MTN Launches Digital Hub in South Sudan IDP Camp to Bridge Connectivity Gap

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Source: News Ghana | June 21, 2025

MTN South Sudan has inaugurated a digital hub at the Mangateen internally displaced persons (IDP) camp in Juba, offering free internet access, solar-powered computers, and digital learning resources to one of the country’s most underserved communities.

The initiative, launched under the telecom giant’s annual #21DaysOfY’elloCare corporate social responsibility campaign, aims to promote digital inclusion in post-conflict zones where infrastructure and access to technology remain severely limited.

MTN South Sudan CEO Mapula Bodibe described the hub as a gateway to education and economic empowerment for displaced populations. “Connectivity is no longer a luxury—it’s a lifeline. This hub provides tools that enable learning, entrepreneurship, and access to opportunity,” she said.

The project addresses a critical digital divide in South Sudan, where many communities still lack basic internet access despite growing reliance on digital tools for recovery and reintegration.

Similar efforts across MTN’s African footprint highlight how private sector investment can complement humanitarian interventions, providing long-term, sustainable support in fragile and underserved regions.

Source: News Ghana | June 21, 2025

MTN MoMo Underscores Commitment to Digital Financial Security

MTN Mobile Money

Source: GNA | Edited by Dennis Peprah

MTN Mobile Money (MoMo) Limited has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening digital financial security as it continues to enhance the safety of online transactions for its growing user base.

Speaking to journalists in Dormaa-Ahenkro in the Bono Region, Razak Issaka Ali, Chief Commercial Officer of MTN MoMo, urged users to download the updated MTN MoMo App, which integrates enhanced security features including two-factor authentication and biometric verification.

“The App is easier, faster, and built with top-tier security. We’re constantly updating it to safeguard our customers,” Mr. Ali noted.

His comments followed a customer appreciation ceremony where 21-year-old mobile phone repairer Emmanuel Ansu Gyeabour was recognised as the platform’s one millionth MoMo App user. Gyeabour received a GHS10,000 cash prize along with branded souvenirs.

With over 17 million users nationwide, MoMo remains a key enabler of Ghana’s digital economy—supporting payments, savings, investments, and financial inclusion. CEO of MTN MoMo, Haruna Shaibu, credited the service for enhancing transaction speed, business convenience, and economic growth.

While applauding MTN’s efforts, Mr. Gyeabour encouraged the telecom provider to further improve network coverage in the area.

MTN MoMo continues to serve as a digital financial backbone for millions across Ghana, positioning itself as a leader in secure and accessible mobile transactions.

Source: GNA | Edited by Dennis Peprah

MTN Cameroon works with Camusat to expand network

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MTN Cameroon has entered into a partnership with Camusat Group, a French telecom infrastructure builder and network developer, through its energy and infrastructure subsidiary Aktivco.

The partnership, according to the firms, is a watershed moment for both, indicating a common desire to encourage digital transformation through scalable innovation and environmentally friendly solutions.

According to the agreement, Camusat will provide end-to-end telecom infrastructure and energy solutions, allowing the telco to expand national coverage and improve network reliability.

The telco has previously pledged $225 million over three years to strengthen its operations in the country, particularly its fintech division.

Wanda Matandela, CEO of MTN Cameroon, stated that as a mobile network operator, they are committed to connecting and empowering Cameroonians through inclusive digital solutions for the country’s economic growth.

“We need strong partnerships to keep our commitment and achieve more. I believe our new strategic partnership with Camusat will contribute to help us bring more shared value to all our stakeholders in Cameroon,” Matandela said.

Aïda Diouf, Africa executive director at Camusat Group, explained that the company will provide energy-efficient and scalable infrastructure for the African market.

“It’s a concrete step in our ambition to support operators with long-term, performance-driven solutions that combine operational excellence with environmental responsibility,” Diouf said.

Source: IT Web

Beating Plastic Pollution: MTN Leads with BioSIM Innovation

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Global plastic production now exceeds 400 million tonnes annually, with over half designed for single use. As World Environment Day 2025 emphasizes the urgent need to beat plastic pollution, industries across the board are being called to act—including telecommunications.

In 2020 alone, approximately 4.5 billion plastic SIM cards were produced globally. These cards are rarely recycled, often ending up in landfills or incinerated, contributing to environmental degradation. Though small, their impact is significant—and avoidable.

In response, MTN introduced bioSIMs in 2024—SIM cards made entirely from biodegradable, FSC-certified paper. These eco-friendly alternatives perform like traditional plastic SIMs but break down naturally, leaving no microplastics or toxic residue. The rollout began in Rwanda and is expanding across other markets.

This shift is part of MTN’s broader environmental strategy, reflecting a science-based approach to reduce waste and embed sustainability in its operations. The company is also accelerating the adoption of eSIM technology, eliminating the need for physical cards altogether.

Africa plays a crucial role in this conversation. While contributing just 3–4% of global emissions, the continent faces severe climate impacts and mounting plastic waste. By 2060, sub-Saharan Africa’s plastic waste is projected to reach 116 million tonnes annually—a sixfold increase from 2019. Rapid urbanisation and limited waste management infrastructure heighten vulnerability.

Every tonne of plastic avoided reduces long-term risk for people and ecosystems. MTN’s initiatives demonstrate how thoughtful design changes—such as switching to bioSIMs—can significantly reduce environmental footprints at scale. The average SIM card weighs only four grams, but across millions of users, the environmental toll grows quickly.

As the UNEP emphasizes, the tools to address plastic pollution already exist—what’s needed is wide-scale implementation. MTN’s commitment highlights the role of telecoms in driving practical, sustainable innovation and shifting consumer norms.

On this World Environment Day, the company reinforces its pledge to connect communities while contributing to a cleaner, more resilient planet.

Source: TechAfrica News

Skilled Workers Are the Backbone of Ghana’s Economy—MTN CEO

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The Chief Executive Officer of MTN Ghana, Stephen Blewett, has urged a national shift toward valuing technical and vocational education over traditional academic routes. Speaking at the Opportunities Industrialisation Centre (OIC) in Accra during MTN’s 21 Days of Y’ello Care initiative, he emphasized that Ghana’s development depends on producing more skilled tradespeople and artisans.

“Technical vocation—I will say this categorically—is where the future lies. The world doesn’t need more CEOs. It needs people who can do things with their hands,” said Mr. Blewett.

He criticized the country’s overemphasis on academic qualifications while practical skills remain scarce. Applauding institutions like OIC, he described them as foundational to national growth, offering training in trades like fashion design, electricals, and welding.

This year’s Y’ello Care campaign, themed “Connecting at the Root: Connecting Communities Through the Use of Digital Tools,” aims to bridge traditional trades with digital innovation. Blewett suggested developing a mobile app for artisans—to manage bookings, showcase services, and gain customer trust via reviews.

“Imagine an app that helps you find trusted electricians or tailors in your area. That’s how we bridge technology with hands-on skills,” he said.

He also shared a personal story to challenge the stigma surrounding technical work, stating his admiration for skilled professionals and their vital role in society.

OIC Principal Mawuli Sogbey revealed that MTN is currently supporting the sewing of 283 school uniforms for underprivileged children, handled by the OIC’s fashion department. He praised the initiative as a real-world demonstration of how vocational training can uplift communities.

Sogbey also called on society to stop viewing TVET (Technical and Vocational Education and Training) as a second-rate option, emphasizing its blend of academic and hands-on learning and its capacity to create both entrepreneurs and skilled employees.

MTN’s 21 Days of Y’ello Care continues to span all 16 regions, focusing on digital skills, community development, and inclusive education.


Credit: Isaac Kofi Dzokpo / NewsGhana.com.gh

MTN Zambia Donates 500 Smartphones to Bridge Rural Digital Divide

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MTN Zambia has donated 500 smartphones to residents of Kalabo District as part of its 21 Days of Y’ello Care initiative, themed “Connecting at the Roots.” The program aims to promote digital inclusion in rural communities.

The donation, supported by OXFAM, Global Affairs Canada, and local NGOs, aligns with the Zambian government’s rural development goals.

Western Province Minister Kapelwa Mbangweta praised the initiative for empowering farmers, women, and youth affected by climate shocks.

MTN’s Pamela Pio noted the effort goes beyond connectivity—it’s about unlocking access to education, health, and economic opportunities.

This year marks both the 18th anniversary of the Y’ello Care campaign and MTN Zambia’s 20th anniversary.

Source: Extensia.tech

MTN MoMo, Onafriq partner on remittances in South Sudan

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MTN’s mobile money (MoMo) in South Sudan has teamed with Onafriq, a pan-African payments provider, to offer inbound international remittance services.

According to MTN MoMo, consumers in the East African country can receive money from 15 countries, including the UAE, Uganda, Kenya, the United States, and Australia, and the Onafriq collaboration provides a handy option for users who want to send money home from the diaspora.

This comes as the MTN Group announced its expansion of its international remittances capabilities by launching 25 additional wallet corridors in 10 new countries.

The company said the expansion of international remittance services is meant to promote financial inclusion and empower individuals, including those without traditional bank accounts, to access formal financial services.

Commenting on the partnership, Francis Matseketsa, CEO of fintech, MTN South Sudan, said, “We are not stopping. We are at it again with a strategic partnership with Onafriq, as we provide convenience to customers who want to send money back home from the diaspora.”

Source: Extensia.tech

MTN Ghana to Relocate 130km of Fibre Optic Lines to Improve Network Reliability

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MTN Ghana has announced plans to relocate 130 kilometres of its fibre optic infrastructure to mitigate frequent service disruptions and enhance network performance.

The move, according to the Chief Executive Officer, Stephen Blewett, is driven by the high incidence of fibre cuts, especially in the Northern sector, which records an average of four cuts daily — often caused by construction and utility works. “When fibre cuts occur, base stations cannot transmit signals, which results in poor connectivity for our customers,” he said, warning that such incidents could threaten national security due to the critical nature of communication systems.

Mr. Blewett made the remarks at a media engagement in Tamale, where journalists from the five northern regions convened to discuss industry challenges and strengthen media-industry collaboration.

He also used the occasion to highlight MTN’s community-focused interventions, including digital skills training, robotics education, and infrastructure support for schools. The company, he noted, remains committed to empowering youth, women, and persons with disabilities.

The Northern Regional Secretary of the Ghana Journalists Association (GJA), Albert Futukpor, commended MTN for its engagement efforts and called for sustained collaboration with the media to promote national development.

Source: Graphic Online

MTN Uganda Pays Record $13.3M to Advance Digital Inclusion

MTN Uganda has made its largest-ever contribution to the Uganda Communications Commission’s Universal Service and Access Fund (UCUSAF), committing $13.3 million (UGX 50.55 billion) to expand digital connectivity in underserved communities nationwide.

Announced by CEO Sylvia Mulinge during a stakeholder meeting at the UCC headquarters in Kampala, the contribution highlights MTN’s growing investment in bridging Uganda’s digital divide and supporting national ICT development. The amount reflects a steady year-on-year increase, rising from $11.59 million in 2024 and $9.81 million in 2023.

“We believe that everyone deserves the benefits of a modern, connected life,” Mulinge said. “This contribution is part of our broader strategy to transform Uganda into a fully digital economy—not only through infrastructure but also by enabling affordability, access, and digital skills.”

Under Ugandan law, telecom operators must contribute 2% of their annual gross revenues to UCUSAF, which funds projects in remote and marginalized regions. Nyombi Thembo, Executive Director of the UCC, commended MTN for meeting its obligation consistently and with genuine commitment.

The announcement comes amid concerns about Uganda’s relatively low smartphone penetration, which stood at 35.6% of its 51 million mobile subscribers by the end of 2024—far below Kenya’s 72% and South Africa’s 90%. In response, MTN Uganda has introduced initiatives such as the M-Kabode Supa smartphone financing program, helping to boost smartphone use on its network from 39.1% to 44.9% over the past year.

MTN is also investing in digital literacy, having launched 63 ICT labs in schools and operating the MTN Internet Bus to provide digital training in rural communities.

Source: IT Web
Culled by: Extensia.tech

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MTN, GCB, SMEGA Launch SME Acceleration Programme to Boost Business Growth in Ghana

GCB

MTN Ghana, Ghana Commercial Bank (GCB), and the Small and Medium-sized Enterprises Ghana Awards (SMEGA) have officially launched the SME Acceleration Programme, a joint initiative aimed at enhancing the capacity and growth of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Ghana.

Unveiled in Accra on May 14, the programme seeks to promote business formalisation, increase market access, and strengthen resilience across key economic sectors. Running from May to November, the programme will provide targeted training in product packaging, customer service, branding, and value addition.

“We have over a hundred SMEs attending today’s edition,” said Mohammed Abubakari-Sidick, Senior Manager for SME at MTN Ghana. “They will be taken through the necessary training to foster development in their respective sectors.” He also noted that SMEs unable to attend in person can still benefit through the MTN SME Fair and Market Stall, offering them greater market exposure.

Emmanuel Brahuah, Partnership and Schemes Officer at GCB, highlighted the bank’s role in providing a robust package of financial support, including flexible loans, working capital, and tailored SME accounts. He emphasized GCB’s expanded focus on digital banking and financial literacy to ensure greater accessibility and efficiency for SME clients.

Kwesi Ofori Jnr., CEO of SMEGA, commended MTN for spearheading the initiative and affirmed SMEGA’s commitment to ensuring maximum SME participation across the country.

The SME Acceleration Programme represents a significant step forward in empowering Ghana’s SMEs—promoting sustainability, innovation, and economic inclusion.

Source: B&FT Online