On the 1st and 2nd of August 2024, the prestigious Mestil Hotel in Kampala, Uganda, was abuzz with excitement as MTN Uganda successfully hosted the MTN ICT Expo 2024. Themed “Accelerating Business Transformation with Digital Technology,” this landmark event brought together industry leaders, innovators, and key stakeholders to explore and celebrate the transformative power of digital technology.
A New Era of Innovation and Transformation
The MTN ICT Expo 2024 attracted attendees from various sectors, including MTN partners, media representatives, and ICT talents, showcasing MTN’s remarkable transition from a traditional telecommunications company to a leading technology provider. The event built on the success of the inaugural MTN ICT Solutions Conference in 2023 and was endorsed by the Ministry of ICT, further establishing MTN Uganda as a pioneer in technology solutions.
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Panel Discussions and Keynote Addresses
The event featured insightful panel discussions on various topics, including IoT, cloud solutions, and unified communications. Highlights included a panel discussion on the “MTN API Economy: Driving Digital Innovation and Economic Growth in Uganda” and an interactive Q&A session that happened in the second breakout room with different panelists.
Dr. Amina Zawedde (PhD), Permanent Secretary of the Uganda Ministry of ICT and National Guidance, delivered an address on the second day, invited by MTN Uganda CEO Sylvia Mulinge. Dr. Shikoh Gitau from Qhala delivered a compelling keynote address on “Accelerating Business Transformation with Digital Technology,” emphasizing the importance of digital innovation in driving economic growth.
MTN’s Commitment to Digital Transformation
Sylvia Mulinge, CEO of MTN Uganda, highlighted 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), emphasized 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.”
Showcasing MTN’s Technological Prowess
The Expo focused on four pivotal service areas:
- 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.
MTN’s Role in Uganda’s Digital Transformation
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.
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Supporting National Digital Projects
MTN Uganda has 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.
Exhibiting Partners and Cutting-Edge Solutions
The Expo featured numerous partners exhibiting at stalls, including:
- Chenosis: Africa’s API marketplace, enabling the creation, publication, discovery, and subscription to APIs from across the continent on a single platform.
- Infobip: A global leader in omnichannel engagement, offering messaging channels, tools, and solutions for advanced customer engagement, authentication, and security.
- Galooli: An innovator in remote management, energy efficiency, and IIoT solutions, helping users increase revenues and achieve CAPEX and OPEX savings.
- Bayobab: Formerly MTN GlobalConnect, a next-generation services company connecting Africa with digital solutions.
- Africas Talking: A unified API platform for developers in Africa building SMS, USSD, Voice, Payments, and Airtime applications.
- Cisco and Microsoft: Global technology leaders providing advanced solutions for digital transformation.
Conclusion
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. With a commitment to driving digital transformation and supporting both the private and public sectors, MTN Uganda continues to lead the way in advancing Uganda’s digital future.