HiPipo Money

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Johannesburg – The power of Mobile Money as an enabler of financial transactions is beginning to gain ground in Africa. Uganda is a case in point, where more than half of MTN’s customers are Mobile Money enabled and generate over 25 million transactions each month.

These were some of the insights shared earlier today by Shaibu Haruna, MTN Uganda General Manager for Sales and Distribution, as he addressed delegates at the 16th annual AfricaCom conference currently underway in Cape Town. Haruna was part of a panel discussion on “How do mobile money services fit within mobile operators strategies?”.

Haruna said the mobile money service is rapidly evolving to allow customers to perform a myriad of transactions including money transfers, payments of goods and services and international remittance. However, he warned that approaching mobile money as just another Value Added Service would be detrimental to the success of the service.

“It is common practice for Mobile Network Operators to approach mobile money deployments as another value added service but are quick to realise that mobile money is a far more demanding service that requires a completely new skill set, organisational design and route to market to make it meaningful.”

He said that the benefits of the mobile money service include a contribution to revenue of the operator, an impact on churn and Average Revenue Per User, as well as an opportunity to leverage on the mobile money agent network, adding that deliberate investment is required from mobile operators, to realise such benefits.

“Building a sustainable mobile money ecosystem requires sustained investment in the technology platform, agent network and consumer education. Key areas of investment include agent training, branding, trade incentive and support. The demands on above-the-line and below-the-line campaigns using foot soldiers have proven impactful but could be costly, especially in the short-run,” said Haruna.

He concluded, that agent network design, speed of product innovation, and ease of use will remain key to market leadership when it comes to mobile money.

Haruna was the first of four MTN speakers at the AfricaCom conference. Tomorrow, MTN Group Chief Commercial Officer, Pieter Verkade, will join a panel of speakers to deliberate on “unleashing Africa’s creativity for digital consumers”, followed by MTN Ghana Executive for Customer Service Jemima Kotei, who will be talking the “do’s and don’ts of CEM strategies in Africa”. On the third and final day Kanagaratnam Lambotharan, Chief Enterprise Business Officer at MTN South Africa will deliver a presentation on “guaranteeing quality connectivity across the African continent”. 

– Issued by MTN Group Corporate Affairs

About the MTN Group

Launched in 1994, the MTN Group is a leading emerging market operator, connecting subscribers in 22 countries in Africa, Asia and the Middle East. The MTN Group is listed on the JSE Securities

Exchange in South Africa under the share code: “MTN.” As of 30 September 2013, MTN recorded 203.8 million subscribers across its operations in Afghanistan, Benin, Botswana, Cameroon, Cote d’Ivoire, Cyprus, Ghana, Guinea Bissau, Guinea Republic, Iran, Liberia, Nigeria, Republic of Congo (Congo Brazzaville), Rwanda, South Africa, Sudan, South Sudan, Swaziland, Syria, Uganda, Yemen and Zambia. Visit. Visit us at, www.mtnbusiness.com , www.mtn.com  www.mtnmmo.com   and for our football fans www.mtnfootball.com

About MTN Mobile Money

MTN Mobile Money enables users to do national and international money transfers, make utility and other service payments, purchase airtime, access insurance and financial products and make retail payments. At 30 September 2013, MTN Mobile Money had 13,4 million registered users, and was available in 13 countries. 

About AfricaCom 2013

AfricaCom is Africa’s largest communications conference & exhibition.  Now in its 16th year, the conference features more than 350 exhibitors and 8 000 senior decision-makers representing the entire communications ecosystem across Africa.

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• New customers have been given an exciting entry point to world of Entertainment
• The special offer includes is a FULLY INSTALED Dstv kit
• The campaign takes effect from  15^th November, for a period of 2 months while stock lasts

DStv is here again with good tidings announcing the much anticipated festive season campaign where potential premium subscribers can purchase a fully installed DStv kit at UgX215, 000 exclusive of subscription.

This year’s campaign has been tailored to suit the customer’s preference, where customers can make a choice of a desired bouquet at a special price; and they will be required to pay for at least one month’s subscription.

The campaign that takes effect from 15th November, for a period of 2 months will enable customers purchase a fully installed kit. This applies to all our bouquets;

1. Compact Plus at UgX.269,000;
2. Compact at UgX.299,000;
3. Family at UgX309,000;
4. Access at UgX.369, 000.

The attractive prices will see new customers enjoy the most recent addition of channels launched on the platform this week, including CBS Action, CBS Drama, Jim Jams and MGM Channel.

“The DStv brand seeks to provide value for money for its customers and it pledges to bring new innovations and world class programing which is one of our main objective to surround our customers with the world of entertainment.  We continue to give a memorable DStv experience to especially our existing and new customers during this festive season, and we are confident that this special price will yield much excitement.” said Jude Kalema, Sales Manager MultiChoice Uganda.  

‘DStv has also opened up some exciting channels this week from 11^th to 17^th November 2013 to all customers regardless of the bouquet they subscribe to. Active customers have an opportunity to watch some of their favorite channels including the Mnet channels (over the weekend) SuperSport channels, comedy and documentary channels as a precursor of the exciting Christmas campaign’. Kalema added.

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Leading telecoms firm MTN and payment services firm Visa have partnered to let its mobile money users make face-to-face and online transactions wherever Visa is accepted, with Ghana set to be first market to have the offering.

This is according to a statement released by the company at AfricaCom, being held in Cape Town, South Africa.

As part of the agreement, MTN Mobile Money account customers can use their devices to pay in stores with Visa Points Of Sale (POS).

Also, MTN says customers are expected to be able to make online payments at all Visa merchants and withdraw money from their mobile money accounts at any Visa ATM.

MTN Mobile Money customers in Ghana are planned to get the offering first before the end of the year. The service is then to be rolled out across the MTN footprint.

Across Africa and the Mideast, MTN has a user base of 203.8 million subscribers across all 22 markets where it operates.

“The partnership between MTN and Visa will provide MTN Mobile Money customers with access to the entire Visa network, which includes merchants, online vendors and ATMs, to enable a ‘mobile’ payment experience,” says Pieter Verkade, MTN Group chief commercial officer.

Visa’s head of global mobile network operator partnerships, innovation and strategic partnerships group, Vish Sowani says: “We are delighted to launch this exciting new service with MTN. This is significant as we look to extend the benefits of electronic payments to mobile money services in Africa. Visa recognises that mobile technology is the single most significant driver of financial inclusion and improving access to financial services is a critical building block to help more people improve their lives.”

“We look forward to building on this broad based partnership with MTN to bring further innovative payment related products to their customers in the future,” adds Sowani.

MTN Mobile Money enables users to do national and international money transfers, make utility and other service payments, purchase airtime, access insurance and financial products and make retail payments.

As of 30 September 2013, MTN Mobile Money had 13,4 million registered users, and was available in 13 countries.

When implemented in Uganda, this will be a great innovation that is directly in line with MTN Uganda’s delivery of bold new digital world theme.

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MTN Uganda, on Friday 8^th November 3013 hosted the first ever MTN Business Golf Day at Kampala Golf Club. This was an all-day event in which the MTN Leadership Team and more than 30 corporate companies participated in a full field shotgun game of golf which kicked off at 11am. 

At the tee off event, the MTN CEO Mazen Mroué, handed over golf equipment to the Uganda Golf Club Captain, Charles Katarikawe. The items included caddy range gear comprising shorts, shirts, bibs, leg guards, shin guards and helmets as well as ball picker equipment. These are part of a total package worth UShs.90million that will go a long way in supporting the club’s activities.

For the last 5 years MTN Uganda has sponsored the MTN Monthly Mug which runs throughout the annual golf calendar. Over time, this property has evolved and today the Uganda Golf Club now fully runs and manages the Monthly Mug events.

The MTN Business Golf day, which will be an annual event, further stamps MTN’s support and presence at the Golf club. It provides a unique opportunity for MTN’s customers who are also members of the club to experience what the MTN Business brand has to offer. A number of MTN products and services tailor made for the business customer will be showcased during the MTN Business Golf Day.  

In addition to this, MTN Uganda has sponsored one of Uganda’s leading golf talents and upcoming pro-golfers, Deo Akope, over that last 3 years to the tune of UShs. 101 million. Akope has participated in a number of international golf tournaments under the MTN sponsorship and has flown not only the MTN flag high, but the Ugandan flag as well.

Speaking at the prize giving ceremony, the MTN Uganda Chief Marketing Officer, Ernst Fonternel, said MTN was proud of the role it’s laying in bridging the gap between business owners and their clients by providing business solutions which simplify the way they can run their businesses. “Golf offers a clear bridge between sports and business as many of the members of the Golf fraternity are also MTN Business customers”.

MTN Uganda has consistently supported the sporting fraternity in Uganda and aside from golf, it has assisted many sports over the years including football, rugby, basketball, volleyball, table tennis and golf amongst others. Through the MTN Arena in Lugogo, which was refurbished by MTN in 2010 to be the largest and most modern indoor stadium in Uganda and the region, we are leaving a legacy for Ugandans to benefit from. The MTN Kampala Marathon now in its 10th year has supported many noble causes over the years and remains the flagship event on the Uganda Sports and Social Calendar.

Commenting at the event, the MTN Uganda GM MTN Business, Mr. Reginald Kafeero said that the MTN Business proposition is clearly set out to fill a gap in the needs of MTN’s corporate customers. “MTN Business offers a wide range of business solutions through an array of technology options to suit our customers’ business needs both in and out of the office, locally and internationally. Customers can focus on their core business and MTN will deliver the needed communications solutions,” he said. 

MTN business is the arm of MTN Uganda responsible for providing business solutions that will satisfy the needs of our Corporate clientele. The MTN Business vision is to provide converged communications solutions for our customers through a dedicated team that manages the entire product portfolio to ensure a seamless experience for its customers.

Kafeero added that SMEs and business people who have been looking for world-class tools to improve their business efficiencies will find the MTN solutions attractive for their business growth.

“MTN’s focus is to contribute to the development of enterprises and the sustainable growth of economies in the countries of operation and MTN IT Solutions are integral to the company’s strategy to achieve this, particularly as enterprises are key economic growth drivers in most of our markets” he said.

About MTN Uganda

Launched in 1998, MTN Uganda is the leading communications operator in Uganda, offering Mobile and Fixed telecommunications, Mobile Money Services and Internet Service Provisioning. As of 30 September 2013, MTN Uganda recorded 8.4 million subscribers across Uganda. Visit us at www.mtn.co.ug and for our football fans www.mtnfootball.com. Customers can also follow us on www.youtube.com/mtnug and www.twitter.com/mtnugandacare for assistance.

About the MTN Group

Launched in 1994, the MTN Group is a leading emerging market operator, connecting subscribers in 22 countries in Africa, Asia and the Middle East. The MTN Group is listed on the JSE Securities Exchange in South Africa under the share code: “MTN.” As of 30 September 2013, MTN recorded 203.8 million subscribers across its operations in Afghanistan, Benin, Botswana, Cameroon, Cote d’Ivoire, Cyprus, Ghana, Guinea Bissau, Guinea Republic, Iran, Liberia, Nigeria, Republic of Congo (Congo Brazzaville), Rwanda, South Africa, Sudan, South Sudan, Swaziland, Syria, Uganda, Yemen and Zambia. Visit. Visit us at, www.mtnbusiness.com , www.mtn.com www.mtnmmo.com  and for our football fans www.mtnfootball.com

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MTN Uganda launched MTN Elite a program designed to recognize and reward most valued customers.

By use of a personalized card customers will gain access to exclusive privileges, comprising of a dedicated MTN Relationship Manager, free and discounted phone devices, priority access to MTN Service Centers, and discounts from carefully selected Elite lifestyle partners including, Serena Hotel Kampala, Lake Victoria Serena resort, Nyumbani Décor, Mbawo Timberworks, Kenya Airways, Brussels Airlines, SPOTCLEAN Drycleaners, Hertz Rent a car, and restaurants; Khana Khazana, Il Patio, Haandi and Tamarai.

“At MTN Uganda, we appreciate our customers and are committed to delivering propositions and services that enable us give back to them. The MTN Elite program will deliver a superior brand journey for its high value customers, by creating memorable brand moments for them,” said MTN Chief Marketing Offer Ernst Fonternel.

The MTN Elite Club complements the Asante Sana, MTN cash back and MTN 141 loyalty programs. MTN 141 which is a loyalty points program in which customers get bonus minutes and bonus SMS has had phenomenal success with over 5 million MTN customers currently using it.

In the last 15 years of successful operation in Uganda, MTN has transformed the market, maintained market leadership, changed lives and set new trends for Uganda’s telecommunications industry.

“In partnership with both public and non-profit credible organizations, MTN has executed sustainable projects and has provided such services to customers and the community”, Fonternel said.

About MTN Uganda

Launched in 1998, MTN Uganda is the leading communications operator in Uganda, offering Mobile and Fixed telecommunications, Mobile Money Services and Internet Service Provisioning. As of 30 September 2013, MTN Uganda recorded 8.4 million subscribers across Uganda. Visit us at www.mtn.co.ug and for our football fans www.mtnfootball.com. Customers can also follow us on www.youtube.com/mtnug and www.twitter.com/mtnugandacare for assistance.

About the MTN Group

Launched in 1994, the MTN Group is a leading emerging market operator, connecting subscribers in 22 countries in Africa, Asia and the Middle East. The MTN Group is listed on the JSE Securities Exchange in South Africa under the share code: “MTN.” As of 30 September 2013, MTN recorded 203.8 million subscribers across its operations in Afghanistan, Benin, Botswana, Cameroon, Cote d’Ivoire, Cyprus, Ghana, Guinea Bissau, Guinea Republic, Iran, Liberia, Nigeria, Republic of Congo (Congo Brazzaville), Rwanda, South Africa, Sudan, South Sudan, Swaziland, Syria, Uganda, Yemen and Zambia. Visit. Visit us at, www.mtnbusiness.com , www.mtn.com www.mtnmmo.com  and for our football fans www.mtnfootball.com

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MTN Uganda has partnered with Multiplex to introduce a payment option for parking fees via the MTN Mobile Money platform. Vehicle drivers in Kampala will no longer have to go to Multiplex branches in order to make payments for outstanding dues. All they have to do is dial *165# on their mobile phones to make instant payments.

MTN Uganda Chief Marketing Officer Ernst Fonternel said MTN’s priority is the convenience for its customers in all spheres of life when it comes to making payments.

“It is for this reason that we have introduced simplicity of payment of parking fees using MTN Mobile Money.” said Fonternel.

In order to access this service;

•  Dial, *165# to get the Mobile Money menu
• Select Pay Bill
• Select Multiplex
• Enter car Registration Number (you will receive a balance due message for Multiplex)
• Type the Amount you wish to pay
•  Enter a reason for payment e.g. parking (you will receive a payment prompt)
•  Enter your Pin to confirm payment (you will receive payment confirmation from Mobile Money and Multiplex)”.

MTN Mobile Money has enjoyed unprecedented success since it was launched four years ago, now registering in excess of 25 million transactions each month. As per the GSMA 2012 Global Mobile Money adoption survey, MTN Uganda ranks 2nd in terms of number of active Mobile Money customer accounts in the world.

According to the central bank, Mobile Money transactions totaled Ushs11.7 trillion in 2012, which was a 211% increase since 2011. MTN continues to lead Mobile Money in Uganda with almost 5 million registered users since their launch in 2009.

The partnership with Multiplex to launch the parking payment service follows the recent launch of other innovations including partnerships with Kenya Airways and Air Uganda for payment of air tickets through Mobile Money and the latest partnership with Crane Bank to enable MTN Mobile Money customers to cash out at Crane Bank ATMs.

MTN Uganda is the leading investor in technology with a planned investment of over $70 million during 2013 to upgrade infrastructure, but also extend services to previously uncovered areas. Last year, the company invested over $80 million.

Fonternel explained that over the next five years, data and digital services will be the primary focus areas for MTN Uganda.

“Our investment into Uganda shows MTN’s commitment to continue providing services relevant to our customer’s current and future needs, and this firmly positions MTN as a leader with a clear vision for the future; delivery of a Bold new digital world.” Fonternel concluded.

Join the New World of Better Money, register for MTN Mobile Money today.
 

About MTN Uganda

Launched in 1998, MTN Uganda is the leading communications operator in Uganda, offering Mobile and Fixed telecommunications, Mobile Money Services and Internet Service Provisioning. As of 30 September 2013, MTN Uganda recorded 8.4 million subscribers across Uganda. Visit us at www.mtn.co.ug and for our football fans www.mtnfootball.com. Customers can also follow us on www.youtube.com/mtnug and www.twitter.com/mtnugandacare for assistance.

About the MTN Group

Launched in 1994, the MTN Group is a leading emerging market operator, connecting subscribers in 22 countries in Africa, Asia and the Middle East. The MTN Group is listed on the JSE Securities Exchange in South Africa under the share code: “MTN.” As of 30 September 2013, MTN recorded 203.8 million subscribers across its operations in Afghanistan, Benin, Botswana, Cameroon, Cote d’Ivoire, Cyprus, Ghana, Guinea Bissau, Guinea Republic, Iran, Liberia, Nigeria, Republic of Congo (Congo Brazzaville), Rwanda, South Africa, Sudan, South Sudan, Swaziland, Syria, Uganda, Yemen and Zambia. Visit. Visit us at, www.mtnbusiness.com , www.mtn.com www.mtnmmo.com  and for our football fans www.mtnfootball.com