Uganda’s telecom business is about to endure a big transformation in 2025, pushed by rising applied sciences and evolving buyer calls for.
Speaking throughout a media roundtable at MTN Uganda headquarters in Kampala, MTN Uganda Chief Executive Officer, Sylvia Mulinge, mentioned key developments resembling synthetic intelligence (AI), low-Earth orbit (LEO) satellites, and improvements in cell monetary companies will form the sector’s future, presenting each alternatives and challenges for telecom operators.
“Generative AI will probably be a game-changer in telecom,” Mulinge mentioned. “We are already seeing world suppliers use AI to foretell community disruptions and resolve points earlier than they have an effect on prospects. AI-powered instruments like chatbots are reworking buyer engagement, making companies extra environment friendly and responsive.”
Mulinge recognized LEO satellites as one other vital innovation, noting their potential to increase connectivity to distant and underserved areas. So far, Providers resembling Starlink and OneWeb are on the forefront of this know-how, which specialists say, might complement conventional telecom infrastructure and assist bridge the digital divide in rural Uganda.
The rising availability of inexpensive smartphones, Mulinge added, is accelerating web penetration and giving extra Ugandans entry to digital companies and financial alternatives.
She mentioned cell monetary companies are additionally poised to reshape the telecom panorama, with a rising inhabitants embracing cell cash for transfers, funds, financial savings, and investments.
In line with these world developments, Mulinge mentioned MTN Uganda is positioning itself on the forefront of the sector’s transformation. She emphasised that the corporate’s strategic priorities for 2025 concentrate on increasing community protection, driving digital and monetary inclusion, and investing in sustainability and innovation.
She mentioned the corporate’s latest rollout of over 550 5G websites and upgrades to MTN’s 4G community in rural areas replicate its dedication to enhancing connectivity for all Ugandans.
“Expanding community protection in rural areas isn’t just about enterprise—it’s about making certain that each Ugandan has entry to the alternatives the digital world presents,” Mulinge mentioned. “Our investments in cell cash companies, from micro-lending and financial savings to cross-border remittances, are designed to empower communities and foster financial progress.”
Mulinge additionally identified MTN Uganda’s concentrate on partnerships with governments and companies to digitize cost techniques, aligning with a broader push towards a cashless financial system.
Mulinge additionally mentioned sustainability and social impression stay central to MTN Uganda’s long-term technique. She highlighted that the corporate is investing in inexperienced applied sciences and community-driven initiatives, reflecting its dedication to creating constructive change.
Diversity and inclusion, Mulinge added, are core enterprise values that drive innovation and strengthen decision-making throughout the group.
“With Uganda’s younger and tech-savvy inhabitants, the long run is promising,” she famous. “The digital transformation occurring in telecom will unlock new alternatives in schooling, healthcare, and agriculture, driving financial progress and empowering communities.”
MTN Uganda, listed on the Uganda Securities Exchange, had 21.6 million cell prospects, 13.2 million fintech prospects and 9.3 million knowledge prospects as on the finish September 30, 2024.
