LUSAKA – Leading telecommunications company MTN Zambia has kicked off ‘Project Summer’, a K180 million project to boost network capacity and enable high-speed data services on 337 3G and 4G (LTE) network sites across Zambia. The site-by-site technical roll-out started this week, focusing on areas with the highest demand pressure, starting in the Copperbelt, the northern regions followed by Lusaka. Customers will experience the benefits of the increased capacity immediately. The project is expected to finalise in August.
The improvements are done by adding additional carriers on existing 3G and 4G network sites and upgrading current 3G sites to 4G. Project Summer also includes the activation of the 800Mhz 4G spectrum which was released by ZICTA recently and which will improve the 4G indoor data experience for customers. This is important for economic participation during the COVID-crisis when more people are working from home requiring better indoor coverage.
During the press conference, MTN Zambia CEO Mr. Bart Hofker said: “We have seen a number of effects of the Covid-crisis on our network. Network usage during the day has shifted from the traditional peak/off-peak to a more even distribution during the day. We also see a higher traffic in residential areas compared to business parks and part of the demand has shifted from voice to data. These changes require a more flexible capacity planning from us. Once project Summer is completed, our customers can enjoy a generally improved network speed with little or no interruptions.”
Mr Hofker added “We are constantly upgrading our network to stay ahead of the growing customer demand in Zambia. This year our total investment in network and IT is K315 million kwacha. In order to make sure nobody is left behind, we also plan to roll out an additional 100 rural sites together with our strategic partner VANU to expand reach and coverage in the remote areas of Zambia. We aim to finalize this by August, simultaneously with Project Summer. The remote coverage will be an addition to the existing 125 rural sites that we have in place as a result of our partnership with AMN.”
Project Summer is a PAN-African Program from MTN, that aims to improve network capacity across the MTN footprint in Africa.
LUSAKA – Leading telecommunications company, MTN Zambia has partnered with the University of Zambia, Copperbelt University and Mulungushi University to provide free access to online learning platforms for students during the Covid-19 pandemic period to help students adapt to learning from home.
MTN Zambia has made access to the online learning platforms FREE for the three universities to ensure that students can keep up to date with their studies during this period of COVID-19 without worrying about data costs or extra charges.
MTN Zambia Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Bart Hofker said, “As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to evolve and affect our lives, we will continue to offer timely support to our customers who are adapting to home schooling during the period when learning institutions are closed. Recently, we launched the E- Tutor App which enables young learners to conveniently access online lessons and past examination papers as they prepare for their examinations.”
MTN Zambia Chief Marketing Officer, Mr. Seun Soladoye added that, “We are building on the success of the E-Tutor App by partnering with some of the top universities in Zambia by offering free access to e-learning platforms for UNZA, CBU and Mulungushi University. We are hopeful that this contribution we are making will help to improve the access to quality education in Zambia and avoid students and institutions from losing out on valuable time while institutions are closed due to the COVID Pandemic. By accessing these e-learning platforms for free, our Zambian students will be able to catch up on their school work without worrying about data costs and be on their way to a brighter future. We are working on adding on more universities. ”
As a result of this partnership, students from the University of Zambia, Copperbelt University and Mulungushi University will access their E-learning Platforms for free as long as they are using an active MTN SIM Card. The initiative means that university students from the three learning institutions will not incur any cost for accessing their university’s E-learning Platform. All the student needs is to have an internet enabled device and an MTN SIM Card and they can access all the resources from their E-learning Platforms for free.
LUSAKA- While we are facing a challenging time with the spread of COVID-19, staying connected with family, friends, colleagues, and business partners has never been more important. As Zambia’s No. 1 telecommunications provider, MTN Zambia in partnership with Simfy Africa, has today announced the launch of an instant messaging Application called ‘Ayoba’ that will be available to all android users and will allow customers to stay connected, chat and share media files at no cost.
Ayoba is a free instant messaging app, available for Android devices downloadable from the Google play store. The Ayoba App comes with the added benefit that allows customers to connect with anyone regardless of whether they have the Ayoba App or not. Ayoba will allow customers to securely send and receive text messages, voice messages, videos, images, audio and other files with any of their contacts, using their mobile device.
Commenting on the launch, MTN Zambia CEO, Mr. Bart Hofker said, “As we continue to lead the delivery of a bold, new digital world for our customers, we are introducing this Ayoba messaging App, the first of its kind in Zambia which will contribute to bridging the digital gap as well as provide our customers with a superior customer service. Ayoba is an exceptional new product that combines innovation, high end encryption security with convenience of service to ensure that we provide our customers with utmost satisfaction in terms of their digital experience.”
Mr. Hofker also noted that, “2020 has not been an easy year so far especially with the rapid spread of the COVID-19 pandemic. It is easy for people to get discouraged in these moments and to look for relief from their anxiety. That is why we are offering our customers a chance to experience a brighter side of life during these dark times by embracing the use of our innovative products and services such as Ayoba and MusicTime to stay connected with their friends and loved ones and also stay entertained.”
MTN Zambia Chief Marketing Officer, Mr. Seun Soladoye revealed that, “Our customers that download the Ayoba App will download it for free and will not be charged for data and SMS from the Ayoba App. The FREE data usage on Ayoba applies to all our customers from the moment that they install the App for the first time. After the first three (3) months free data usage on Ayoba, our customers can subscribe for Ayoba bundle as low as K1 and be able to stay connected with friends and loved ones through instant messaging and sharing of media files like pictures, music, videos and also the sharing of real time location with Ayoba contacts.
Ayoba can be downloaded from the Google play store or from the App website at www.ayoba.me.
LUSAKA – As Zambia’s number 1 telecommunications provider, MTN Zambia has provided material support to the Ministry of Health in a bid to contribute to Government’s efforts to curb the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic that is currently raging the country and the world as a whole.
MTN Zambia provided an assortment of sanitary products including 25 foot powered hand washing facilities, hand sanitizer lotion, N95 face masks and surgical gloves valued at K50,000.
MTN Zambia CEO, Mr. Bart Hofker expressed optimism that the contribution made will go a long way to supplement Government’s efforts to reduce spread of COVID-19 pandemic that has had negative effect on the lives of the community.
He said, “It is our firm belief that everyone deserves the benefit of a modern connected life, therefore, the only way people can enjoy these benefits is if they are of a healthy status in mind, body and soul and that is why we are coming on board to offer our support to curb this pandemic that is threatening the health and wellbeing of our community. We would also like to congratulate the Government of the Republic of Zambia through the Ministry of Health for the job that you are doing to ensure that you preserve the lives of our citizens.”
Mr. Hofker also added that, “MTN Zambia as a trusted friend of the Zambian people and you can always count on us to rise to the occasion whenever we are called upon to contribute to improving and maintaining the life and well being of the Zambian people. During this time of the pandemic, we have demonstrated this commitment by offering a number of products and services such as zero rating mobile money transfer fees up to K150 and doubled the MoMo transaction limited to reduce the exchange of paper money. In addition, we have introduced a digital leaning platform called MTN e-Tutor app and we have launched Music Time, Opera and will soon launch Ayoba. “
And MTN Zambia General Manager, Corporate Services, Ms. Pamela Pio reiterated MTN Zambia’s passion to contribute to the improvement of Health in Zambia. She said, “Improvement of health and enhancement of quality of life has always been a key focus area for us at MTN Zambia in terms of Corporate Social Responsibility. We will support innovative ways in which we can partner with Government and other stakeholders to improve the lives of our citizens. Which is why we saw it fit to join the Ministry of Health on this fight against the COVID-19.”
LUSAKA – MTN Zambia has today launched a new range of non-expiry mobile data bundles dubbed Freedom bundles. The Freedom bundles are added to existing mobile data bundles to offer customers more choice and to contribute to digital inclusion in Zambia.
This introduction, the first of its kind in Zambia, means that MTN Zambia data customers can now load and use mobile data bundles that do not expire before they are exhausted.
MTN Zambia Chief Executive Officer, Mr Bart Hofker said, “Zambia’s number 1 network has taken the lead in the industry by introducing the Freedom bundles. We know having this choice will delight many and we believe that it will also contribute to better data adoption and digital inclusion in Zambia.”
Mr Hofker noted that the launch of the non-expiry mobile data bundles is in line with MTN’s customer-first approach and is a testimony of MTN Zambia’s commitment to listen and respond proactively to the changing needs of its growing and diverse customer base. “Expiring data bundles was a key concern for many of our customers, so we made the necessary adjustments to offer more choice.”
MTN Zambia Chief Marketing Officer, Mr Seun Soladoye revealed that the new range of Freedom bundles are now available to MTN Zambia data customers alongside the other existing data bundles that have expiry dates, so customers have the liberty to choose a bundle that suits their needs and budget.
“The Freedom bundles are available to our pre-paid and hybrid customers. To access the Freedom bundles, simply dial our USSD shortcodes *111# or *335# and select the bundle of your choice, for yourself or as a gift for another MTN Zambia customer. Payment can be done through airtime or Mobile Money.” he said.
LUSAKA – MTN Group is pleased to announce the appointment of Lambertus (Bart) Hofker as MTN Zambia Chief Executive Officer effective 1st October 2019 taking over from Philip van Dalsen who resigned in July 2019.
Bart Hofker brings over two decades of experience to the new role, having previously worked in senior leadership roles transforming telecom and energy businesses in emerging and advanced markets. Prior to this appointment, Hofker was the CEO of MTN Rwanda for three years, where he successfully accelerated fintech adoption, data monetization and completed network transformation. He has a track record of success in various telecom and energy companies such as Vodacom, Vodafone, KPN and Nuon Vattenfall.
Hofker holds a Master of Science (MSc) degree in Economics and Business Economics from Erasmus University Rotterdam, the Netherlands.
Commenting on his appointment, Bart Hofker said: “I am delighted and honoured to be given the opportunity to lead MTN Zambia into its next era. The company already has an excellent leadership team and I look forward to working with them to position MTN Zambia as the partner-of-choice for our customers, our employees and our stakeholders.”
MTN Group Vice President, Southern, Eastern Africa and Ghana (SEAGHA) Region, Ebenezer Asante said, “Bart Hofker has a clear mandate to steer MTN Zambia into the next phase of business growth and expansion. He is a passionate people manager and an ardent believer in the potential of the African continent. As a business, we are pleased to have him at the helm of the Zambian operation, and we believe in his abilities to deliver on our mandate of bringing the benefits of a modern connected life to all people. As MTN Group, we will always strive to be a true friend of the Zambian people as we work with the Zambian government in the realization of the national economic transformation of Zambia.”
In welcoming Hofker, Minister of Transport and Communications, Honourable. Mutotwe Kafwaya said, “as Government, we have very high expectations from MTN Zambia and we are convinced that as a country, we will greatly benefit from the experience and expertise that Mr. Hofker brings with him. Our key priority areas in implementing the Seventh National Development Plan are economic diversification and employment creation.”
LUSAKA – MTN Zambia is leading the delivery of a bold, new, digital world and reaffirming its position as Zambia’s number 1 Internet Service Provider (ISP) by leading the way in providing Small Medium Enterprise (SME) specific business solutions.
Speaking in Lusaka today, MTN Business General Manager Komba Malukutila revealed that MTN Zambia decided to launch these innovative product offerings and propositions to cater to the specific needs of SMEs and enhance their growth and development.
“Zambia has over 300,000 Small to Medium Sized Businesses also known as SME’s operating in the country. The majority of these are located in 3 distinct commercial areas in namel Lusaka, North Western and Copperbelt Provinces which are the main economic hubs of Zambia. We realise that SMEs in any economy provide the backbone of economic growth and this sector possesses great potential for growth,” he said.
Mr. Malukutila further said the new SME specific propositions are meant to address the barriers and constraints that SMEs face in fulfilling their business and connectivity requirements.
“We believe that SMEs are key drivers of the Zambian economy and therefore we would like to partner with them on this new and exciting Digital Journey. Today, progressive SMEs are making use of Digital platforms to scale their businesses and MTN Zambia has a number of products and services that enable them to run their business more efficiently.” he said.
The new proposition includes SME specific products and services such devices, voice features, SMS and Data packages to Cloud specific solutions that empower an SME to consume global corporate products but at a convenient, affordable price.
MTN Business leverages on the larger MTN Zambia Footprint to provide customized, fully converged, one-stop, 360-degree information and communication technology (ICT) services with the largest range of mobile and internet-based communications solutions.
Lusaka – The 2019 MTN FAZ Transitional League reaches its climax on July 31, 2019 at a Gala Awards event in Lusaka.
At a press briefing at Football House today, the MTN/FAZ Awards Committee chairperson Rix Mweemba announced that the award’s date had been set and public voting for the Footballer of the Year had started.
Mr Mweemba, who is Football Association of Zambia Vice President, announced this year’s categories as Footballer of the Year, Coach of The Year, Top Scorer of the Year, Most Disciplined of the Year, Young Player of the Year, Best and Best Assistant Referee, Best XI and the FAZ President’s Award.
The Awards committee received nominations from the 20 clubs that participated in the 2019 FAZ/MTN Transitional League.
MTN/FAZ Awards Committee member Matimba Nkonje explained that criteria for nominations for each category and advised that the Young Player of the Year covered players aged under 23 years of age – who had been active during the transitional league.
Nominations were submitted from the coach and captain of the clubs and they were tasked to look at discipline, games featured in and contributions to the team during the season.
The gala dinner event promises to showcase the best of Zambia’s Super Division and award outstanding contributions to the 2019 FAZ MTN Transitional League.
With the successful implementation of the transitional league, the Zambian football calendar is now aligned to the CAF and FIFA calendar to run from August to May.
MTN Zambia, as the league sponsor, have invested US$1.5 million in Zambia’s Super Division in the past season.
MTN Zambia Events Manager Mwamba Chasaya Siame announced the three top nominees for the 2019 MTN FAZ Transitional League Footballer of the Year award, namely Austin Muwowo, Bruce Musakanya and Lazarous Kambole.
“As MTN Zambia, we pledge our continued support to the development of Football in the country by providing financial and material support. We are eager to play our part to ensure that Zambia’s Number One Sport continues to grow to greater heights both on the local and international scene,” she said.
“As Zambia’s leading network, it gives us great pride to be associated with such an exciting, professional and high caliber football league. Allow me to congratulate the FAZ President, Mr. Andrew Kamanga and his administration for working hard to ensure that Football in Zambia continues to thrive and develop by initiating various positive policies and putting in place the right structures for administration of Football in Zambia,” Mrs Siame said.
Multichoice Corporate Affairs Manager Mwiika Malindima says that as a long-standing partner, they remain committed to supporting Zambian football.
“Multichoice Zambia, through the sister company SuperSport has been a consistent partner in bringing the MTN Super League matches into the living rooms of football loving Zambians.The MTN FAZ League has contributed immensely to the development of sport in the country.
In line with our mission to deliver value to our customers by making great entertainment more accessible, we have always been delighted to avail matches and highlights to DSTV and GOTv customers in Zambia and neighbouring Southern African countries.” He said.
“Multichoice Zambia through SuperSport has forged long-term partnerships with the Football Association of Zambia to contribute to the growth of local talent and the economic value of sports discipline in Zambia.
“In its capacity as the continent’s leading funder of sport and local production, SuperSport has built skills and capacity to become the backbone of content that matters to Zambians.
“As such, many talented Zambian footballers have been discovered on and off screen through Super Sport. Multichoice is delighted to be a part of this exciting part of our customer’s lives and pledge continued support to the football industry,” Mr Malindima said.
MTN has opened voting for the Footballer of the Year. Subscribers can make their selection by dialing *333# and selecting either 1 for Austin Muwowo OR 2 for Bruce Musakanya OR 3 for Lazarous Kambole.
Lusaka — Mobile Operator technology Company, MTN Mobile Money and Barclays Bank Zambia, have announced the launch of a forthcoming new Payment Operator System aimed at increasing financial inclusion and introducing an easy way to make payments.
MTN Mobile Money customers will now be able to pay for their goods and services on their mobile phones using the Barclays Bank Zambia POS terminal.
Speaking during the launch, Bank of Zambia Director Payment Systems, Mr Lazarous Kamanga who was the guest of honour, pointed out that such partnerships will ensure the Central Bank taps into the financial excluded adult population which is at 40.7% and begin to increase access and use financial services. The Bank of Zambia in its 2016 – 2019 strategic plan set out to increase the level of formal financial inclusion by 16 percent.
He further indicated that the next step in widening the offering of financial services products to the unserved and underserved population in Zambia and assured the two organisations of the Central Bank’s unwavering support.
“The Central Bank wishes to commend MTN Mobile Money and Barclays Bank Zambia for this initiative aimed at bridging the financial services divide. Barclays’ trail-blazing digital banking products coupled with MTN’s large subscriber base, comprehensive distribution, innovative digital products and financial technology platform to provide much needed financial services to the unbanked stands as a shining example. It is the central bank’s responsibility to ensure as many people, not only the urbanised population, have access to financial services, and this forms a core part of our 2016 – 2019 Strategic Plan. The progress we’re seeing in this regard would not have been possible without the sustained interventions from private sector partners such as MTN Mobile Money and Barclays Bank Zambia.”
MTN Zambia’s General Manager, Komba Malukutila, noted that partnerships between banks and mobile money operators are fundamental in the mobile money ecosystem, hence his organisation’s partnership with Barclays Bank Zambia.
“At MTN Zambia, we are committed to spearhead mobile payment in increasing financial inclusion in the country, we realise that mobile financial landscape has continued to evolve, and we need to constantly look at improving our products and services hence the exciting partnership with Barclays Bank Zambia on the launch of POS payment solution.”