Industry News

A $10.1 billion fine by Nigerian authorities will make an upcoming MTN Nigeria IPO difficult, but the operator will press on, its group CFO said.

Ralph Mupita told CNBC the process will become “pretty challenging and awkward, but we have got to explore other options of continuing to meet the listing requirements” adding “we are not sitting here saying the listing is off. The listing is to remain on track”.
The Central Bank of Nigeria last month ordered the South Africa-based company to refund $8.1 billion which it said was repatriated illegally from the country, followed by the government slapping MTN with a $2 billion tax bill related to the import of non-domestic equipment and payments to suppliers over the past decade.
Mupita stated the operator is committed to staying in the country and finding a solution to these issues, which makes sense given Nigeria is MTN’s biggest market.

MTN has been preparing to list a stake in its Nigeria business since it struck an agreement with regulators to do so in 2016. However, since then, speculation has been rife on the dates, value and process, and formal details have failed to materialise.

source: Mobile World Live

 

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Address by President Cyril Ramaphosa at the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) Telecom World 2018, Inkosi Albert Luthuli International Convention Centre, Ethekwini

Programme Director, Minister NomvulaMokonyane,
Acting Premier of KwaZulu-Natal, MrSihleZikalala,
Executive Mayor of Ethekwini, MsZandileGumede,
Ministers and Deputy Ministers,
Secretary General of the ITU, MrHoulin Zhao,
AU Commissioner for Infrastructure and Energy, DrAmaniAbou-Zeid,
Members of the diplomatic corps,
Distinguished delegates,
Esteemed guests,
Ladies and Gentlemen,

It is a great privilege to address this opening session of the ITU Telecom World 2018.

It is an honour as the government and the people of South Africa to host this event for the first time on the African continent.

For us, the ITU Telecom World provides a guide to the future.

The deliberations that take place here concern the economy and society of tomorrow that we are building today.

We are at the dawn of a digital revolution that will reshape the way we work, they way we live and the way we relate to each other.

Technological change is proceeding at a pace far greater than anything humanity has experienced before.

It is through forums like this that we are able not only to anticipate technological change, but also to harness it for the advancement of humanity.

It is through bodies like the International Telecommunication Union that we craft a digital agenda for inclusivity, sustainability and development.

We have the means and the responsibility to direct the evolution of information and communications technology towards the achievement of a better life for all the peoples of the world.

It is our task to ensure that the 4th Industrial Revolution improves the human condition and that no one is left behind.

It is our task to ensure that this digital revolution responds to the needs of the developing world.

It must assist in overcoming unemployment, not exacerbate it.

It must bridge the digital divide, not widen it.

It must employ the latest in communications technology and data analytics to solve some of the world’s greatest development challenges.

The decisions we make now, as individual countries and as a global collective, will determine whether the 4th Industrial Revolution is the opportunity that so many people anticipate or the threat that so many people fear.

As our economies become increasingly dependent on information and communication techology, it is critical that governments work more closely with industry to maximise the value of digital innovations.

It is equally critical that both government and industry develop effective collaborative relationships with the communities they are both expected to serve.

It is such relationships that are required, for example, for the accelerated rollout of broadband in areas that are generally seen as not being economically viable.

And yet, the presence of broadband in such areas is vital for the viability of the economy.

The rapid expansion of broadband reach and accessibility is a priority in South Africa because it is a key determinant of economic inclusion.

There are currently 20 million South Africans who do not use the internet, for a range of reasons such as unaffordable data prices, lack of internet-enabled devices and lack of access.

Yet, about 87% of households in South Africa have access to mobile phones, presenting us with a great opportunity to overcome digital exclusion and to drive inclusive growth and innovation.

Government has recently decided to accelerate the licensing of the radio frequency spectrum in the 2.6Ghz, 700Mhz and 800Mhz bands to hasten the growth of mobile communications.

We have finalised consultations with the telecommunications industry and other stakeholders to ensure allocation of spectrum reduces barriers to entry, promotes competition and reduces costs to consumers.

Following a Cabinet decision last month, our regulator ICASA is now preparing to licence available high demand spectrum.

In addition, we have begun work in preparation for 5G spectrum licensing as part of our efforts to build a smarter digital economy.

Earlier this year, we announced plans to establish a Digital Industrial Revolution Commission to ensure we are in a position to seize the opportunities of the rapid advances in information and communication technology.

We are informed by research that associates investment in ICTs with such economic benefits as higher productivity, lower costs, new economic opportunities, job creation, innovation and increased trade.

Information and communication technology also helps provide better services in health and education and strengthens social cohesion.

Our work in this area coincides with agreement on the establishment of an African Continental Free Trade Area, which will create a single market of over a billion people.

At the Plenipotentiary of the African Telecommunications Union held last month in Nairobi, South Africa was mandated to lead a five-country committee to coordinate the development of the continental response to the 4th Industrial Revolution.

This is a task that we undertake in support of the African Union’s Agenda 2063, which seeks a continent with diverse and inclusive economies, advanced infrastructure and a skilled and capable population.

In promoting this vision, we see a key role for technology.

It was precisely this – the developmental role of technology – that South Africa’s founding President Nelson Mandela affirmed when he addressed the 7th World Telecommunications Conference and Exhibition in Geneva in 1995.

It was the first year that South Africa participated in the global event as a full member of the ITU.

In his speech, President Mandela said it was crucial for South Africa and the entire African continent to be part of the organisation that would drive international policy, technological development, cooperation and skills transfer.

Now, in the year of the centenary of his birth, let us be guided by his vision of a world in which everyone is connected, not only by technology, but also by a common humanity.

Since rejoining the ITU, South Africa has worked with other member countries to advocate for the transformation of the institution and the entire global communications landscape to promote equality and inclusivity.

In the World Summit on Information Society, held in Geneva in 2003 and Tunis in 2005, we advocated for a people-centred and development-oriented information society, where citizens’ lives are enhanced by ICTs and member states are recognised on an equal footing.

We continue to champion the internet as a tool for social and economic development.

We support universal broadband and universal broadcasting to connect all citizens and ensure that they have access to information.

Most recently, we have advocated for the safety of ICT infrastructure and secure use by all online.

Important to Africa and developing countries is the need for countries to share manufacturing and localisation opportunities to allow equal access and shared growth throughout the world.

We support equitable access to global ICT resources such as orbital slots, satellites and governance of the internet.

Distinguished Guests,
Ladies and Gentlemen,

We firmly believe that there is a strong correlation between innovation and growth.

South Africa recently embarked on an investment drive to attract $100 billion in new investment in the country over the next five years.

This is part of a broader effort to set the economy on a new path of growth, employment and transformation.

We will be holding an Investment Conference on 25-27 October, where we will showcase the country’s lucrative investment offerings.

We are determined that the ICT sector be an integral part of this investment drive, with a focus on infrastructure investment, e-commerce, local manufacturing of equipment, and innovation.

South Africa has demonstrated its capabilities in the development and deployment of information and communications technology.

We expect that the Investment Conference will help to demonstrate the country’s great potential.

In conclusion, we are certain that Telecom World 2018 will produce innovative solutions to societal challenges and establish a platform for greater inclusive growth.

I thank our industry partners and state owned companies that heeded the call to support government in hosting this event for the first time on African soil.

Special thanks to the Secretary-General, the entire leadership and officials of the ITU for having shown confidence in our country to host this event.

To our guests from across the continent and across the world, we are honoured and delighted to welcome you to our shores.

It is my pleasure to officially declare the ITU Telecom World 2018 open.

I thank you.
Issued by:
The Presidency

Source:ITU World 2018

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Communications Minister Ursula Owusu-Ekuful has said bridging Ghana’s wide digital divide is crucial to the country’s socio-economic development of the country.

As a result, she noted, government is embarking on a deliberate agenda to digitize Ghana, which is an ambitious technological programme of infrastructural development with national broadband infrastructure and connectivity with the unserved and underserved at the heart of the agenda.

The government of Ghana in recognition of the “importance of connectivity for socio-economic development”, she told the ongoing International Telecommunications Union (ITU) world conference in Durban, South Africa, believes “it’s imperative that all citizens benefit from the opportunities presented by digitization and it is crucial that we close the digital divide which threatens to further marginalize the most vulnerable in our communities.”

She said as government of Ghana scales up its digitization effort, the Ghana Investment Fund for Electronic Communications (GIFEC) — which is mandated by law to provide financial resources for the establishment of universal service and universal access to all communities and to facilitate the provision of access to basic telephony, internet services, multimedia broadband and broadcasting services — is playing an increasingly “critical role” in the digital transformation “our countryside.”

She said the growth in teledensity in urban areas fueled by mobile technological uptake has resulted in a “widening digital gap between rural and urban areas” and because the extension of connection to the rural areas is not considered commercially viable, they continue to be left behind.

She said there are almost 2000 communities in Ghana without mobile signals and through GIFEC, the government is working in collaboration with the network operators to achieve 100% coverage by 2020 and telephone subscription to as many citizens as possible.

“We are making significant stride on this journey,” she stated adding from the year 2006 to 2017, 117 rural telephony sites were constructed and that the Akufo-Addo led government has significantly scaled up these operations and 2017 alone 100 rural telephony sites were constructed and activated to over 500 communities where access to mobile signals was not previously available.

She further noted “as at now in 2018, we have 80 sites already completed and we are on course to complete 200 sites this year with our partners MTN and Huawei for the second phase of this project which involves the deployment of voice and data connectivity.

Source: Ghanaian Times

The Leading Mobile Telecommunication Network (MTN) has made history becoming the largest primary share offer in Ghana Stock Exchange.

The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of MTN Ghana, Mr. Selorm Adadevoh in his speech during the Eastern Customer Soiree held in Koforidua on September 7, 2018 revealed that their firm has become the largest primary share offer in Ghana stock exchange.

Delivering his speech, he commended people who have bought their shares and welcomed individuals who are now part of the 128,000 people who own a part of MTN.

He indicated that, the ideology of having time with customers is to have a good relationship with them but not at a transactional level. The regular points of interface which are usually for enquiries, report issues, giving feedback are all good and for that matter, getting more personal and engaging and results of the interaction are rewarding.

Commenting on the future of the firm, he said “We have enjoyed a good working relationship with you and we look to a brighter future with you all either as Customers or shareholders or both. If you missed the opportunity to buy shares during the initial offer but are still interested may buy from a licensed stock broker he averred.

Mr. Adadevoh then assured customers of listening to their views as they are open for suggestions and being transparent in their dealings.

He therefore promised on behalf of the company continue providing innovative products and services driven on the 4GLTE mobile network.

Source:Ghanaweb

Vodafone Ghana has embarked on a move to entrench its reputation as the digital telco of the future by empowering SMEs in the month of September this year.

According to Angela Mensah-Poku, Director at Vodafone Business Solutions (VBS), who made this known, a number of initiatives had already been lined up, including SME Clinics across the regions, a master plan to register 1,000 SMEs online, as well as a Masterclass programme, in partnership with CEIBS to build the capacity of these businesses.

The SME Masterclass programme will also train senior managers of selected SMEs on key modules, including corporate governance, innovation and entrepreneurship growth, financial management and social media.

“We are excited about the comprehensive activities we have put together for our customers. Our support for SMEs in Ghana over the years has seen tremendous results; first for our customers and then for us as a business. This year will be no different as we continue to empower SMEs to embrace the exciting future. We know how critical mobile financial services are to SMEs. For most companies, it’s an integral part of their operations. In view of this, we have also created a unique Vodafone Cash offer to enable SMEs conduct unlimited transactions on the platform at GH¢3 per month throughout the month of September,” she said.

She revealed that SMEs played a very crucial role in Ghana’s economy, demonstrating the capacity to contribute enormously to the general economic growth, hence the decision to assist them.

“With the world at an advanced stage of digitisation, Vodafone wants to be at the forefront of the drive to make these businesses relevant and competitive.”

The highlight of the SME month will be the Annual SMEGA Awards during which thriving companies in the country would be rewarded and acknowledged for a good job done.

 

Source: dailyguideafrica.com

For the first time in many years, music lovers will witness “Mr Music Man” Kojo Antwi and lover man Charles Kwadwo Fosu aka Daddy Lumba performing on the same stage in Ghana at this year’s Vodafone African Legends Night on 29th September 2018 at the plush Kempinski Hotel in Accra.
The two music Legends will be joined by Africa’s Dancehall King Samini and traditional music group Wulomei, all in the name of bringing the legends home to thrill audience to some of their hit songs.
With an exciting and successful musical career spanning over two decades, Kojo Antwi has established himself as a consummate vocalist; a prolific songwriter, producer and arranger; and an enigmatic performer. He has delighted lovers of good music such as Mmrika, Adienpena, Tom and Jerry, Adinkra etc with his clear and flawlessly seductive voice that radiates through his massive repertoire of smooth and sultry ballads.

Daddy Lumba, who is making a return to the show, will definitely make the audience call for more of his countless tunes. He is known for his “borga highlife” songs which became very popular among Ghanaians in Europe especially those in Germany. He has been consistent with the release of multiple-hit albums since then and has established himself as one of Ghana’s most popular singers of his genre, Highlife.

In the history of the African Legends Night, Samini will be the first Reggae and Dancehall artiste to perform on stage. The multiple award-winning “Linda” hit icon will drop some of his great tunes such as Odo, Samini Music, Linda, Gyae shee, My Own and more that will keep the audience on their feet.

According to Global Media Alliance, organizers of the event, the superstars were lined-up together due to their immense contribution to the Ghanaian music industry hence the decision to create a platform to have close interactions with their fans.

The 7th edition of Vodafone African Legends Night will take place on Saturday, September 29th at the Kempinski Hotel in Accra. The show starts at 7pm prompt and is expected to attract hundreds of music lovers.

Last year, the show witnessed great performances from Kanda Bongo Man of DR Congo, Amakye Dede, Daddy Lumba, Aka Blay, eShun and Nana Yaa.

African Legends Night is sponsored by Vodafone, Alomo Bitters, Eden Heights, Alisa Hotel, Phoenix Insurance, Sun Seekers Tours, Global Cinemas and Silverbird Cinemas with media support from YFM, Happy FM, Citi FM, Starr FM, ETV, GHOne, Ghanaweb, Archbert Premier Media, Daily Guide, B&FT and Graphic Showbiz.

 

Source: graphic.com.gh

Ghana’s second-largest telecommunications network, AirtelTigo has made great strides in the upgrade and consolidation of its network assets between former Airtel and Tigo. It has recently completed this consolidation in the Northern, Upper East, Upper West, Brong Ahafo and Ashanti regions to become one big network.

Over the past six months, AirtelTigo has invested significantly in its network upgrade and consolidation, which will offer an enhanced customer experience nationwide. The company has increased its 3G population coverage across the five stated regions and will continue enhancing the network experience in coming months.

The next phase of upgrade will cover the Eastern, Volta, Western and Central Regions which will be completed in September. Greater Accra region will follow soon after that. This is all part of AirtelTigo’s plan to fulfill its commitment to deliver a bigger, better and stronger network to its customers.

Commenting on the ongoing network upgrade nationwide, the Chief Executive Officer of AirtelTigo, Mrs Mitwa Kaemba Ng’ambi, said “The AirtelTigo merger, which is the first of its kind in Ghana represents a value-creating and groundbreaking move in the country’s telecommunications industry. We will ensure that Ghanaians experience the full benefits of this merger in an efficient and expeditious manner.”

She added “We acknowledge and appreciate the patience of all AirtelTigo customers whose communication may have been disturbed in these areas of network upgrade.” She reassured that the network upgrade in these areas is now complete with further improvements planned in the coming months. “We are here to serve you and encourage any customer who is experiencing any challenge to contact our Customer Service by calling 100, 0277551000 or 0260000100. Alternatively, our customers can also visit us at any AirtelTigo Shop” she said.

 

Source: AirtelTigo

A delegation from AirtelTigo, led by the Chief Executive Officer, Mrs Mitwa Ng’ambi, has paid a courtesy call on His Royal Majesty (HRM) Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, Asantehene at the Manhyia Palace in Kumasi.

Mrs Mitwa Ng’ambi used the occasion to share information on the milestones so far achieved on the merger between Airtel and Tigo since the announcement last year.

She indicated that there was an on-going network upgrade nationwide to ensure that AirtelTigo’s customers enjoy a superior network experience.

She said the company remains committed to meeting the needs of customers and assured the Otumfuo and all valued stakeholders in the Ashanti region of an enhanced customer experience.

“AirtelTigo has a long history in Ghana and is indeed proud of its heritage. We remain committed to pursuing the network upgrade and consolidation to offer fast internet speed, generous data packages and superior voice quality and also deliver a bigger, better and stronger network to our customers,” she said.

Mrs Ng’ambi expressed appreciation to the Asantehene and his Council for their relentless support to the former brands over the years.

In his remarks, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II welcomed the new CEO and thanked the company for its contributions to the socio-economic development in the region. He prayed for a successful merger and reaffirmed his support for the work of the company in serving the needs of the people in his region.

The delegation also paid a courtesy call on the Ashanti Regional Minister Mr. Simon Osei Mensah and the Regional Coordinating Council. The regional Minister was excited about the merger and the opportunity it provides for the growth of businesses.

The visits form part of the AirtelTigo’s leadership team nationwide engagements with staff, distributors and value chain of the company’s business operations in the country.

 

Source: AirtelTigo

MTN Ghana has raised Gh₵1,146,589,464.75 of the expected Gh₵3,478,045,900, at the end of the Initial Public Offer (IPO) representing 32.97% of the total Offer amount.

The Offer which ran from 29th May, 2018 to 31st July, 2018 consisted of a public offer of up to 4,637,394,533 ordinary shares of MTN Ghana valued at Gh₵3,478,045,900 at an Offer Price of GHS 0.75 per share (the “Offer Shares”), representing up to 35% of the issued shares of MTN Ghana after the offer.

Even though the figure has fallen short of about 67percent of the target, MTN says with investor demand exceeding the minimum (GHS 347,804,590) required to be raised for the Offer, it can be declared successful.

Speaking at a news briefing in Accra, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of MTN Ghana, Selorm Adadevoh said of the 128,152 applicants, 127,826 were Ghanaians; and of the Gh₵1,146,589,464.75 raised under the Offer, Gh₵443,631,446.25, representing 38.69%, was raised from Ghanaians.

He indicated that 499 institutional applicants who bought 1,367,386,080 shares amounting to Gh₵1,025,539,560 represented 89.44percent.

Mr. Adadevoh added that the remaining 127,653 retail applicants who bought a total of 163,088,280 shares amounting Gh₵121,049,904.75 represented 10.56percent.

According to him, 108,434 applicants subscribed through the MTN Mobile Money portal representing 84.6% of the number of applicants.

He noted that the first day of trading of the MTN Ghana shares is expected to be launched on next month September 5.

The CEO emphasized that shareholders will then be able to monitor and trade their MTN Ghana shares by contacting a licensed dealing member of the Ghana Stock Exchange.

Mr. Adadevoh stated that successful applicants will be allotted all the shares they applied for. Applicants with Central Securities Depository (CSD) accounts will have their CSD accounts credited with their allotment by 4th September, 2018 by 5:00pm.

He added that IC Securities will create CSD accounts for successful applicants who did not provide details of their CSD accounts as part of their application, and their respective allotments will be credited to the respective CSD account created for them.

“A number of applicants who applied for shares have received notifications to update their identification documentation (“IDs”). Applicants who have received such notifications should visit any MTN Ghana Service Centre with updated IDs as a matter of urgency,” he posited.

Mr. Adadevoh said as a result of KYC considerations these applicants are required to update their IDs in order to be able to trade their shares from the first day of trading.

“Per the Offer prospectus, an appropriate ID is a valid national passport; a driver’s license; a national ID; a national health insurance ID or a voter’s ID. Until applicants have updated their information and ID cards, their shares will be held in a nominee account ah he CSD. After the applicants have updated their IDs, their shares will be transferred from the nominee account to their account,” he intimated.

According to him, by raising GHS 1,146,589,464.75 from 128,152 applicants, the Offer makes history as the largest primary share offer in the history of the Ghana Stock.

“This is the largest Offer ever in the history of the Ghana Stock Exchange (GSE). It has doubled the size of all the IPOs put together in the history of GSE,” he posited.

Mr. Selorm Adadevoh indicated that the Offer which ran from 29th May, 2018 to 31st July, 2018 consisted of a public offer of up to 4,637,394,533 ordinary shares of MTN Ghana valued at Gh₵3,478,045,900 at an Offer Price of GHS 0.75 per share (the “Offer Shares”), representing up to 35% of the issued shares of MTN Ghana after the offer.

 

Source: www.modernghana.com

Mrs. Ursula Owusu Ekuful, the Minister of Communication has reiterated government’s resolve to extend mobile telephone services to all rural communities across the Country.
She said Ghanaians living in remote communities also deserved to be part of the digitized global community, and that, extending telecommunications infrastructure to those areas was therefore necessary.
Mrs. Ekuful made the observation at Amantia in the Asante-Akim South Municipality, as part of her working visit to the Ashanti Region.
The Minister is in the region to inspect project sites of the Ghana Investment Fund for Electronic Communications (GIFEC) under the Rural Telephony Project (RTP).
She would also acquaint herself with the Community Information Centres (CICs) as well as the School Connectivity Projects, in eight districts in the region.
The Asante-Akim South Municipality has four of the RTPs sites at Amantia, Banka, Bankame-Sunkwa and Gyadam with two CICs at Banso and Obogu.
The Communication Minister said the Ministry through GIFEC was extending mobile telephone services to areas of the country where access were not adequately available.
She said there were areas where licensed operators were unwilling or unable to expand their networks to due to its low commercial viability, adding that, it was the responsibility of government to fill such gaps.
The objective of the RTP, she noted, was to achieve 100 per cent mobile telephone service coverage throughout the country and to increase telephone subscribership to as many citizens as possible.
She said the provision of computers under the School Connectivity Project would facilitate Information Communication Technology (ICT) studies, which was critical to quality education.
Hopeful that the project would help raise standard of education in the area, she urged beneficiary schools to arrange with schools in surrounding communities to also use the facility as a means of reaching out to more pupils.
Mr. Abraham Kofi Asante, the Administrator of GIFEC, said a total of 100 RTP sites had been completed across the country with 29 located in the Ashanti Region.
He said the second phase would see the construction of 200 sites, out of which 30 would be in the Ashanti Region.
Osabarima Tweampomah III, Chief of Banka, commended government for the project, which he said, was a laudable intervention that had addressed many years of communication challenges.

Source: GNA