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Author: Amogelang Maluleka

MTN Group, a leading telecommunications company, is pleased to announce the return of Stephen Blewett to MTN as Operations Executive: Markets, effective July 1, 2023. Stephen will be taking over from Wim Vanhelleputte, who is departing to pursue new opportunities outside the company.

In his new role, Stephen will assume executive responsibility for the WECA markets of Liberia, Guinea Conakry, Guinea Bissau and Congo Brazzaville, and provide general operations support across the same region, reporting directly to Ebenezer Twum Asante, Senior Vice President: Markets.

Stephen Blewett brings a wealth of experience to his new position, having most recently served as the Group Chief Operating Officer of Digicel, based in Kingston, Jamaica. In this role, he oversaw 20 country CEOs and spearheaded key areas such as marketing, information and technology, procurement, financial services, gaming, and digital media.

Prior to his tenure at Digicel, Stephen served as CEO of MTN Cameroon, where he made significant contributions to the company’s growth and success. He had previously held similar leadership roles in the telecommunications industry, including CEO of MTN Benin and Chief Commercial Officer at Namibian mobile operator MTC. In 2020, he was voted MTN CEO of the Year by his peers. Stephen’s career also includes notable positions such as Chief Executive of 3D Holdings, Managing Director of Autopage Cellular, Marketing and Sales Executive at Telkom Mobile, and Executive Head for Sales and Marketing at MCell in Mozambique.

Stephen Blewett holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree from the University of KwaZulu-Natal in South Africa. He is also a published author of marketing, sales, and business books, further demonstrating his expertise and thought leadership in the industry.

“I would like to express my deep appreciation to Wim Vanhelleputte for his significant contribution to the company,” said Ralph Mupita, MTN Group President and CEO. “Wim joined MTN in 2009 as CEO of MTN Cote d’Ivoire, and subsequently moved to Bharti Airtel in 2015. He returned to MTN as CEO of MTN Uganda in 2016, leading the Opco’s impressive recovery and driving notable growth. His departure is sincerely acknowledged, and best wishes are extended to him for his future endeavours.”

The independent Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi)[1] has validated MTN Group’s company-wide greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reduction targets – a significant milestone in our sustainability journey as well as an important recognition of our dedication to mitigating climate change.

“Businesses have a key role to play in tackling climate change using the latest science,” says MTN Group Chief Sustainability and Corporate Affairs Officer Nompilo Morafo.  “We are pleased to be joining over 5 200 companies and financial institutions that are taking vital steps to help deliver rapid emissions reductions, working with the SBTi.”

SBTi classified MTN’s scope 1 and 2 target ambition as being in line with climate science with a 1.5°C trajectory, an important recognition of the Company’s dedication to mitigating climate change and a significant milestone in MTN’s sustainability journey.

MTN is committed to reducing absolute scope 1 and 2 GHG emissions by 50% by 2030 from a 2021 base year. We have also pledged to decrease absolute scope 3 GHG emissions from fuel and energy-related activities by 50% by 2030 from a 2021 base.

“In collaboration with our suppliers, we are committed to ensuring that 80% of suppliers by spend will have science-based targets by 2026,” says MTN Group Chief Technology and Information Officer Mazen Mroué. “We believe in doing for our planet, and that’s why environmental and social considerations are at the heart of everything we do.”

MTN’s SBTi-approved targets will be published on the SBTi website on 29 June 2023.

Beyond our environmental commitments, MTN is driving digital inclusion and empowerment across Africa, embodying our dedication to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. By creating shared value for our stakeholders through environmental, social, governance and economic value-added business practices and solutions, MTN is not only creating a more sustainable business model but is also helping improve the lives of people in Africa.

[1] The SBTi defines and promotes best practice in science-based target setting, offers resources and guidance to reduce barriers to adoption, and independently assesses and approves companies’ targets. www.sciencebasedtargets.org

As evidence of MTN Group’s commitment to transformation in South Africa, we retained our Level 1 Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (B-BBEE) contributor status for the 2022 financial year.

The rating is contained in the Group’s annual B-BBEE compliance report, in which major subsidiary MTN South Africa retained a Level 1 B-BBEE contributor status for the fourth year running.

The B-BBEE contributor status considers both the MTN South Africa operating entity and the MTN Group’s South African operating entities.

“In our work to create the MTN of tomorrow, we are committed to fulfilling our strategic priority to create shared value,” said MTN Group President and Chief Executive Officer Ralph Mupita. “This incorporates a focus on increased localisation across our markets, including in South Africa where we were established at the dawn of democracy in 1994 as a leader in transformation.”

Notable improvements for the MTN Group in 2022 were in our ‘Management Control’ and ‘Preferential Procurement’ scores.

The ‘Management Control’ improvement was a result of the consistent alignment of MTN’s recruitment practices to the targets related to the economically active population (EAP) in South Africa. The improvement in the ‘Preferential Procurement’ score was mainly due to an increase in procurement spending with exempt micro enterprises (EMEs), qualifying small enterprises (QSEs) and ‘Designated Groups’.

“Retaining our Level 1 B-BBEE Contributor status is critical. We intend to take steps not only to retain this status in future but also to put more emphasis on our preferential procurement and localisation efforts,” Mupita said.

MTN South Africa CEO Charles Molapisi said a focus of preferential procurement will be the development of a new approach to Enterprise and Supplier Development (ESD) in MTN SA. “In the year ahead, we intend to drive an ambitious programme to enhance supply chain resilience, with B-BBEE and localisation at its core.”

“Key to this effort is to go beyond mere compliance to current legislation and rather to improve our ability to adapt to the ever-changing operating environment and the challenging economic conditions,” he added.

MTN Group is pleased to announce the appointment of M. Mudassar Aqil as Executive: BankTech, in its Fintech business, MoMo, effective from 1 August 2023. BankTech, is one of MTN Fintech’s five verticals, currently serves over 69 million monthly active users across 16 markets. 

With a wealth of experience in the financial services industry, including a 12-year tenure as a CEO in the banking and fintech space, Mudassar brings with him a deep understanding of banking regulation, lending, payments, and platform strategy.

Over his 25-year career, Mudassar has served in several senior executive roles in the financial services and fintech sectors across the United States and Pakistan. His notable achievements include turning around two banks and a significant wallet platform as CEO, transforming them into market-leading profitable entities.

Most recently, Mudassar served as CEO at Telenor Microfinance Bank & Easypaisa (a joint venture between Telenor Group and Ant Group) in Pakistan since 2019. During his tenure, he successfully led the bank back to profitability, expanded the wallet business threefold to 12.5 million MAUs – making Easypaisa Pakistan’s largest app – and revitalized its credit business through digital transformation.

Mudassar holds an MBA from Salisbury University, MD, USA and is an alumnus of the Advanced Management Program at Harvard Business School.

“We are delighted to welcome Mudassar to the Group Fintech team. His wealth of experience in the financial services sector and diverse background will undoubtedly ensure that we continue to break new ground in our ongoing efforts to promote financial inclusion across the continent,” said Serigne Dioum, Group Chief Fintech Officer.

“Mudassar has built a stellar career through his innate ability to establish an organisational vision, develop strategic and tactical plans, and execute them with well-led and highly effective teams. He is a strategic yet pragmatic leader, renowned for his hands-on approach to business,” concluded Dioum.

We congratulate Mudassar and wish him the very best in his new role.

MTN Group today announced the launch of its highly anticipated 21 Days of Y’ello Care campaign, set to run from 1 to 21 June 2023. This year’s campaign focuses on “Empowering entrepreneurs to unlock growth and job creation for communities.”

Building on the successes of prior years, the 2023 campaign underlines MTN’s enduring commitment to instigating positive change within the communities it serves. This year’s initiative targets grassroots entrepreneurs, providing them with essential digital and financial tools, facilitating wider market access, and offering valuable business mentoring and knowledge-sharing sessions.

“Our purpose extends beyond connectivity; it’s about catalysing change and enabling progress in the communities we serve,” said Nompilo Morafo, Chief Sustainability and Corporate Affairs Officer at MTN Group. “By focusing on grassroots entrepreneurs and harnessing digital and financial tools, MTN is actively fostering an ecosystem of innovation and entrepreneurship that will drive sustainable economic development across the continent. This campaign aligns with our long-term vision for a digitally inclusive Africa. It underscores our commitment to being more than just a telecom provider, but a catalyst for positive change and growth in the communities we serve.”

Now in its 16th year, the “21 Days of Y’ello Care” campaign stands as MTN’s flagship employee volunteerism initiative, designed to engage MTN staff in high-impact social projects within their local communities. Each year, the campaign focuses on a different theme, reflecting MTN’s multifaceted approach to social responsibility.

In addition to leveraging digital and financial tools as vital enablers to stimulate growth for grassroots-based entrepreneurs, the 2023 campaign emphasises often overlooked communities – those in rural, remote, and disadvantaged areas, with a particular emphasis on women, youth, and differently-abled individuals.

MTN Group has been named by Brand Africa as the number one African brand that is doing good for people, society and the environment in a new category of its annual awards inspired by businesses shifting from profit to purpose. Brand Africa also named MTN as the most admired African brand recalled spontaneously.

“As we celebrate Africa Day, we are greatly encouraged to receive this accolade, which recognises our work to deliver on our strategic priority to create shared value with ESG at the core,” said MTN Group President and Chief Executive Officer Ralph Mupita. “It motivates us to keep focused on providing leading digital solutions for Africa’s progress and to ensure that everyone enjoys the benefits of a modern connected life.”

The new award category acknowledges MTN’s contributions towards empowering people, supporting sustainable societal development and preserving the environment. Through our broad range of initiatives and alliances, MTN Group demonstrates dedication to making a positive difference in the lives of Africans. 

Understanding that commitment needs to translate into action, our advances in this regard in 2022 include ensuring greater digital inclusion by extending broadband (including rural) coverage to almost 88% of the population in our markets; contributing approximately R149 billion in economic value-added to society; and reducing GHG emissions by around 13.9%^ as part of journey to achieve net zero emissions by 2040. 

“This award would not have been possible without the support of the many stakeholders with whom we engage every day. I would like to thank them all – among them our customers, our employees, governments and regulators, and society at large across our 19 markets,” added Mupita as he acknowledged the role of the Group’s partners in its achievements in connecting the unconnected, uplifting communities and protecting the planet:

In April, Brand Finance assigned MTN the highest ‘sustainability perceptions value’ of all companies in its ‘South Africa 100 2023’ survey in which the Group retained the rank as South Africa’s most valuable brand.

MTN, Africa’s leading telecommunications company, is thrilled to announce its upcoming SME hybrid event aimed at fostering growth and providing essential resources to the continent’s small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The two-day event, featuring a combination of physical and online components, will bring together industry experts, inspirational thought leaders, and innovative solutions to support the success of African businesses.

Scheduled to take place from the 23rd to the 24th of May 2023 at the company’s 14th Avenue Innovation Centre, this groundbreaking event will serve as a platform for SMEs to connect, learn, and showcase their products and services to a broader audience. The event will feature a live exhibition of SMEs and partner solutions, engaging activities such as the highly anticipated JumpStarter funding  competition and insightful keynote speeches from influential industry figures.

MTN is committed to empowering SMEs by providing them with the necessary tools, resources, and support to thrive in a competitive business landscape. With this event, MTN aims to position itself as the leading brand dedicated to supporting the growth and success of over 40 million African SMEs through targeted development programs and a comprehensive range of services.

One of the event’s highlights will be the live exhibition, where selected SMEs will have the opportunity to showcase their innovative products and services to potential customers, investors, and partners. This platform will enable them to increase their visibility, expand their networks, and attract new business opportunities.

MTN’s commitment to supporting SMEs extends beyond the event itself. The company’s suite of services, including MoMo (Mobile Money), Digital, ayoba, and Chenosis, will be showcased during the event, demonstrating how these platforms can empower SMEs with convenient and secure financial transactions, digital marketing solutions, communication tools, and access to a broader customer base.

“MTN understands the critical role SMEs play in driving economic growth and job creation across Africa,” said Tumi Chamayou, MTN Group Executive: Enterprise. “We are proud to host this empowering event that brings together the brightest minds and resources to support the success of SMEs. Our goal is to position MTN as the go-to brand for African entrepreneurs seeking to thrive in today’s digital economy.”

As reported in its 2022 Sustainability report, MTN supported 1,250 small and medium-sized enterprises through its enterprise skills development initiative. This SME event is a further testament to the company’s unwavering commitment to empowering African SMEs and driving their success. By providing a platform for innovation, collaboration, and knowledge sharing, MTN aims to equip SMEs with the tools and support they need to thrive in today’s competitive business landscape.

For more information about the MTN SME event, including registration details and the full lineup of speakers and activities, please visit MTN EBU SME 2023

The prestigious Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply (CIPS) Awards ceremony brought together procurement professionals from around the globe to celebrate their accomplishments. MTN Global Sourcing and Supply Chain (GSSC) emerged as the standout winner, taking home five prestigious awards, including the coveted “Procurement Team of the Year – Large Organization.”

The awards won by MTN GSSC include “Best Approach to Risk Mitigation” and “Best Initiative to Deliver Social Value Through Procurement,” highlighting the team’s commitment to excellence and their ability to create tangible value for their organization and society.

This impressive accomplishment demonstrates MTN GSSC’s unwavering commitment to delivering value and innovation, embodying the essence of MTN Group’s Ambition 2025 strategy – leading Africa’s digital advancement while making a positive and sustainable impact on the continent. Dirk Karl, Group Executive and Chief Procurement Officer, was recognized as “Leader of the Year” for his exceptional leadership skills and the positive impact he has made on the team and the procurement profession as a whole. Karl’s leadership has been instrumental in successfully implementing MTN’s agile operating model, contributing to the team’s outstanding performance.

The pinnacle of the night was MTN GSSC being named the “CIPS Overall Winner,” an award celebrating their extraordinary achievements across all categories.

“These awards underscore the hard work and dedication of our team, and their commitment to delivering value and making a positive societal impact. Transforming GSSC into an agile, innovative organisation underpins our success tonight and this would not have been possible without the unwavering support of our Group Chief Financial Officer, Tsholo Molefe and our Group Chief HR Officer, Paul Norman. It’s an honour to be recognized in this way, and it only strengthens our resolve to continue our relentless pursuit of excellence, shared value, and digital progress for Africa.” Says Dirk Karl, Group Executive and Chief Procurement Officer

The CIPS awards ceremony is a globally recognized event celebrating the accomplishments of procurement professionals. MTN GSSC’s sweeping victory at this year’s ceremony sets a new benchmark in procurement excellence and serves as an inspiration to their peers worldwide.

Project East2West partnership will:

Bayobab and Africa50 on Monday signed a partnership to develop Project East2West, a terrestrial fibre optic cable network connecting the eastern shores of Africa to those on the continent’s west.

The partnership will invest up to US$320 million connecting ten African countries over the years 2023, 2024 and 2025.

Bayobab is wholly owned by MTN Group. This investment is within MTN’s previously announced Ambition 2025 plans and will contribute to Bayobab reaching the Group’s target of having 135 000km of proprietary fibre over the coming three years.

“This partnership with Africa50 comes at an opportune time, just as we rebrand MTN GlobalConnect to Bayobab to position the business as an Africa-focused open-access digital infrastructure platform,” said MTN Group President and CEO Ralph Mupita.“The alliance is more than cables and connections; it is about building bridges of connectivity that span nations and bring people closer together.”

“For landlocked African countries, Project East2West will improve latency by almost two-thirds and increase capacity to support high-quality broadband access. In this way, it will level the playing field and ensure that everyone has a fair chance to succeed in the digital world,” he added.

The partnership will offer substantial improvements in data traffic for internet service providers, mobile network operators and hyper scalers operating in these countries. It will also bridge the bottlenecks in global internet traffic landing in and going out of Africa. It is expected to cut latency by up to 65% on the east-to-west route.

Bayobab CEO Frédéric Schepens said: “Guided by the belief that everyone deserves the benefits of a modern connected life, we see the provision of digital infrastructure as critical in driving digital transformation, weaving African countries together and connecting them to the rest of the world.”

He added: “Africa’s connectivity relies on strategic and global partnerships coming together to build the much-needed large-scale backbone infrastructure to meet the explosive demand for digital services. We are looking forward to Project East2West meeting the connectivity demands to power digital services, bridging the digital divide across Africa, and paving the way for the sustainable digital societies of tomorrow.”

As a co-developer, Africa50 is fostering the harmonisation of regional data and security regulations, boosting consumption of local content throughout the region and promoting inter-regional exchanges and regional economic development.

“Project East2West is a remarkable and transformative project that will step-change Africa’s internet capacity expansion drive by supporting the growth and development of 4G and 5G,” said Africa50 CEO Alain Ebobissé.

“This is an important project that will have a significant impact on Africa’s quest to make the internet accessible to most of its growing population. Partnering with a large pan-African company like Bayobab and MTN is important to roll out such an impactful cross-border project,” he added.

The development of Project East2West is expected to be completed in 2025.

MTN GlobalConnect announced an important step in the evolution of its business through the unveiling of its new name and positioning – Bayobab. The brand reveal took place at International Telecommunications Week (ITW) Conference in Washington DC, attended by over 6000 delegatesfrom acrossthe digital wholesale telecoms community. The new identity, Bayobab, represents the company’s strategic transformation journey to connect Africa with open next-gen digital solutions through its two distinct businesses, Bayobab Fibre and Bayobab Communication Platforms.  

MTN Group President and CEO Ralph Mupita said, “Building the largest and most valuable platforms is part of our Ambition 2025 strategic priorities. The brand change from MTN GlobalConnect to Bayobab reflects the change underway to position the business as a world class, Africa-focused open-access digital infrastructure platform serving not just MTN but other third parties as customers. We will also bring strategic partners into the business over time who will provide skills and capital to support and accelerate the growth of this business.” 

Inspired by the Baobab tree – which many recognise as the “tree of life”, Bayobab is the enabler of the digital connectivity value chain across the African continent. The rebrand is the first step in the business transformation journey since announcing MTN Group’s Ambition 2025 strategy to structurally separate its fibre business, targeted for completion by 2024. This will enable Bayobab to unlock value within the business, attract strategic partners, and comply with local regulations across its key markets.  

Commenting on the rebrand, Frédéric Schepens, Bayobab Group CEO, said: “As a young entrepreneurial business delivering value through open next-gen digital solutions, we believe Bayobab best encompasses our vision of connecting Africa and ensures we add meaningful value across the continent.”  

“Our strategy has borne much fruit, as evidenced by our performance and delivery. We are well-positioned to open a significant digital doorway that bridges Africa’s digital divide to connect communities,” Schepens added. 

Looking ahead, Bayobab will continue investing in the business and its people to achieve its strategic goals. As Bayobab, we will remain committed to forging strong global partnerships that connect the unconnected, deepening internet adoption to accelerate Africa’s vision for digital transformation.