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MTN Group has boosted its MTN Foundation’s contribution to support efforts in combatting the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic across its footprint. The initiatives include contributing towards Government Relief Funds, the procurement and sourcing of vital Health Care Resources, Food and Water Security through the provision of food packages and water points to meet basic needs, and the Economic Upliftment of SMMEs and local market value chains.

The COVID-19 global pandemic is already the most severe human tragedy of our generation. While the exact consequences, including those of a socio-economic nature, cannot be accurately estimated at this stage, we know that the health emergency is to be followed by social and economic emergencies, both globally and across our markets.

The vulnerable in our societies will suffer the most during this crisis, both in the short and in the long-term, and we have identified food insecurity to be the most pressing as well as the most disruptive risk to our societies.

Across the continent and beyond, national governments have set up relief funds aimed at supporting those in the greatest of need. MTN Group has contributed a monetary value of R42 million in a number of markets for Government Relief Funds in response to COVID-19 efforts. The funding is for the support of the unemployed, small and large businesses and the procurement of essential goods such as food and medicine which positively impacts the economic upliftment of societies.

In line with MTN Group’s commitment towards minimising the spread of the virus, MTN has supported the provision of 130 500 Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and 10 000 virus testing kits. Through the donation of food packs and the provision of water points, approximately 46 000 people have access to vital food and water during these trying times. Through these efforts and our support for Government Relief Funds, we have invested R70 million towards ensuring communities are supported.

Nompilo Morafo, Group Executive Corporate Affairs, says: “MTN, as a leading brand in the markets in which we operate, believes that we have a  key role to play in assisting to minimise the likelihood of transmission and its impact on society. We are incredibly  proud of the level of resilience that the communities have demonstrated across our operations as they fight against the challenges that COVID-19 brings.

Africa and the Middle East have always been cultures defined by ingenuity, entrepreneurship, and positivity. We believe the more we can do to address our communities’ essential needs, the more time they can use to focus on this resilience and innovation potential that will be at the heart of social and economic recovery.”

Since COVID-19 has transformed the world we live in there have been countless inspiring stories of ingenuity as people find new ways to operate and contribute to the recovery. African laboratories and tech companies have developed rapid testing kits, mobile tracking apps and medical drones. In some countries radio, web solutions and apps are delivering education to students who would otherwise be cut off from school and across the continent businesses are redesigning their production lines to manufacture much needed ventilators, sanitizers and PPEs. As we rebuild and reshape our economies, innovation will be the game changer.

We are committed to leveraging our core capabilities to enable this process, underpinned by our core belief that everyone deserves the benefits of a modern, connected life and that connectivity can play a unifying role.

The COVID-19 pandemic as a global health and societal emergency requires effective and immediate action by governments, individuals and businesses. It is critical that we collectively respond with one unified voice and take the necessary measures to make a meaningful contribution to society.

MTN Group today announced details of its R250 million relief package in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.  Operating across 21 markets MTN Group has customised its response to recognize its responsibility to contribute both in its home market South Africa as well as in many other markets facing enormous challenges managing the pandemic. Comprising five key intervention initiatives, the Group has focused on employees, customers, vulnerable groups, contributions to the South African Government’s Solidarity Fund and participating in industry interventions.

“We believe it is the responsibility of all organisations to assist where they can during the pandemic.  MTN plays a vital role in the mobile and telecommunications industry across Africa and the Middle East and it is vital that we assist our employees, customers and stakeholders during this difficult time,” said Mcebisi Jonas, the Chairman of MTN Group. Believing that charity “begins at home”, the Group plans to raise R40 million for the MTN Global Staff Emergency Fund for employees in need.

The funds will be raised by contributions from the Group’s directors, managers and general staff. The Chairman, Group CEO, Group CFO and a number of MTN Group directors have pledged 30% of their board fees and salaries for the next three months. The executive teams of both MTN Group and MTN South Africa have also contributed to the fund. In addition, other staff members can also contribute by making salary sacrifices.

Furthermore, over R150 million will be invested in the Y’ello Hope Package for customers – that includes free SMS services, the waiving of fees for certain mobile money transactions, discounted calling during off-peak periods, zero-rating of certain health, social services and educational sites and payment concessions to our business customers. “Utilising our services and technologies for the greater good is key at the moment.  We can positively impact millions of lives and our main focus is on keeping our network in good working order and enable our customers to connect with their loved ones during this most difficult time for all,” said Rob Shuter, MTN Group President and CEO.

MTN is also mobilising the work of the MTN Foundations across the markets to reach those most vulnerable through contributions towards tackling health emergencies to minimise the spread of COVID-19 (Disease Commodity Packages and ICT services needed for Health Ministries and Health professionals); and enabling students to remain productive by accessing vital school and university content with a total contribution of at least R50 million.

MTN was born at the dawn of South African democracy and owes its heritage to the place of its birth.  MTN Group will also contribute R10 million to the South African Government’s Solidarity Fund. MTN will also leverage its knowledge and infrastructure in the continued participation in the many forums that have been set up to assist those in need.

 

As business and society, we are seeing a concerning increase in the transmissions of COVID-19 cases across multiple countries. The virus has had a far-reaching impact on our societies and is testing the resilience and tenacity of businesses and individuals alike. Globally, governments and companies are ramping up efforts to help mitigate the spread of the virus. In MTN’s footprint 17 of our 21 markets have COVID-19 infections.

“MTN’s priority is keeping people connected during this period.  We need to play our part in the alleviation of the economic, social and educational impact through the support of key institutions such as Health and Education.  Driven by our belief that everyone deserves the benefits of a modern connected life, we have started rolling out a series of mobile connectivity, digital and mobile fintech solutions for communities across MTN’s markets,” said Rob Shuter, President and CEO of MTN Group. The solutions are aimed at achieving the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals and to ensure that the macro impact of COVID-19 does not hinder people’s ability to stay connected.

Social distancing amongst other precautionary interventions undoubtedly increases the importance of communities staying digitally connected, particularly to news about the latest developments of COVID-19.  Now more than ever, MTN will play its part in using its capabilities and technologies for the good of humanity.

We are also ramping up the roll-out of relief products under our Y’ello Hope package including the supporting of governments and other stakeholders to convey vital information via mobile & digital platforms to keep people safe. Offering the zero-rating of school and university sites to enable learners to access core curriculum and facilitate distance learning and zero-rating some transactions on our Mobile Money platforms in a number of our markets.

MTN operations have already implemented measures aimed at curbing the spread of the disease and easing data costs for communities, examples below:

MTN South Africa:

MTN Nigeria:

  MTN Ghana:

These initiatives are ones that have been activated thus far. We expect more momentum over the coming weeks with other affected markets rolling out similar initiatives aimed at addressing their communities’ needs during this period. We will continue to update our stakeholders accordingly as and when additional activities go live.

Access to information is a priority and we remain committed to providing all our 251 million customers and stakeholders with superior products and services in the face of adversity.