- Looking into a future of unlimited opportunities
Since handheld mobile phones were invented in 1973, mobile telephony has undergone tremendous evolution in technology, type and prevalence of use. Mobile devices have evolved from heavy, clumsy looking phones that could only be used for voice calls, into smartphones equipped with customized software, Internet access, digital cameras, music players, GPS functions and many more. Indeed today’s smartphone is able to perform many of the functions of a computer, with an operating system capable of running general-purpose applications.
The history of the mobile phone is similar to the evolution of MTN. When MTN entered the telecommunications space in South Africa in 1994, its vision was to bring world-class telecommunications to the developing world.
Empowering communities
MTN is still the pioneering company it was back in the early 1990s, boldly going where others feared to tread, connecting people and making a difference. MTN continues to take a long-term view of our investments in emerging markets. We believe in the potential of the markets in which we operate and we understand the role of ICT in empowering our communities and boosting development. This is why today MTN’s vision is to lead the delivery of a bold new digital to its customers.
MTN remains a trusted brand among consumers; we know who our customers are and have well-developed distribution networks in place to reach them, which is key in the contested digital marketplace. We have made good progress positioning our non-voice businesses, in particular through our investments in the digital services business.
MTN believes everyone deserves the benefits of a modern connected life. The company is fast-tracking digital and financial inclusion by connecting the unconnected and ensuring that people reap the social, economic benefits of being connected online.
Financial inclusion
Over the past 10 years and more, mobile money has transformed the face of financial services in Africa and Ghana in particular as the harnessing of technology provides the opportunity to “leapfrog” traditional financial service solutions. This rapidly growing industry has accelerated financial inclusion, which is a potent enabler of socio-economic development that empowers the most vulnerable in society
Digital Inclusion
Leveraging our established customer base, local knowledge, presence, and customer insights, MTN has built a digital ecosystem spanning OTT services in messaging, media and advertising that aims to bring more people into the digital world.
Enterprise Development
MTN acknowledges that small and medium enterprises (SMEs) are the continent’s current and future economic growth engine. Spanning across various industries and ranging in size from a one man shop to a one hundred employee-strong business, they are opportunely positioned to be at the forefront of digital innovation and to reap the benefits of a modern connected world.
MTN’s commitment is to usher these businesses into an unprecedented convergence of people, business and things, to allow these businesses the opportunity to disrupt and challenge the status quo of current business models, by driving them into a space of digital inclusion through striving to become their preferred connectivity solution partner across the markets in which it operates.
As the company celebrates 25 years in Ghana, it continue to focus on bringing you bringing customers relevant and convenient innovative solutions. MTN is excited about a future that is filled with unlimited opportunities.
Source: MTN Group annual report, MTN material
More details of MTN’s growth over the years will be shared in subsequent editions
Footnote
MTN Brighter Life Stories is being published in commemoration of MTN’s 25th anniversary by the Corporate Communications Department of MTN Ghana. Send your feedback and comments on the articles to the Head Corporate Communications
