sylvia Mulenge named MTN CEO of the Year, surpassing all African counterparts

    Sylvia Mulenge named MTN CEO of the Year, surpassing all African counterparts

    Sylvia Mulenge, the CEO of MTN Uganda, has been ranked top executive of the year among all the African nations where the telecoms company operates.

    The announcement was made on Thursday at the MTN Global Leadership Gathering (GLG) gala in Johannesburg, South Africa.

    Mulinge, who assumed her role as CEO of MTN Uganda in 2022, was recognised for her leadership in one of MTN’s primary markets. 

    Read also: MTN Uganda secures $100 million debt financing from five banks for network expansion

    MTN, the largest telecoms operator in Africa with over 280 million members, acknowledged Mulinge’s exceptional performance.

    In response to the recognition, Mulinge said, “What an amazing surprise! I am still processing”.

    MTN Uganda’s achievements

    Under Mulinge’s leadership, MTN Uganda has deployed over 550 5G sites and updated its 4G network, particularly in rural regions, to boost nationwide access.

    She has also emphasised enhanced customer experience and social impact as major growth drivers. With 20 million users and a 54 percent market share, MTN Uganda has maintained its position as the country’s largest telecoms service provider.

    In addition to Mulinge’s award, MTN Uganda received several other significant awards during the Group’s GLG awards gala night:

    Group President and CEO Award – Y’ello Care: This award celebrates the impact of MTN’s 2024 ‘30 Days of Y’ello Care’ employee volunteer program, which has brought positive change to local communities.

    Million Dollar Award – Best OpCo of the Year: This award acknowledges MTN Uganda’s commitment to operational excellence in line with the Ambition 2025 strategy.

    Value-Based Capital Allocation: This award recognises MTN’s strategy of making strategic investments that are consistent with its long-term vision and create sustainable value for all stakeholders.

    Read also: MTN partners with Mastercard, Arifu to digitise 1 million businesses in Uganda, Côte d’Ivoire

    Strategic importance of MTN Uganda

    Ralph Mupita, MTN Group president and CEO, has emphasised the importance of improving operations in Ghana, Uganda, and Cameroon to maintain solid growth. 

    He has previously stressed the importance of markets like Uganda to the Group’s expansion aspirations.

    Mupita stated, “In our markets portfolio, the priority is to sustain the strong growth in markets like Ghana, Uganda and Cameroon while implementing the necessary initiatives to turn around the performances in Côted’Ivoire, Rwanda and Zambia”.

    Mulinge’s recognition as CEO of the Year demonstrates that leadership in Uganda requires more than just corporate expertise but also an understanding of the Ugandan spirit.

  • MTN Uganda announces offer to purchase ordinary shares from MTN International

    MTN Uganda announces offer to purchase ordinary shares from MTN International

    MTN Uganda has made public an offer by MTN International (Mauritius) Limited to purchase up to 1,574,807,373 ordinary shares of the company on the secondary market.

    This amount represents a 7.03% ownership in the business and includes incentive shares.

    The telecom claims that the offer is being made to further MTN Group and MTN Uganda’s objective of raising Ugandan business ownership. The fulfilment of regulatory criteria is also a priority. Additionally, the public may take advantage of the offer from Monday, May 27, 2024, to Monday, June 10, 2024.

    Read also: MTN, others unveil $12 Billion investment in Africa’s digital infrastructure

    The telecom company’s principal sponsoring broker is SBG Securities Uganda Limited. MTN Group Limited’s wholly-owned subsidiary is MTN International (Mauritius) Limited, the selling shareholder.

    MTN Uganda’s IPO Fails, Expands Local Ownership

    On the other hand, Stanbic Uganda Holdings Limited wholly owns SBG Securities Uganda Limited. October 2021 saw the start of MTN Uganda’s first public offering, which ended in November 2021. Less than two-thirds of MTN Group’s aim was raised at its Ugandan unit’s undersubscribed initial public offering.

    To renew its operating licence, Uganda asked MTN Uganda to list some of its shares on the local stock exchange in 2018. Uganda said that its citizens ought to be able to own equity in the company. A March 2024 article stated that MTN Uganda is optimistic about its activities in Uganda and may offer the public an extra 7% of the company two months before it formally commences the public sale.

    MTN Uganda rewards local investors UGX 6.4 per share

    Shares in the company could be owned by MTN Uganda customers as well as professional and retail investors in Uganda after the official announcement.

    Read also: MTN 2024 Scholarship opens for deserving students

    According to the telecom, no maximum number of shares can be applied for, but 1,400 is the minimum. Applications beyond the required minimum must be submitted in batches of 420 shares.

    Investors who meet the requirements can purchase shares in person from authorised stockbrokers and trading members or online via the USE Easy Portal. Moreover, the shares cannot be sold to investors in sanctioned nations or countries where the transfer would be unlawful or unenforceable.

    The telecom added that shareholders authorised a final dividend payment of UGX 6.4 per ordinary share, or UGX 143.3 billion, for the fiscal year that concluded on December 31, 2023, at MTN Uganda’s annual general meeting in May 2024. Two months after Mike Silber was named by MTN Group as its new group executive for regulatory matters, effective April 1, 2024, MTN initiated steps to improve regulatory compliance in Uganda.

  • MTN Uganda’s CEO, Sylvia Mulinge, marks one-year anniversary

    MTN Uganda’s CEO, Sylvia Mulinge, marks one-year anniversary

    October 3, 2023, marks the one-year anniversary of Sylvia Mulinge’s official appointment as Chief Executive Officer of MTN Uganda. Her hiring as the company’s first female CEO made headlines when it was announced a year ago.

    The first few months of Sylvia’s employment have been productive. The double-digit annual growth rate that MTN Uganda enjoyed prior to her reign has been maintained during her tenure. The telecommunications company announced a 15% increase in revenue over the previous twelve months. The total revenue for the first half of 2022 was 1.1 billion UGX, and it is projected to skyrocket to 1.25 trillion UGX in the first half of 2023.

    Additionally, the Kenyan’s reign has been defined by an increase in revenue from all sources throughout the entire period. When compared to the same time period in 2022, the first half of 2023 saw a huge increase of 22.1% in data revenue, which brought the total to UGX 290.2 billion, an amount that was significantly higher than UGX 237.6 billion. In a similar vein, revenue from fintech companies (MoMO) has shown robust growth, increasing by 18.6% to UGX 358.3 billion, as compared to UGX 302.1 billion in the first half of 2022.

    Voice revenue, on the other hand, climbed as well, albeit at a slower rate, with a 9.4% growth, going from UGX 497.7 billion to UGX 544.7 billion over the course of the year.

    The Profit After Tax (PAT) experienced a huge increase of 17.8%, going from UGX 193.6 billion to UGX 228.0 billion (a significant jump). This gain can be ascribed to a number of different sources, some of which include an increase in mobile subscribers of 11.2%, an increase in data subscribers of 21.4%, and an increase in active fintech users of 11.6%.

    In July of 2023, she was also in charge of leading the ambitious development of the 5G network for the telco. 

    Read also: MTN launches 5G network in Uganda ahead of Airtel

    Mulinge’s previous endeavours

    After Wim Vanhelleputte’s tenure, Sylvia Mulinge assumed leadership of MTN Uganda. Mr. Wim Vanhelleputte has returned to East Africa in his role as chief executive officer for Safaricom Ethiopia after a short assignment in West Africa.

    It’s possible that Vanhelleputte and Sylvia have switched places of employment, as Sylvia formerly worked for Safaricom. Before quitting her job at Safaricom PLC a year ago, she spent more than 16 years working there.

    She started out as a Prepay Product Manager in the Enterprise section of Safaricom when she first joined the company. After that, she served as the Head of Retail from 2007 until 2009. Before taking on her new position as Chief Consumer Business Officer, Sylvia was promoted to the position of General Manager of the Enterprise Business Unit. The year 2018 marked her ascension to the position of Chief Customer Officer.

    MTN Uganda’s double digits growth due to fintech, data utilisation 

    Some achievements of MTN Uganda

    MTN Uganda’s service revenue increased by 15% yearly, reaching Ush 1,250 billion ($335 million). This growth was driven by the company’s successful voice, data, and fintech operations. This expansion was documented during the first half of 2023, which concluded on June 30. 

    MTN Uganda’s Chief Executive Officer Sylvia Mulinge stated that the 15.0% rise in service revenue is in line with the company’s plan, which reflects the strong voice performance, double-digit data revenue growth, and fintech revenue growth. “Despite inflation, we handled costs successfully,” she said. “

    Expanding the client base was the primary contributor to the 9.4% increase in voice revenue. Due to strategic gains, net additions increased to 18.1 million, bringing the total number of consumers to 910,000. 

    Through user migration to 3G, MTN Uganda was able to reduce congestion on the 2G network further, hence improving the experience for its customers. However, transitioning customers to new networks continues to be a difficulty. This is in contrast to the situation in neighbouring Kenya, where 5G services have already been offered by Airtel Kenya and Safaricom, with Airtel taking the lead.

  • MTN Uganda’s double digits growth due to fintech, data utilisation 

    MTN Uganda’s double digits growth due to fintech, data utilisation 

    MTN Uganda‘s service revenue reached Ush 1.25 trillion, or $335 million, in the first half of 2023. This is the equivalent of the company’s revenue in 2018.

    This demonstrates a substantial increase in the company’s growth. The growth of phone, data, and fintech services were the primary contributors to this 15% increase, as stated by the CEO Sylvia Mulinge.

    In spite of the fact that inflationary pressures are being applied, she highlighted the fact that this is in accordance with the goals of the business and demonstrates resiliency in performance.

    Read also: Safaricom Ethiopia appoints MTN Uganda CEO as its new boss

    Voice revenue, which grew by 9.4% to 568 billion Ush, was one of the most important drivers since it was the one that climbed the most. The increase in the number of customers served, from 910,000 to over 18 million, was what made this achievement attainable. MTN was successful in alleviating congestion on its network by migrating customers to its 3G service and increasing the quality of the user experience overall. Other nations, in contrast to Kenya, which has already begun delivering 5G services, continue to struggle with the difficulty of shifting subscribers to more modern networks. Kenya has already begun offering 5G services.

    Another factor that contributed was a 22% growth in data income, which totalled 290 billion U.S. dollars. This was because there was a 21% increase in the number of active data users, bringing the total number of users to 6.9 million. The number of people using smartphones climbed by a total of 24 percentage points, reaching a new all-time high of 36 percent of the population. MTN was able to increase the number of customers it had by providing financing options such as TakeNow and selling inexpensive Kaboda smartphones that came packaged with data subscriptions. Given that Mulinge was formerly in charge of consumer business at Lipa Mdogo Mdogo, it really shouldn’t come as a surprise that Safaricom has reproduced the success of Lipa Mdogo Mdogo.

    MTN Uganda Loyalty Program Now Offers aYo Insurance

    Further Increase in Fintech Revenue

    There was an 11% increase in the number of persons using fintech, which brought the total number of users to 10.9 million. This led to a 19% increase in income, which brought the total to 358 billion Ugandan Shillings. The growth was mostly driven by monetary transactions, including payments and remittances. The amount of businesses that accept MoMoPay has climbed by 223% and now stands at 267,000. As a consequence of this, the number of transactions rose by 26%, reaching 1.6 billion, while the value of those transactions rose by 45%, reaching 62 trillion U.S. shillings. However, there were 162,000 fewer agents, a 6% decrease from the previous year.

    According to Mulinge, attempts to digitise customer value chains through MoMoPay and improve remittances have driven the advanced revenue contribution up 8.8 percentage points to 26.3%, which has enabled the company to fulfil its medium-term goals. This has allowed the company to move forward with its long-term plans.

    These numbers highlight the significance of MTN Uganda’s financial technology services to the company’s income.

  • MTN launches 5G network in Uganda ahead of Airtel

    MTN launches 5G network in Uganda ahead of Airtel

    MTN Uganda, which is part of the MTN Group, has opened its 5G network in the country. It’s interesting that it did this before its rival in telecom, Airtel. 

    Uganda’s mobile market is dominated by MTN, which has 15 million customers.

    5G, also called the fifth wave of mobile networks, is becoming more popular in many African countries because of all the good things it can do. 5G is different from 3G and 4G in that it has less delay, is more reliable, and has a faster download speed.

    MTN’s launch of 5G is expected to do more than just give its users better service. It is also expected to improve Uganda’s ICT scene. This could give the country the push it needs to get more funding from abroad and grow its tech ecosystem.

    Read also: MTN reports Forex loss and decline in profits in Q2 2023

    The 5G network was put in place in the Lugogo and Bugolobi areas by the phone company. It also said that soon there would be more places. Both places were chosen as pilot sites because they have a lot of devices that can work with 5G.

    Sylvia Mulinge, the CEO of MTN Uganda, commented on the launch. She said, “We are incredibly proud to be the first to go live with a 5G network in Uganda, and we are sure that this cutting-edge network service will play a key role in driving ICT solutions for economic growth and creating digital experiences for all Ugandans that are unmatched.”

    Mulinge called it “a historic milestone” and told subscribers to expect an increase in network capability that will change the way they connect to the internet in Uganda. She also said that people who use 5G can get internet speeds that are 100 times faster than what the 4G network can offer.

    Based on this statement, the telco plans to cover Kampala, the country’s capital, before the end of 2024. It also said that it has plans to make its base sites in big cities ready for 5G.

    Airtel will launch 5G in Uganda soon

    The Uganda Communication Commission (UCC) gave 5G spectrums to MTN and Airtel at the beginning of this month. Airtel got 800 MHz, 3.5 GHz, and E-band, while MTN got 700 MHz, 2.3 GHz, 2.6 GHz, and E-band (71 GHz–76 GHz/81 GHz–86 GHz).

    MTN won the race to be the first company in Uganda to have a 5G network, but Airtel’s customers may not have to wait too long. The UCC recently gave the company permission to start building a 5G network. Even though there isn’t a set date, this is definitely good for the people of Uganda and the ICT area in general.

    MTN, Netflix, Leadway top Q2 ’23 media investigation across Telecoms, streaming, insurance sectors

    5G in Africa

    Africans won’t view 5G as an elusive innovation any longer. In the past few years, telcos all over the continent have made a lot of progress towards starting 5G service.

    MTN and Airtel have since launched 5G in Nigeria. Airtel just joined Safaricom as the second company in Kenya to offer a fast network. Botswana, Seychelles, South Africa, and Zimbabwe are a few more places where 5G is used commercially.

    5G could change Africa’s ICT infrastructure, making it easier for people to join and do business, among other things. But the price of smartphones is one thing that companies and the government should think about. Smartphones and phones that can use 5G are usually expensive, which makes it hard for the average African to get one.

    That’s why Kenya announced plans to make phones there. This is also why Yellow, a Malawian startup, has a way for people to pay for phones and other tools. Even though these are good ideas, more needs to be done before Africa can fully take advantage of the many benefits of 5G.

  • Safaricom Ethiopia appoints MTN Uganda CEO as its new boss

    Safaricom Ethiopia appoints MTN Uganda CEO as its new boss

    Wim Vanhelleputte, who formerly served as the CEO of MTN Uganda, has been given the responsibility of leading Safaricom‘s operations in Ethiopia. 

    His appointment will become effective in September 2023, at which time he will succeed Anwar Soussa, who has served in this capacity for the previous two years.

    After working in the telecoms business across numerous markets in sub-Saharan Africa for over 25 years, Safaricom CEO Peter Ndegwa voiced his trust in Vanhelleputte, adding that Wim provides considerable leadership experience and strong industry expertise. Ndegwa also stated that Vanhelleputte will be an asset to the company.

    Before taking on his current position, Vanhelleputte had been working since August 2022 as the operations executive for West and Central Africa for the MTN Group. Additionally, from 2016 until 2022, he served as the Chief Executive Officer of MTN Uganda. He was succeeded in that role by Sylvia Mulinge, who had previously held the post of Head of Consumer Business at Safaricom Kenya.

    The revitalization of Safaricom Ethiopia’s business operations will be Vanhelleputte’s primary duty. Safaricom Ethiopia just recently received a licence to offer mobile money services; therefore, this is an exciting time for the company. Vanhelleputte has held a number of important positions over the course of his career, including those of CEO at Sentel GSM in Senegal, managing director of TchadMobile in Chad, and general manager at Telcel Gabon, to name just a few of these roles. As a result, he has collected a wealth of knowledge in the field of telecommunications.

    Read also: Safaricom Ethiopia’s CEO resigns

    Statement from  Safaricom 

    A statement from Safaricom Kenya read, “We are pleased to announce the appointment of Wim Vanhelleputte as the chief executive officer of Safaricom Ethiopia effective 1st September 2023. Wim brings extensive leadership experience and deep industry knowledge, having worked in the telecommunications industry across multiple markets in sub-Saharan Africa for over 25 years. He joins Safaricom Ethiopia from MTN Group, where he was the operations executive—markets since August 2022, and he was responsible for the performance and governance of four operating companies in West and Central Africa.”

    “As Wim joins us, we have planned for a seamless transition to ensure that we maintain our momentum so far in delivering our vision to transform lives through a digital future for all Ethiopians,” concluded Safaricom.

    Safaricom Launches a mobile data payment service

    About Safaricom

    Safaricom PLC is a publicly traded mobile network operator in Kenya. Its headquarters are located in Nairobi, Kenya, at the Safaricom House. It is the most important provider of telecommunications services in Kenya and is consistently ranked among the most lucrative businesses in the East and Central Africa region.

    Safaricom PLC (Safaricom) is a company that only does business in Kenya and has its headquarters in Safaricom House in Nairobi. The company is extremely patriotic about being a Kenyan brand.

    The company provides a variety of services, including mobile phone, mobile money transfer, consumer electronics, online commerce, cloud computing, data, music streaming, and fibre optics. It is best famous for being the birthplace of M-PESA, a mobile banking service that is based on SMS.

    Customers will be able to take advantage of affordable browsing rates while roaming in countries such as South Africa, China, the Netherlands, Ghana, and Congo due to data roaming bundles. Countries included in this group are the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Mexico, New Zealand, Nigeria, Qatar, Romania, Rwanda, Seychelles, Sri Lanka, and Uganda.

    At this time, leading telecommunications provider Safaricom does not place any restrictions on the number of lines a client can register using their identity card; however, Safaricom has placed a limit of two on the number of M-Pesa lines that can be registered using the same ID.

    In terms of phone services, Safaricom received a score of 360 out of 400, and in terms of data services, they received a score of 472 out of 600. Umlaut discovered that Safaricom was the only mobile operator to deliver voice-over-LTE (VoLTE) services across the country, including in rural regions. This enabled Safaricom to achieve the best call set-up time of any operator.