Uganda’s telecom industry set for major transformation in 2025, Says MTN Uganda CEO

Uganda’s telecom industry is set to undergo a significant transformation in 2025, driven by emerging technologies and evolving customer demands.

Speaking during a media roundtable at MTN Uganda headquarters in Kampala, MTN Uganda Chief Executive Officer, Sylvia Mulinge, said key trends such as artificial intelligence (AI), low-Earth orbit (LEO) satellites, and innovations in mobile financial services will shape the sector’s future, presenting both opportunities and challenges for telecom operators.

 “Generative AI will be a game-changer in telecom,” Mulinge said. “We are already seeing global providers use AI to predict network disruptions and resolve issues before they affect customers. AI-powered tools like chatbots are transforming customer engagement, making services more efficient and responsive.”

Mulinge identified LEO satellites as another critical innovation, noting their potential to extend connectivity to remote and underserved areas. So far, Providers such as Starlink and OneWeb are at the forefront of this technology, which experts say, could complement traditional telecom infrastructure and help bridge the digital divide in rural Uganda.

The increasing availability of affordable smartphones, Mulinge added, is accelerating internet penetration and giving more Ugandans access to digital services and economic opportunities.

She said mobile financial services are also poised to reshape the telecom landscape, with a growing population embracing mobile money for transfers, payments, savings, and investments.

In line with these global trends, Mulinge said MTN Uganda is positioning itself at the forefront of the sector’s transformation. She emphasized that the company’s strategic priorities for 2025 focus on expanding network coverage, driving digital and financial inclusion, and investing in sustainability and innovation.

She said the company’s recent rollout of over 550 5G sites and upgrades to MTN’s 4G network in rural areas reflect its commitment to improving connectivity for all Ugandans.

“Expanding network coverage in rural areas is not just about business—it’s about ensuring that every Ugandan has access to the opportunities the digital world offers,” Mulinge said. “Our investments in mobile money services, from micro-lending and savings to cross-border remittances, are designed to empower communities and foster economic growth.”

Mulinge also pointed out MTN Uganda’s focus on partnerships with governments and businesses to digitize payment systems, aligning with a broader push toward a cashless economy.

Mulinge also said sustainability and social impact remain central to MTN Uganda’s long-term strategy. She highlighted that the company is investing in green technologies and community-driven initiatives, reflecting its commitment to creating positive change.

Diversity and inclusion, Mulinge added, are core business values that drive innovation and strengthen decision-making across the organization.

“With Uganda’s young and tech-savvy population, the future is promising,” she noted. “The digital transformation happening in telecom will unlock new opportunities in education, healthcare, and agriculture, driving economic growth and empowering communities.”

MTN Uganda, listed on the Uganda Securities Exchange, had 21.6 million mobile customers, 13.2 million fintech customers and 9.3 million data customers as at the end September 30, 2024.