In the first half of 2023, MTN Group achieved resilient results, advanced the company's strategy through collaboration with Mastercard for the MTN fintech business and progressed plans to exit Afghanistan. These accomplishments occurred within a challenging operating environment marked by heightened inflation, weaker local currencies, and regulatory changes across the Group's 19 markets.
MTN Rwandacell PLC and Mobile Money Rwanda Ltd., leading players in Rwanda's telecommunications sector, have achieved a significant milestone by receiving official certification as Data Controllers from the Data Protection and Privacy Office - Rwanda. This esteemed 5-year certification was granted in recognition of their adherence to all necessary requirements, making them the first certified telecom entities in Rwanda.
Telecom Egypt, a prominent player in the telecommunications industry, has announced its operational achievements for the financial period concluding on June 30, 2023. The results were presented in accordance with Egyptian accounting standards, as reflected in the consolidated financial statements.
Cell C has announced the appointment of Melanie Forbes as its new Chief Marketing Officer (CMO), effective August 1, 2023. Forbes brings over 25 years of extensive experience in the Telecommunications, IT and Consumer Electronics industries, having worked with renowned brands such as Philips, NetFlorist (NetActive), Siemens, Nokia (NSN) and, most recently, Vodacom. Her background spans both B2B and B2C markets across various African markets.
Airtel Kenya, the second largest mobile operator in the nation in terms of subscribers, has revealed its intentions to invest a minimum of $150 million in the upcoming three years. This substantial investment is aimed at achieving an extensive expansion of its network coverage across the entire country. Ashish Malhotra, the CEO of the company, affirmed that these funds will be channeled towards the establishment of 649 new network sites nationwide. This initiative will elevate the current count from 3,200 to encompass a broad 89% coverage of the entire country.
MTN Rwandacell PLC (MTN Rwanda) recently entered into a cooperation agreement with data platform Bboxx, aiming to accelerate smartphone adoption in Rwanda. Under this agreement, Bboxx will offer Rwandans simplified and accessible smartphone payment plans spanning six or twelve months. In return, MTN Rwanda will provide subscribers with SIM cards.
Michael Joseph has stepped down from his position as a director on the board of Safaricom PLC.
The world's leading broadband and mobile network speed testing company, Ookla, has announced that Etisalat has been rated as having the fastest mobile network in Egypt.
Airtel Kenya has announced a positive update for its customers by reducing excise duty rates on its telecommunication services. As part of this change, Airtel Kenya will decrease the excise duty from the current 20% to 15% for voice, data and SMS services, providing cost benefits to its customers. However, the transaction charges for Airtel money services will remain unchanged.
Ride-hailing app Uber has recently introduced M-PESA payments on its platform, allowing riders to pay for their cab fare using Safaricom's mobile money service. This addition comes shortly after Uber Eats also introduced the same payment feature. The timing of this new service is welcomed, as customers have long been frustrated by the absence of this payment option.
