MTN offers Nigerian SMEs data for online learning, sells Afghan operation for $35m
TECHNOLOGY firm, MTN Nigeria has offered up to 2GB worth of data to access content in text, image or video format on any of its partner learning platforms.
Through the specialized data bundles, Nigerian Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) can access online training programmes and seminars to enhance their business operations.
MTN said it is partnering with reputable organisations that provide focused developmental solutions for MSMEs to deliver the training. The partner organisations currently include global technology giant Google, Small and Medium Enterprise Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN), foremost non-profit organisation, Fate Foundation, and Pan-Atlantic University’s Enterprise Development Centre (EDC), among others. The data bundles being provided by MTN have been optimised to work on digital platforms such as websites and mobile apps of the partner organizations.
Commenting on the partnership, Chief Enterprise Business Officer, Lynda Saint-Nwafor said the offer is a testament to MTN’s commitment to making its customers’ lives brighter. “By simply dialing *460*00# customers can subscribe to our e-learning bundle and their data bonus wallet will be activated with up to 2GB worth of data. Customers can use the data to access learning materials on any of our partner SME learning platforms.”
Customers can activate the learning bundle via USSD and SMS by dialling *460*200# or sending Learn to 131 respectively. The bundle subscription is available to all MTN prepaid subscribers. Customers can also check their bundle balance on *460*4*3#, *131*4# and *556#.
The bonus data is designed to deplete with use on any of the platforms. Usage is cumulative and the offer is as low as N200 with a seven-day validity.
MEANWHILE, on the group level, MTN’s plan to sell all of its operations in the Middle East and focus on its pan-African footprint, MTN has received an offer for its business in Afghanistan.
The announcement was made as part of the group’s interim results for the six months ended June 30, 2022, which saw group service revenue tick up 14.8 per cent to 92.5 billion South African rand ($5.7 billion) – in constant-currency terms.
During a media call last week, MTN Group Chief Executive Officer, Ralph Mupita, said: “we announced today that we’ve received a binding offer for 100 per cent of MTN Afghanistan as part of our pan-African focus and Middle East exit, subject to completion of all conditions related to this binding offer.”
Though, he didn’t disclose the name of the company looking to buy the Afghanistan operation, he however said the deal would be worth gross proceeds of $35 million, to be paid over a period of time, and on a discounted basis would equate to about $31 million in gross proceeds.
“Our intention was to do an orderly exit of Afghanistan, and we were looking to maximize the proceeds we could get within the context of the macro environment within Afghanistan. So, we’re very comfortable with the proceeds that we are going to receive – subject to concluding all the conditions precedent,” he said.
Mupita said MTN had received a binding offer but was still going through the processes of concluding share purchase agreements and engaging with the Afghan regulator.
“We are really focused on reducing our footprint to a pan-Africa focus and also reducing the risk profile of the group. So, that may not have a financial value to it, but I think it does improve the risk-adjusted view on the group,” he stated.
