“During his 7 years of service, Mr. Somdev Sen has been a transformative leader at MTN Uganda, driving significant growth through customer engagement initiatives, data-driven strategic insights, and key marketing campaigns,” MTN said in a press statement. “He’s efforts have resulted in remarkable business achievements, including doubling MTN Uganda’s customer base in the last six years.”

Ms. Sylvia Mulinge, MTN Uganda CEO said the company is proud of all of Somdev’s accomplishments and they are confident that he will continue to achieve great things in his new role as the Chief Digital and Commercial Officer for MTN Rwanda.

Somdev’s contributions have driven the company’s growth and his passion and dedication have left a lasting impact on MTN Uganda.

Somdev during his time with the Telco has led the execution of some of the most iconic MTN Marketing campaigns such as Uganda is Home, MTN Senkyu, MoMo Nyabo, Wesotinge, and the ongoing MTN brand thematic campaign; Together we’re Unstoppable among others.

Also read:

• • Q&A with Somdev Sen about ‘Senkyu’, MTN Uganda’s loyalty program
  • Real lives impacted by MoMo Nyabo Promo — Somdev Sen, MTN Uganda CMO
  • Wesotinge with MTN MoMo: A dive into financial solutions for all
  • MTN launches 2023 thematic campaign: “Together, we are Unstoppable”

In his parting remarks, Somdev said, “I am extremely honored to have served MTN Uganda in three distinct roles. I am grateful for the amazing team and the wonderful people of Uganda with whom I have had the great pleasure of working.” Adding “As I move on to my new role, I am confident that you shall keep being unstoppable.”

The post Somdev Sen: I’m Extremely Honored to Have Served MTN Uganda appeared first on PC Tech Magazine.

Their goal is to empower individuals and businesses in Africa to leverage the power of technology and drive positive change in their communities.

In a virtual interview with Henri Nyakarundi, ARED’s founder and CEO, he highlighted more on what there’s to know about ARED, and here’s what he had to say;

What inspired you to start ARED, and how did you identify the need for affordable digital infrastructure in Africa?

The inspiration for ARED came from a personal drive to tackle the energy and digital divide in Africa. Back in 2009, I saw the challenges firsthand, and it fueled my determination to make a difference. By 2013, we launched in Kigali, Rwanda with an innovative approach—creating a smart solar kiosk platform equipped with Wi-Fi. It was our first step in empowering communities by providing energy and digital access.

As we evolved, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, we learned a crucial lesson: digitization was not just the future; it was a necessity. Many businesses in Africa lacked access to affordable digital infrastructure, and the existing options were costly and required payments in foreign currency. This was a major barrier for SMEs trying to digitize and grow.

This realization led us to shift our focus. We decided to sell the solar kiosk technology and concentrate entirely on digital infrastructure. We saw an opportunity to create a solution that combined Wi-Fi, storage, and compute power in a way that was both cost-effective and tailored to the needs of African businesses.

Our goal was simple, to provide SMEs with the digital tools they need to thrive in a rapidly changing world. By offering low-cost digital infrastructure and a suite of applications, we aimed to make digital transformation accessible and achievable for businesses across Africa.

How does ARED’s AI-powered edge computing technology differ from traditional data center models, and what advantages does it offer?

When we started ARED, we saw a massive gap in digital infrastructure across Africa. Traditional data centers were these large, distant fortresses catering mostly to big corporations, and if you were an SME or an individual looking to tap into digital transformation, you were almost left out of the game. The costs were high, the services were designed for large-scale operations, and payments were in foreign currency, making it even more inaccessible. We knew there had to be a better way.

That’s when the idea of AI-powered edge computing came into play. Imagine bringing the power of a data center right to the edge, where it’s needed most—directly where businesses are operating, especially for SMEs. We wanted to flip the script to the traditional model by creating a solution that’s local, affordable, and incredibly efficient.

Now, let me tell you how we did this differently. Instead of building a massive centralized hub, we focused on building clusters of edge devices. Picture this: instead of sending data miles away to a central server, our edge units work together right where the action is happening. They’re like a team, sharing resources and processing data in real time. This clustering means faster responses, reduced latency, and a system that can adapt and grow with the business.

One of the coolest parts about our edge model is its affordability and flexibility. SMEs don’t have the budget for a large data center setup, and shouldn’t have to. With ARED, we bring Wi-Fi, storage, and compute power in one package, right on the edge. It’s like having a mini data center at your fingertips without the massive price tag. This gives businesses the tools to digitize and innovate without breaking the bank.

We also wanted to tackle another issue: security and privacy. By keeping data processing local, sensitive information doesn’t have to travel to a far-off server, reducing the risks of breaches. Plus, this localized processing means businesses can operate even if the internet is down, which is a game-changer in areas with unreliable connectivity.

In short, ARED’s AI-powered edge computing isn’t just about technology; it’s about giving power back to the people and businesses that need it most. It’s about creating a system that’s affordable, scalable, and incredibly versatile, bringing the best of digital infrastructure right to the doorstep of SMEs across Africa.

See also: Raxio’s GM, Godfrey Sserwamukoko urges educational and research institutions to harness tier III certified data centers

Can you elaborate on how ARED’s infrastructure enables offline access to digital services, especially in areas with poor or expensive internet connectivity?

When we designed ARED’s system, we were thinking about all those places where internet access is either spotty or just too expensive to rely on every day. We wanted to make sure that digital tools and services weren’t just a privilege for those in urban centers with perfect connectivity but something everyone could access, no matter where they were.

Think of our solution like this: instead of relying on the internet for every single task, we bring the digital world directly to you. Our edge devices act like a mini server hub of internet services, right there on the spot. So, even if there’s no internet connection, people can still tap into essential applications and information just by connecting to our local Wi-Fi. It’s like having a little piece of the internet that’s always there for you, rain or shine, signal or no signal.

Here’s the magic: everything is processed and stored locally. Imagine you’re running a small shop using our point-of-sale system. Normally, you might worry about the internet going down and not being able to process sales, but with ARED, all the data and apps are on the device itself. So, you keep selling and running your business smoothly, and when the internet comes back, everything syncs up automatically.

This isn’t just about convenience—it’s about leveling the playing field. We’re saying to small businesses, schools, and community centers, “Hey, you don’t need to be left out just because the internet is unreliable.” We’re making digital tools available where they’re needed most, without the hefty price tag or dependence on constant connectivity. It’s about empowering communities to thrive in a digital world, even when the digital world can’t always reach them.

See also: Ministry of ICT, ISPs have plans to reduce the cost of internet, says Ps. Aminah Zawedde

ARED’s approach seems focused on cost efficiency and accessibility. How do you ensure that your services remain affordable for communities and businesses across Africa?

What we realized early on was that most companies building data centers were focused on the big players—banks, telecoms, and governments. They were solving problems for the giants, but the little guys, the SMEs, were being left behind. It was like there was this massive digital wave happening, but the majority of businesses couldn’t catch it because they didn’t have the right surfboard.

We saw this and thought, “What if we could change that?” What if we could provide low-cost digital infrastructure that made all those critical applications more affordable and accessible? If we could do that, we knew adoption would skyrocket. SMEs spend hundreds of dollars just to set up basic things like security cameras, business operation apps, POS systems, and routers. It’s a huge financial strain, and it means only a few can afford to go digital.

So, our approach was to take all those pieces—security, point-of-sale, Wi-Fi—and bring them together in one solution. By removing the hardware cost and centralizing these applications through our edge infrastructure, we can offer this whole suite of services for less than $100 a day. Imagine the possibilities: a small business can now have everything it needs to operate efficiently and securely, without having to invest in multiple expensive devices or worry about managing them all.

It’s a win-win. SMEs get the tools they need to grow and compete, and ARED gets to be part of their success story. This isn’t just about technology; it’s about leveling the playing field, making sure that digital transformation isn’t reserved for the big corporations but is accessible to every business, no matter its size.

Could you share some success stories or examples where your technology has made a significant impact?

We’ve had some incredible success stories that showcase the power of our technology. One of our proudest partnerships is with GVA Rwanda and MTN Rwanda on a public Wi-Fi project. The goal here was to give citizens access to key digital applications and entertainment offline, without the need for constant internet connectivity. It’s about making digital resources available to everyone, even in places where connectivity is a challenge. This project has been a game-changer in providing people with educational content, government services, and even some light-hearted entertainment, right at their fingertips.

We also worked with MTN Rwanda to enhance some of their service centers. One of the key solutions we provided was a queuing system. You know how it is—waiting in long lines can be a headache for customers and a challenge for businesses to manage. Our solution helped streamline the process, making it more efficient and improving the overall customer experience.

Another exciting project we’re working on is a POC with a bus company. Here, we’re using our edge computing technology to provide valuable data insights through security cameras. By processing this data on the edge, we’re able to offer real-time analytics using AI tools. It’s not just about security; it’s about understanding passenger flow, optimizing routes, and enhancing overall service.

And then there’s BK Arena. We’re using our edge infrastructure there to enhance the visitor experience and operational efficiency. Whether it’s managing large crowds, providing real-time analytics, or delivering digital services, our technology is helping the arena run smoothly and offer a better experience for everyone who walks through its doors.

Each of these projects shows how versatile and impactful our technology can be. It’s not just about providing a service; it’s about transforming the way businesses and communities operate, making digital resources more accessible and useful in everyday life.

The marketplace for innovation seems to be a key part of ARED’s strategy. How does this platform empower SMEs, and what are some of the most popular applications?

ARED’s core business is all about the infrastructure layer. We built this robust, reliable edge infrastructure to showcase its potential, but the real magic happens when we open it up to third-party tech companies and developers. Our vision is to create a whole new ecosystem where these innovators can develop and deploy their applications on our edge network.

We’re planning to launch this marketplace in 2025, right after we’ve deployed 200 edge gateways across Rwanda and Uganda. The idea is simple but powerful: by giving developers access to our infrastructure, they can create applications tailored to the unique needs of African businesses and communities. It’s not just about offering tools; it’s about creating revenue-generating opportunities. And with our revenue-sharing model, it’s a win-win. Developers get a platform to distribute their apps, SMEs gain access to a suite of affordable digital solutions, and we all contribute to building a vibrant digital economy.

To showcase the potential of our infrastructure, we’ve already developed some applications. For instance, our point-of-sale system helps small retailers streamline their operations. We also have security and queue management solutions to demonstrate how edge computing can be used effectively in real-world scenarios. But our goal isn’t to monopolize the app space; it’s to open up our infrastructure so that other developers can bring their creative solutions to the table.

By doing this, we aim to foster a new type of digital infrastructure that’s specific to Africa, one that understands the unique challenges and opportunities on the continent. This marketplace will drive innovation and create new revenue streams and job opportunities, helping to grow the tech ecosystem inclusively and sustainably.

With ARED’s plans to deploy 20,000 edge gateways across Africa in the next five years, what challenges do you foresee in scaling this infrastructure?

Scaling up to 20,000 edge gateways is an exciting goal for us, but it comes with its set of challenges. One of the biggest hurdles is finding the right partners on the ground. We can’t do this alone—local partnerships are crucial for understanding and navigating the unique landscapes of each market. We’re using a licensing and partnership model to expand, but identifying and securing those key partners who share our vision and commitment is no small feat.

We’ve already selected the six markets we want to focus on: Rwanda, Uganda, Kenya, Nigeria, South Africa, and Ghana. Each of these regions has its own unique set of challenges and opportunities, from regulatory environments to market readiness. Getting our foot in the door means we need to build strong relationships and prove the value of our technology in real-world scenarios.

See also: ARED plans to expand its impact to Uganda, starting by launching a proof of concept in Jan 2025

Another big challenge is driving the adoption of this new technology. We know we have a game-changing solution, but introducing something new always requires a bit of education and proof of concept. It’s not just about installing the infrastructure; it’s about showing people how it can revolutionize their businesses and communities. We’re prepared to invest time and effort into this educational process because we believe in the transformative power of our technology.

And then there’s the scale itself—20,000 gateways is our minimum target before we start our exit process and consider selling the company. Hitting this number means everything has to run smoothly, from manufacturing to deployment to ongoing support. It’s a complex operation, but we’ve built a solid plan and are ready to tackle these challenges head-on.

Ultimately, it’s about persistence and building trust. We know there will be obstacles, but with the right partners, a clear strategy, and a lot of passion for what we do, we’re confident we can make this vision a reality.

Could you share more about your plans to launch in Uganda and the key objectives of this initiative?

We’re looking forward to our launch in Uganda. We’re currently in talks with a local partner and a telecom company, aiming to make our entry by mid-2025. Our main goal is to deploy 1,000 edge gateways, setting the foundation to become the leading digital infrastructure provider in the market.

The focus is on empowering SMEs and communities with affordable, accessible digital tools. We want to establish a strong presence in Uganda, proving that our model can drive digital transformation and create new opportunities for growth and innovation.

How do you see ARED’s AI-driven infrastructure contributing to Africa’s broader digital transformation in the coming years?

The lack of accessible digital infrastructure has been a major roadblock to digital transformation in Africa, especially for SMEs. It’s like trying to build a skyscraper without a solid foundation. We believe there isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution, but rather an approach that caters to the unique needs of African businesses and communities.

ARED’s AI-driven infrastructure is designed to fill this gap. By providing affordable, localized digital tools, we’re enabling SMEs to adopt and integrate technology into their operations. This means faster, more efficient processes, better data insights, and an overall boost in competitiveness.

In the broader picture, we see our edge infrastructure serving as a catalyst for innovation across various sectors. By decentralizing digital access and making it more affordable, we’re not just helping individual businesses; we’re creating an environment where digital transformation can thrive. This has the potential to reshape how businesses operate, how services are delivered, and how communities engage with technology in Africa.

In the coming years, as more SMEs and communities tap into this infrastructure, we believe it will drive significant change—making digital transformation not just a possibility but a reality for millions across the continent.

What are ARED’s long-term goals, and how do you envision the company evolving as it continues to drive digital transformation across the continent?

Our long-term vision for ARED is to be a catalyst for change across Africa. We see ourselves not just as a company, but as a movement that’s driving digital transformation from the ground up. Our dream is to create a world where access to digital tools and services isn’t a privilege but a right—where every small business, and every community, no matter how remote, has the chance to participate in the digital economy.

In the next few years, we’re focused on scaling our infrastructure, reaching as many businesses and communities as possible. Our edge gateways are just the beginning. We want to foster an ecosystem where innovation thrives, where developers and tech companies can build on our platform to create solutions that directly address the unique challenges faced by Africans.

Ultimately, our goal is to build something so impactful that it can stand on its own. Our long-term plan is to scale the company to a point where it becomes an attractive acquisition for a larger player who shares our vision and commitment to Africa’s growth. We believe that by creating this robust, scalable digital infrastructure, we can provide immense value—not just for ourselves but for the entire continent.

It’s an ambitious goal, but we’re driven by the belief that technology can and should be a force for good. As we continue to evolve, we’re committed to staying true to our mission: making digital transformation a reality for all, and setting a new standard for what’s possible in Africa.

Is there anything else that you would love to share?

Africa needs to take the reins of its innovation. Even in 2024, we often look outside for solutions, relying on foreign tech entities to solve problems that we are more than capable of tackling ourselves. It’s time we change that narrative. We’ve made waves in the fintech revolution, showing the world that we can lead in tech innovation. But we’re more than just fintech.

Let’s prove that Africa can be a hub of creativity and technological prowess. By developing our solutions, we can move toward true economic independence and ensure we have a seat at the global table—not just as consumers, but as producers and innovators. It’s about time we shape the conversation, rather than just being part of it.

The post In His Own Words: A Conversation With ARED’s Founder, Henri Nyakarundi appeared first on PC Tech Magazine.

She joins this executive role after resigning as CEO of AirtelTigo a position she is reported to have held for less than three years.

Ng’ambi returns back to MTN where she previously served as Chief Marketing Officer MTN Benin and held other roles at MTN Zambia.

MTN Group described Ng’ambi as a seasoned leader with a strong background in commercial and technology. The firm also added that she’s someone with the unique experience of leading mergers and acquisitions in the telecom industry.

Hofker remains with MTN, as he’s appointed as the new CEO MTN MTN Zambia replacing Philip van Dalsen.

The post MTN Rwanda Gets New CEO appeared first on PC Tech Magazine.

The operator has embarked on a nationwide upgrade exercise for existing 2G to 3G bandwidth networks.

MTN Rwanda CEO Bart Hofker, said the USD 20 million upgrade will help boost connectivity across the country. It is also designed to cater for the growing demand of voice and data usage across the country, said Hofker.

The CEO explained that the exercise will see the telecom firm replace all the existing networks with “new and more up to date technologies” to be able to improve communication.

MTN subscribers have been complaining about the firm’s poor network, but Hofker attributed the challenge to “overload” brought about by the growth in the user numbers. The telecom firm controls 42 percent of the market share and has 3.65 million subscribers.

Recently, network users have been experiencing signal problems in some parts of the country, with many reporting poor connectivity for both voice and data. These challenges should soon be history as the upgrading exercise will improve both data and voice quality and boost customer experience in terms of speed and quality, as well as spur efficiency in service delivery, according to Hofker.

[related-posts]

[Via Telecompaper]

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The agreement will allow for the provision of GSM services, including voice and data, which were previously inaccessible to several thousand people in rural Rwanda. The agreement will not only benefit existing MTN subscribers, but it creates an opportunity for MTN to grow its customer base.

Founded in 1998, Vanu provides solutions that make it possible for people in areas with traditionally poor or no coverage to connect with each other and the outside world. Vanu Rwanda (Local Vanu affiliate) was incorporated in Rwanda in March 2016.

Traditionally, developing mobile networks has required building high-power base stations, requiring significant financial investments. This makes it difficult to justify connecting rural areas, especially in developing economies like Rwanda. Revenue per site is lower due to lower incomes and sparse population, and costs of running the sites are higher due to the need to run diesel on off-grid sites.

To overcome the difficulties faced in providing mobile coverage to rural areas, Vanu pioneered a model that cost-effectively addresses these difficulties. The model brings together business and technical innovations of small-scale network architecture, wholesale network operation, and solar power, which ensure that mobile network operators like MTN can service people in rural areas.

The alliance between Vanu and MTN will close the digital divide by providing for services that were previously unavailable to the rural population. In addition to voice and data services, the alliance will allow for the provision of mobile money services through MTN Mobile Money which will unlock previously untapped economic opportunities. According to GSMA estimates, a 10% increase in mobile penetration results in a 0.8% increase in annual economic growth.

“We are thrilled to be working with MTN Rwanda, the largest telecoms operator in the country on a project which we believe will have a transformative impact on the lives of Rwandans,” says Vanu-Rwanda CEO Anthony Masozera.

MTN views the agreement as an enabler to better serve its customers, and as a crucial component of its business mission.

“We are committed to providing an improved rural service to all our subscribers,” says MTN Rwanda’s CEO, Bart Hofker, “The agreement with Vanu Rwanda underlines how passionately we feel that someone in a rural area should be able to receive the same level of connectivity as a city-dweller”.

Masozera also acknowledged the Rwandan government’s role in supporting Vanu’s successful implementation of the project.

“The government recognised that connectivity is crucial to development and that our Rural Coverage as a Service model provides an innovative way to bring coverage to a sizeable population of Rwandans who live in rural areas,” he says. “Government support during our pilot and testing phases laid the groundwork for agreements like the one we have with MTN today”.

According to the Director General of RURA, Patrick Nyirishema,“The agreement between Vanu-Rwanda and MTN will help ensure all Rwandans are connected. This is in line with Rwanda’s vision to achieve 100% network coverage, and ensure that by 2020 no Rwandan is left behind. The geography of our country means that doing so using traditional methods can be challenging. This service model enables the provision of world-class connectivity to our people wherever they happen to live in Rwanda”.

source: Vanu

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RURA said in a statement dated May 16th that MTN Rwanda had breached its license obligations hence attracting the fine.

According to the document which PC Tech Magazine has seen, MTN Rwanda was given strict directives by RURA on January 28th, 2011 and February 7th, 2011 prohibiting its inclusion in the MTN South and East Africa (SEA) IT hub based in Uganda.

Failure of this would be considered as a breach of its license obligations leading to appropriate measures in accordance with applicable Rwandan laws.

However, MTN Rwanda proceeded to implement the IT shared services initiative and hosting its IT services in the MTN IT hub Uganda despite having discussed the matter with the regulator.

The statement indicates that MTN Rwanda had also been warned that such action would constitute a serious breach of license obligations.

“Despite the directives, an interim phase for the hub was implemented from September 2012 and on October 26th, 2014. MTN Rwanda Ltd fully operationalized its IT Services management under MTN Hub in Uganda,” the document reads in part.

According to RURA, MTN was slapped with a daily administrative fine of Rwf5 million from October 26th, 2014 to June 27th, 2015.

The fine was later raised to a daily Rwf15 million from June 28th  2016 to March 20th 2017, all totaling to the final Rwf7 billion.

Whereas it’s clear that MTN Uganda has better ICT capacity, MTN Rwanda hosting its IT services in Uganda would be presumed as a tax avoidance gimmick by the South African company.

MTN is Rwanda’s largest telecommunications operator with up to 4 million subscribers.

Other telecoms companies operating in Rwanda include Tigo, and Airtel Rwanda.

Owned by South Africans, MTN currently operates in 20 countries.

In 2016, it was fined $600 million by the Nigerian government for failure to disconnect unregistered simcards.[related-posts]

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The Authority says MTN Rwanda Limited implemented IT managed services under an MTN Regional hub outside the country which was in contravention of the directive issued by RURA.

“MTN Rwanda Limited proceeded with this implementation despite having discussed the matter with the regulator and having been warned that such action would constitute a serious breach of license obligations,” reads part of a statement released by RURA.

“By doing so, MTN Rwanda breached its license obligations requiring it to comply with all applicable laws, regulations and any other regulatory instruments issued by the competent Authority,” the statement further reads.

The details of the directive issued by the regulator however remain unknown.

The statement indicates that RURA, on May 4th gave MTN the opportunity for a hearing where they were informed of the breach and allowed to defend themselves.

MTN reportedly admitted to the breach and accepted to pay the fine.

The post MTN Rwanda to Pay $8.5M Fine Over Breach of License Requirements appeared first on PC Tech Magazine.

The service allows MTN Mobile money users to save money, earn interest on their savings as well as acquire loans on a short term basis via their mobile phones. It will go a long way in extending banking services to the local folk that don’t have access to the mainstream banking system.

The Rwanda launch follows the success of the same product on the Ugandan market since its inception in August 2016.

According to sources inside MTN Uganda, by the end of 2016, MoKash subscribers had grown up to more than 1.3 million, with more than 3,000 MoKash loans were processed every day.

“The launch of MoKash is in line with the government’s objective of making Rwanda a cash-less transaction economy, and we are proud to play our part to this vision,” Claver Gatete, Rwanda’s Minister of Finance and Economic Planning told local Press.

On his side, Isaac Awuondo, the CBA’s group managing director said; “we believe that we are aiding financial inclusion and will thereby add substantial value to the development and social well-being of Rwandans across the country.”

He added that making a deposit into MoKash Bank account for MTN mobile money subscribers will be done free with no ledger fees or minimum balance requirements.

MTN Rwanda subscribers can dial *182# to access the product for as long they are registered on mobile money.

Rwanda Utility regulatory agency (RURA) estimates the number of mobile phone users at over 8.9million with over 4 million registered on the MTN network.

Photo Credit: Inspire Rwanda (Twitter)

The post MTN MoKash Savings, Loan Service Launched in Rwanda appeared first on PC Tech Magazine.

Last year, MTN launched international mobile money transfer services; but only supporting inbound transfers where MTN Mobile Money customers could only receive money from Kenya and Rwanda.

In this latest development, MTN Mobile Money customers in Uganda will now also be able to send money to MPesa and MTN Mobile Money customers in Kenya and Rwanda respectively. This MTN Mobile Money solution has an automatic currency converter, which means that both the sender and receiver will send and receive money in their respective local currencies. The service enables an MTN customer in Uganda to send money in Uganda Shillings to a recipient in Kenya or a recipient in Rwanda who will receive it in Kenya shillings or Rwandese Francs respectively. The recipient has to be a customer of Safaricom’s MPesa in Kenya and in Rwanda one has to be an MTN Mobile Money customer to receive the money directly on their phones.

Customers who intend to send money to Kenya and Rwanda will pay a fee of 5,000/-plus a 5% of the amount being sent. However, at launch, MTN is offering customers a 50% discount on this transaction fee for a limited period of time. With this discounted offer, it means customers will only pay 2,500/- plus 2.5% on every amount they send to either Kenya or Rwanda. This MTN Mobile Money cross border transfer service is a lot more affordable compared to existing international transfer options.

To send money internationally (to either Kenya or Rwanda), a customer simply dials *165*1* and selects Option 5 to send

to Safaricom MPesa customers or Option 6 to send to MTN Mobile Money customers in Rwanda. It’s instant, secure and easy.

“Technology is helping us eliminate national borders, enabling a unified digital and mobile financial services world. We are delighted to offer a solution that further enhances that agenda and trust that our customers will find it a secure and easy way of transferring funds internationally,” said Mr. Phrase Lubega, MTN Uganda’s General Manager in charge of Mobile Financial Services.

The Mobile Money ecosystem has expanded extensively, with the launch of a number of innovative solutions that integrate Mobile Money into the fabric of our society, making it an integral part of our customer’s lives.

In August this year, MTN launched MoKash, giving millions of Ugandans access to micro loans and making it possible for them to save money easily on their mobile phones. In the three months since its launch, MoKash has attracted more than 1.2million customers with savings close to 3bn Uganda shillings.

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For more information about this MTN Mobile Money transfer service, please visit www.mtn.co.ug/moneytransfer

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MTN Business General Manager, Norman Munyampundu said, “We expect this Data Festival to enable customers and members of the public benefit more from their smart phones and in turn boost Rwanda’s data penetration.”

The MTN Data Fest seeks to promote data services to both current and potential data users as part of the company’s strategy to drive data penetration in Rwanda.

There will be free data offerings for customers as well as activations on various data packages such as Internet bundles/packs (monthly, weekly and daily packages), 4G LTE, free Wikipedia, Facebook Zero, Social Pack (WhatsApp, Facebook & Twitter) and the new daily Small Packs that go for 300Rwf per day enabling you to access all websites. Non-data users with data enabled devices will also be able to enjoy free 10 MBs.

“In addition to on ground activations, we shall use dedicated radio shows to educate the public the benefits of internet, how to use the new unified data menu *345# and how to access and enjoy available data offers. This is part of our commitment to delivering a bold new digital world to our esteemed customers,” continued Munyampundu.

This is the third Data Festival MTN has had since its inception in 2014. MTN has the largest market and value share in the increasingly competitive telecommunications industry in Rwanda, and has committed itself to delivering reliable and innovative products and services. The company currently has 4 million subscribers.

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