MTN CEO: Over $1bn invested in customer service in five years

MTN

MTN Ghana’s Chief Executive Officer, Stephen Blewett, has revealed that the company has invested over $1 billion in improving customer service delivery over the past five years.
This, he said, underscores MTN’s ongoing commitment to customer satisfaction. He also announced plans for additional significant financial investments in the coming year.

“We are here because of our customers,” Blewett stated. “We want you to have an exceptional experience, not a poor network. MTN’s success today is a result of our commitment to investing over $200 million annually in our network.

“By the end of this year, we will have invested $1 billion over the past five years. And we’re planning to invest even more to continue enhancing our services.”

Blewett also addressed the rising issue of mobile money fraud, urging customers to stay vigilant.

He shared a personal experience from his first month at MTN, when he became the target of a mobile money scam.

“In my first month here, I received a call from a fraudster. He claimed I had made a transfer and tried to manipulate me into believing it. I decided to keep him on the phone for about 15 minutes, hoping that by doing so, he wouldn’t scam someone else.

“Eventually, I told him I was the CEO of MTN, and he didn’t believe me. He got upset and hung up. But this experience serves as a reminder of how important it is to stay vigilant.”

Blewett further assured customers that MTN is actively working on solutions to address mobile money fraud.

“We are constantly asking ourselves how we can improve. We are applying the same customer-first mentality to tackle these issues and are exploring better solutions for our users.”

Source: Business Ghana

Zambia enhances border connectivity to facilitate trade

Zambia

Zambia’s e-government division, the SMART Zambia Institute, is improving trade facilitation and revenue collection by deploying six internet connection stations at the Nakonde border post in Muchinga province.

According to SMART Zambia, the initiative intends to improve internet connectivity for Zambia Revenue Authority activities, resulting in faster cargo clearance and greater efficiency.

The initiative is part of Zambia’s larger attempts to use technology and increase trade facilitation, which aligns with the government’s objective of increasing regional trade and economic integration.

The move comes as Zambia implements a number of efforts to boost the country’s ICT sector, including the ZamFree Initiative, which offers free public WiFi in certain towns, and Zambia’s first National Artificial Intelligence (AI) Strategy, which encourages safe AI use.

“In a bid to bolster trade facilitation and revenue collection, the SMART Zambia Muchinga province team has successfully deployed six internet access points at the Nakonde border post,” said SMART Zambia. 

Source: IT Web

Maroc Telecom and Inwi link up to deploy fiber and 5G.

Moroccan telecom providers Maroc Telecom and Inwi have expanded a partnership agreement aimed at accelerating the deployment of fiber optic and 5G technologies across the North African country.

Emirates News Agency reports that under the agreement, the two companies will consolidate parts of their passive telecom infrastructure by establishing two joint ventures, each owned equally (50/50).

The objective is to strengthen fiber optic expansion and support the development of a 5G network in the Kingdom, the two said in a joint statement.

The agreement includes the creation of“ FiberC”o, tasked with expanding fiber optic networks to reach 1 million connections within two years and 3 million within five years, and TowerCo, which will oversee the construction of 2,000 new towers in three years and 6,000 in ten years to support the rollout of 5G.

The first phase of the project is valued at one billion dollars (AED4.4bn) over three years, pending approval by Morocco’s National Telecommunications Regulatory Agency.

e& (formerly Etisalat Group), a UAE-based telecoms company, is the majority shareholder in Maroc Telecom.

Jassem Alzaabi, chairman of e&, stated that the strategic collaboration between Maroc Telecom and Inwi, together with combined investments in fiber and 5G infrastructure, is a significant step towards better market stability and improves Morocco’s position as an attractive investment destination.

He also highlighted the country’s efforts to foster a balanced and competitive regulatory environment.

“We at e& prioritize compliance with both local and international regulations as a core ethical responsibility,” Alzaabi said.

He went on to say, “We value the government’s ongoing initiatives to develop the telecom sector and are committed to long-term investment in Morocco.

“Our focus will be on expanding digital infrastructure, promoting digital inclusion, and enabling various economic sectors to benefit from technological advancements.

“We will continue working closely with the government and private sector to build a robust digital ecosystem that enhances Morocco’s competitiveness and supports sustainable development.”

Engineer Hatem Dowidar, group CEO of e&, commented on the agreement: “With a clear future vision for the market, we are more committed than ever to advancing our investments in fiber and 5G infrastructure.

“Our aim is to strengthen digital infrastructure, support e-government services, and provide smart solutions that meet the needs of individuals and businesses while enhancing Morocco’s regional competitiveness.”

He added that the strategic collaboration between Maroc Telecom and Inwi reflects institutional maturity and underscores that true partnerships are built on legal integrity and public interest.

Dowidar said, “This motivates us to not only improve infrastructure but also build a comprehensive digital model that supports Morocco’s digital transformation. Our future investments will focus on enhancing user experience, expanding digital services, and supporting Morocco’s digital economy in alignment with our long-term vision for this vital market.”

According to a joint statement from the two firms, the deal has been accepted by Maroc Telecom’s supervisory board and Inwi’s board of directors, and it coincides with Morocco’s continuous digital transformation and objectives to provide high-speed communication services.

Source: Extensia

MTN and Lynk make Africa’s first satellite voice call using smartphone

MTN

JOHANNESBURG, March 27 (Reuters) – The South African unit of MTN Group and American low-earth orbit (LEO) satellite provider Lynk Global said on Thursday they had made Africa’s first phone call via satellite, a potential solution to providing coverage in underserviced and rural areas.

Mobile operators and smartphone makers are racing to deploy satellite services to close gaps in network coverage.

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The call in Vryburg, in the North West province of South Africa, was part of a technical trial that enabled MTN (MTNJ.J) and Lynk Global to test voice-call quality using a standard smartphone and SMS capabilities over a LEO satellite connection, MTN South Africa Chief Executive Officer Charles Molapisi said.

“The technical trial was part of our work to find potential solutions to the challenges of providing coverage in underserved, rural, and remote areas,” he added.

Molapisi said the call showed MTN’s ability to complement its ground-based cell towers and other infrastructure with LEO satellite.

The companies received approval from the telecoms regulator ICASA to use radio frequencies on MTN-licensed spectrum for the trial. They did not elaborate on their next steps.

In November, MTN Group CEO Ralph Mupita announced that MTN South Africa was carrying out proof of concepts—showing the feasibility of the plan—with a number of LEO satellite operators for possible partnerships.

LEO satellites provide high-speed internet even in areas where terrestrial telecommunications infrastructure such as fiber and mobile broadband is difficult and expensive to deploy.

MTN’s smaller rival, Cell C, is also seeking similar partnership agreements.

South Africa’s biggest operator, Vodacom (VODJ.J), majority owned by Britain’s Vodafone (VOD.L), announced a partnership with Amazon’s Project Kuiper LEO satellite in 2023.

Source: Extensia

Airtel Africa Set to Receive $100M Investment from IFC for Operations Growth

Airtel

IFC is considering a $100M investment in Airtel Africa, allocating $70M to Kenya and $30M to Rwanda for telecom expansion.

The International Finance Corporation (IFC) is considering a major investment in Airtel Africa to strengthen its telecom operations across East Africa, Informer East Africa has reported.

The report further mentions that the proposed funding, totaling $100 million, is expected to allocate $70 million to Airtel Kenya and $30 million to Airtel Rwanda, potentially supporting network expansion and service enhancements in both markets.

Source: TechAfrica News

MTN Group CEO Ralph Mupita appointed GSMA deputy chair

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The GSMA has elected MTN Group CEO Ralph Mupita as its deputy chair, following the appointment of Bharti Airtel vice chairman Gopal Vittal as chair.

The move highlights the GSMA’s recognition of executives from emerging market operators in key leadership roles, reflecting the growing influence of these regions in the global telecoms industry.

Mupita will serve as deputy chair for the remainder of the board term, which runs until the end of 2026. In this role, he will support the chair and board in overseeing the GSMA’s strategic direction. The organisation represents the interests of mobile operators worldwide.

GSMA Director General Vivek Badrinath described Mupita’s experience as “invaluable as we continue to navigate the dynamic landscape of our industry.”

Commenting on his appointment, Mupita said: “This is a great honour, particularly at a time of rapid technological advancements and increasing digital adoption across Africa. Mobile technology will play a crucial role in addressing pressing societal challenges and unlocking the full potential of Africa and the rest of the Global South, ensuring no one is left behind in our journey towards a more connected future.”

Mupita has served as MTN Group President and CEO since September 2020, having previously held the position of group CFO from 2017.

How Telecom Marketing Leaders Can Put Customers First And Drive Innovation

Business-meeting

The telecom industry is evolving at a rapid pace, and marketing needs to keep up. It’s no longer just about selling plans and devices—it’s about building real connections with customers, offering them personalized experiences and keeping them engaged for the long run.

With so many options available, customers can switch providers with just a few clicks. That means telecom companies must work harder than ever to stand out. The real challenge isn’t just attracting new customers—it’s keeping them loyal in an industry where price and convenience often drive decisions.

Understanding Today’s Telecom Customers

Modern consumers expect more from their service providers. They interact with brands across multiple touchpoints—mobile apps, websites, social media and customer support—and they expect a smooth, hassle-free experience every time.

What they don’t want? Complicated processes, irrelevant promotions and impersonal interactions. If a telecom brand doesn’t make their life easier, they’ll move on to one that does. That’s why the most successful marketing strategies today focus on putting the customer first—anticipating their needs, simplifying their journey and offering real value.

Using Customer Insights The Right Way

Telecom companies have access to a huge amount of customer data, but collecting information is one thing—knowing how to use it effectively is another. The best marketing leaders don’t just look at numbers; they use insights to make smarter decisions.

What do customers actually want? What frustrates them? When is the best time to reach them with an offer? Understanding these details allows telecom brands to craft messages that resonate rather than sending out generic promotions that get ignored.

Why Personalization Matters More Than Ever

Gone are the days when a one-size-fits-all approach worked. Today’s customers expect services that fit their needs, whether that’s a data plan tailored to their usage or offers that make sense for their lifestyle.

Personalization isn’t just about recommending the right plan—it’s about making customers feel valued. Whether it’s sending a timely discount, reminding them about unused benefits or offering an exclusive upgrade, small touches go a long way in building loyalty.

Turning Customers Into Brand Advocates

People trust recommendations from other customers more than any ad or sales pitch. If someone loves their telecom provider, they’ll talk about it—whether it’s in a conversation with a friend, a review or a social media post.

That’s why smart marketing goes beyond just selling—it’s about creating positive experiences that people want to share. Encouraging feedback, rewarding loyal customers and engaging with them in meaningful ways can turn happy users into powerful brand advocates.

Building Trust Through Transparency

Trust is a big deal in telecom. Customers want to know that their provider is being up front—whether it’s about pricing, data usage or how their information is handled.

Transparency means clear communication, no hidden fees and following through on promises. It also means being proactive—if there’s an outage or an issue, customers appreciate honesty and quick updates rather than vague statements. Brands that prioritize trust earn long-term loyalty, while those that don’t risk losing customers fast.

Moving From Selling To Solving Problems

Telecom marketing isn’t just about pushing products anymore—it’s about helping customers navigate the increasingly complex digital world. Whether it’s choosing the right plan, understanding security risks or making the most of their connectivity, people appreciate brands that offer solutions, not just sales pitches.

CMOs who take a consultative approach—educating customers, offering helpful content and positioning their brand as a trusted resource—can create deeper, more meaningful relationships.

What Today’s Telecom CMOs Should Focus On

To stay ahead in a fast-changing industry, marketing leaders need to:

  • Put customers first: Understand their needs and frustrations to create better experiences.
  • Use data wisely: Turn insights into meaningful actions instead of relying on generic strategies.
  • Make personalization a priority: Tailor services and offers to make customers feel valued.
  • Encourage advocacy: Happy customers are the best promoters of a brand.
  • Be transparent: Clear, honest communication builds trust.
  • Think beyond sales: Offer value through education, guidance and problem-solving.
  • Stay adaptable: The telecom industry moves fast, and flexibility is key to staying competitive.

The days of simply selling phone plans and devices are long gone. Today’s telecom brands need to focus on customer relationships, trust and long-term engagement. Those that embrace this shift—putting customers at the heart of their strategies—will be the ones that thrive.

At the end of the day, success in telecom marketing isn’t about having the flashiest campaigns or the biggest ad budget. It’s about understanding people, meeting their needs and creating experiences that keep them coming back.

Source: www.forbes.com

By Deboshree Sarkar,

‘5G is here, but 4G is still king’ – MTN CEO speaks on future of mobile networks

MTN

With new network generations emerging faster than ever, MTN Ghana’s CEO, Stephen Blewett, has provided critical insights into the ongoing 5G rollout and its real impact on consumers.

Speaking at the MTN House in Accra on Wednesday, April 2, he addressed key concerns, breaking down the complexities of spectrum allocation and network evolution in a way that puts consumer expectations into perspective.

“People get hung up on the numbers,” he remarked when discussing the move from one generation of

mobile networks to another.

“Right now, people are already working on 5.5G, and then 6G will come. It will all come eventually, but the real question is: how much of a difference do consumers actually feel?”

He explained that 5G technology operates within different spectrums of radio frequencies, making it more of an incremental improvement rather than an entirely new experience for everyday users.

“You can run 5G on 700 MHz, 2300 MHz, or even 3500 MHz. Each spectrum carries radio frequencies, and they all do different things,” he noted.

While 5G is often touted as a game-changer, the CEO acknowledged that for most consumers, the difference between 4G and 5G may not be as noticeable as past network upgrades.

“In the early days, when we moved from 2G to EDGE, the difference was massive. But as you move up to higher generations, the improvements become less dramatic for the average consumer,” Mr Blewett explained.

Despite the increasing buzz around 5G, Stephen reassured customers that they do not need to rush into buying 5G-enabled devices immediately.

“The price of 5G devices is still high, and it will take time for them to become affordable. A good 4G experience is still more than enough for most people,” he said.

His comments suggest that while MTN is investing in 5G technology, the company is also focused on ensuring that 4G remains strong and reliable for consumers who may not yet be ready—or willing—to make the jump to 5G.

Spectrum Limitations and the Future of Connectivity

One of the biggest challenges in mobile network evolution is the availability of spectrum.

“Eventually, we will run out of spectrum,” the MTN boss warned, noting that as networks continue to advance, there will be physical limitations on how much frequency space is available for carriers.

While this does not mean that mobile networks will stop evolving, it does indicate that the rate of improvement in user experience may slow down over time.

“The question is, at what point do consumers stop feeling the difference?” he asked.

What This Means for MTN Customers

For MTN users, the message is clear: while 5G is the future, 4G is still more than capable of delivering fast and reliable internet.

Consumers should not feel pressured to upgrade immediately, as 5G adoption will be a gradual process, with affordability and accessibility improving over time.

With Ghana’s telecommunications sector continuously evolving, MTN’s strategy appears to be a balanced one, pushing forward with 5G development while ensuring that existing 4G customers continue to receive a top-tier experience.

“There’s nothing to be afraid of with 5G,” Stephen Blewett assured.

“It has a part to play, but you don’t necessarily need to have a 5G device right now.”

Source: Abubakar Ibrahim My JoyOnline)

World Bank backs Africa digital data push with $100 million Raxio deal

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The World Bank’s private investment arm is backing the rush into digital data in Africa with a $100 million investment in regional data centre developer and operator Raxio Group, funding centres from Ethiopia to Angola.

Digital demand on the continent is surging, but infrastructure remains scarce. Africa accounts for less than 1% of the world’s data centre capacity even as mobile data usage grows by around 40% annually – nearly double the global average, according to U.S. advocacy group Internet Society.

The debt funding by the World Bank’s International Finance Corporation (IFC) – its largest such investment to date in Africa – reflects rising interest from global institutions in the continent’s digital economy, where mobile money, AI-driven services and cloud-based platforms are rapidly expanding. Hosting data locally reduces costs, improves speeds and gives governments more control over cybersecurity and regulation.

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“Data centres as such and overall digital connectivity is an important area of focus for the IFC,” said Sarvesh Suri, IFC regional industry director, infrastructure and natural resources in Africa.

Improving digital connectivity and building the backbones of digital infrastructure are of key importance to support economic growth in Africa, Suri added.

After launching its first facility in Uganda in 2021, Raxio is building a network of top standard data centres, including one in Ivory Coast with construction underway in Mozambique, Ethiopia and Democratic Republic of Congo.

The expansion comes as global tech giants and infrastructure investors view Africa as the next battleground for cloud services. Cloud computing and tech giants such as Amazon Web Services AMZN.O, Microsoft Azure MSFT.O and Huawei are ramping up partnerships and presence on the continent, but many still rely on Europe or South Africa for hosting.

 “We see the interest, the support, the engagement, the collaboration we are getting from the governments where we operate, who really want this to happen,” said Raxio Group CEO Robert Skjodt.

Building data centres in frontier markets isn’t without risk. Unreliable power supply, complex regulation and political instability can deter commercial players.

Development finance institutions play a crucial role by de-risking early investments that can unlock long-term private capital, said Suri.

“We bring in the right kind of instruments to help support investors to reduce the risk over all this, to make sure that these investments continue to be long-term, sustainable, and profitable, but also economically beneficial for the countries,” said Suri.

(Reporting by Colleen Goko; Editing by Karin Strohecker)