BY PHUMZILE NDLOVU
EZULWINI – Eswatini MTN has moved from 2G to 5G.
This was announced by the mobile company’s CEO, Wandile Mntshali, earlier today.
While 2G is the most common It is comparatively slower than the 5G. The latter is comparatively faster and can deliver a maximum speed.
In his opening remarks, Mntshali first congratulated emaSwati for doing business with their mobile company for the past 25 years of MTN’s existence in the Kingdom.
He said, “Your unwavering support and trust in partnering with MTN have fuelled our success story, and for that, I would like to take this moment to thank and appreciate you all. The journey over the past 25 years has been transformative since the first call was made back in 1998.”
The CEO went on to say, “The growth from 2G to 5G, coupled with the tremendous growth of mobile money, has indeed been remarkable for Eswatini. With the initial anticipation of only 5000 at inception, today we stand with over a million subscribers registered, population coverage of 98 per cent of the Kingdom, and overall 131 per cent mobile penetration.”
He went on to add that through relentless innovation, strategic partnerships, and a shared vision for progress, they as a company have witnessed the power of digital solutions in shaping the Eswatini landscape.
According to Mntshali, MTN, as a group, remains committed to leading in delivering digital solutions for Africa’s progress. As a mobile company, they have been at the forefront of this digital revolution across the continent, particularly in Eswatini.
“Through our “Ambition 2025” initiative, we aim to foster an ecosystem that empowers businesses across the continent to thrive and succeed. By leveraging digital technologies, we seek to enable a seamless and connected business environment, facilitating efficiency, collaboration, and innovation,” shared the CEO.
He went on to share that a testament to this for Eswatini is the 70 per cent mobile money penetration in the Kingdom, enabling the adoption of MoMo business for SMEs. The mobile company is also a key enterprise connectivity partner, with 98 per cent of large enterprises in the Kingdom using the company’s solutions. All this is supported by a network second to none, which was ranked first on the Rohde & Schwarz Network Performance Score.
MTN believes that by utilizing digital solutions to address challenges, unlocking untapped markets, and empowering businesses with the tools they need, they can contribute to Africa’s economic prosperity and sustainable development.
“As esteemed Eswatini business customers, your success is our success. We are fully committed to supporting you on your journey, providing tailored solutions, and fostering an unwavering partnership. With our extensive network, cutting-edge technology, and wealth of experience, we are ready to meet the evolving needs of your businesses as we jointly navigate the digital landscape of the future,” shared the CEO.
He concluded his speech by thanking emaSwati for trusting them, the partnership, and being a part of the MTN family.
Wandile Dlamini also gave his remarks at the end-of-year lunch. He had come to celebrate collective achievements and strengthen the bonds that drive our businesses forward.
“As we gather here today, I am reminded of the immense power that lies in the partnerships forged between our companies and the pivotal role that each of you, our business customers, play in our shared success. The trust and collaboration that we have built together have been instrumental in driving innovation, fostering growth, and creating value for our respective organizations and the broader community.”
Dlamini shared that he was honoured to reflect on the incredible journey that their EBU department has undertaken since its inception in 2012. Over the past years, they have witnessed remarkable transformations, navigated through challenges, and achieved significant milestones that have shaped the very fabric of their department.
It is worth mentioning that in 2012, the EBU department was born, with a clear focus on the sale of mobile voice, data, and telemetry services. As they ventured into this new territory, they laid the foundation for what would become an extraordinary journey of growth and evolution.
According to Dlamini, the year 2013 marked a significant turning point with the inception of MTN Business as a standalone division, signalling a strategic shift in its approach to enterprise solutions. It was during this time that the EBU standalone strategy was developed, setting the stage for the remarkable developments that would follow.
“In 2014, MTN GEBU was formed to govern the overall EBU strategy, bringing a new level of cohesion and direction to the department. The formation of EBU South Africa in 2015 further solidified our presence in the market and underscored our commitment to delivering exceptional services to our clients,” shared Dlamini.
He went on to add that 2017 brought about a pivotal moment with the arrival of Oliver Fortune, who joined MTN Group as an executive and spearheaded the reorganization of EBU in alignment with the MTN Bright strategy. This period of change laid the groundwork for future innovations and set the stage for their department’s continued success.
The year 2018 saw the formation of the Group Enterprise MNC team, further strengthening the mobile company’s capabilities and expanding its reach in the global market. This initiative propelled them to move forward and positioned them as a formidable force in the industry.
The journey continued in 2019 with a strategic refresh, shifting our focus from being a preferred connectivity partner to providing comprehensive connectivity solutions. This transformation reflected our adaptability and commitment to meeting the evolving needs of our customers.
In 2020, MTN marked a significant milestone with the launch of a Centre of Excellence driven by solution-focused sales, underscoring our dedication to innovation and customer-centric solutions. This initiative positioned us as a leader in delivering tailored, impactful solutions to our clients.
The year 2021 brought about a full revamp of the GEBU organization, aimed at supporting the new strategy of Ambition 2025. This period of transformation laid the groundwork for the ambitious goals they set for themselves as they looked toward the future.
In 2022, they embarked on the next phase of their journey with Ambition 2025, driven by the GEBU Believe program. This initiative serves as a testament to the company’s unwavering commitment to excellence and its determination to achieve new heights of success.
“As we look to the future, we will carry forward the lessons learned from our journey and remain steadfast in our pursuit of excellence. We thank you, our esteemed customers, for being an integral part of this remarkable journey. Here’s to the past, the present, and the bright future that awaits us,” concluded Dlamini.
