MTN Uganda Kicks Off the MTN ICT Expo 2024 Accelerating Business Transformation with Digital Technology

By Namutebi Sumayiya

MTN Uganda successfully held the inaugural MTN ICT Expo 2024, a landmark event set to revolutionize Uganda’s digital landscape.

The Expo, held on the 1st and 2nd of August at the prestigious Mestil Hotel, brought together industry leaders, innovators, and key stakeholders to explore the transformative power of digital technology under the theme ‘Accelerating Business Transformation with Digital Technology.

Building on the resounding success of the inaugural MTN ICT Solutions Conference in 2023, this year’s Expo, endorsed by the Ministry of ICT, aimed to further establish MTN Uganda as a pioneer in technology solutions. The event focused on four pivotal service areas: Cloud Solutions, Unified Communications, Internet of Things, and Digital Services.

• Cloud Solutions: Enabling businesses to store, manage, and process data through cloud-based platforms, enhancing scalability and reducing IT costs. Examples include MTN’s cloud storage services and data backup solutions.

• Unified Communications: Integrating various communication tools such as voice, video, messaging, and conferencing into a single cohesive system, improving collaboration and productivity. MTN’s solutions include VoIP services and virtual meeting platforms.

• Internet of Things (IoT): Connecting devices and systems to the internet to collect and exchange data, enabling smarter operations and automation.Examples include MTN’s smart agriculture solutions and connected home devices.

• Digital Services: Offering a range of digital tools and platforms that enhance business operations and customer experiences. These include MTN’s mobile money services, e-commerce platforms, and digital marketing solutions.

The Guest of honor, Hon. Aminah Zawedde, Permanent Secretary of the Uganda Ministry of ICT and National Guidance. commended MTN Uganda for organizing the MTN ICT Expo and thanked all participating partners. “The government recognizes the private sector’s crucial role in the Digital Transformation Roadmap for Uganda, which aligns with our 2040 vision. We appreciate MTN’s leadership in driving digital transformation and supporting youth skilling,” said Hon. Zawedde.

In her remarks, Sylvia Mulinge, CEOof MTN Uganda, emphasized the company’s unwavering dedication to innovation, sustainability, and excellence in ICT. “MTN Uganda’s commitment to investing in countrywide network coverage, sustainable and green data centers across the country, and digital skills development for the young workforce aligns with our Ambition 2025 to lead digital solutions for Uganda and Africa at large,” said Mulinge. “We are proud to drive Uganda’s digital transformation and support both the private and public sectors with our cutting-edge technologies.”

Ibrahim Senyonga, General Manager of MTN’s Enterprise Business Unit (EBU), highlighted the vital role of digital technologies in driving efficiency, innovation, and growth in enterprises. “Our partnerships with leading companies such as Bayobab, Chenosis, , Infobip, , Galooli, Chrif Group, Cisco and Microsoft have enabled us to offer a comprehensive range of enterprise solutions that cater to the unique needs of businesses,” said Senyonga. “The MTN ICT Expo is a testament to our commitment to enabling enterprises to thrive in the digital age.”

MTN Uganda has been a crucial driver of digital transformation in the country, with substantial investments in infrastructure, innovation, and partnerships. The company has greatly expanded mobile and fiber network coverage, enhancing internet accessibility across Uganda. MTN’s Mobile Money service has revolutionized financial inclusion, offering millions of Ugandans access to digital payments and financial services. Additionally, MTN has made significant strides in deploying 4G and 5G technologies, fostering a dynamic digital ecosystem through collaborations with various sectors, and promoting digital literacy to empower individuals and businesses.

MTN Uganda has also supported several significant national digital transformation projects, including the First National Digital Census and Digital Agent Payments, facilitating efficient data collection and financial transactions, and UCC RUCUSAF Projects, connecting 4,200 homesteads to digital platforms.

The MTN ICT Expo 2024 showcased the latest innovations and underscored the profound impact of technology on businesses, the public sector, and the broader community.

MTN Uganda is a leading telecoms company in Uganda with a primary objective of carrying on the business of a national operator of a telecommunications network pursuant to the National Telecommunications Operator (NTO) license granted by the Uganda Telecommunications Commission (UCC). Among our offerings are network services, digital and financial technology services, interconnect and roaming, sale of mobile devices, and MTN Mobile Money (conducted through subsidiary MTN Mobile Money Uganda Limited). MTN has a presence in all 134 districts of Uganda. Services are delivered through a network of over 164,000 MoMo agents, 268,000 MoMo merchants, 200 service stores, and 13 main distributors. For the period ended 31 March 2024, MTN Uganda had 19.9 million subscribers, 12.4 million MoMo users, and 8.6 million active data users. Visit us at www.mtn.co.ug or follow us on YouTube and Twitter for assistance.

Launched in 1994, the MTN Group is a leading emerging market operator with a clear vision to lead the delivery of a bold new digital world to our 240 million customers in 21 countries in Africa and the Middle East. We are inspired by our belief that everyone deserves the benefits of a modern, connected life. The MTN Group is listed on the JSE Securities Exchange in South Africa under the share code “MTN.” We are pursuing our Ambition 2025 strategy, focusing on growth in data, fintech, and digital businesses.