KPMG targets telcos

By Kimberly Guest for KPMG
Johannesburg, 12 Mar 2008

International consulting firm KPMG has established a Communications Centre of Excellence for the Africa region.

The centre, based in Johannesburg, will supply knowledge resources to both international and local communication operators looking for traction on the continent.

Speaking at the launch yesterday afternoon, Sean Collins, KPMG's global chairman of communications and media, said the Africa centre replicated initiatives in several other regions.

"Globally, we have a very powerful communications practice. Our clients are some of the biggest telecommunications and communications players in the market, and there is no doubt that there is a significant level of opportunity for these and local players in the African market," he said.

Collins explained that the low penetration of certain communication channels in the region had led to Africa's "emerging continent" status moving to one of a "growth continent".

"Developing markets are nearing saturation. International players have to look to other markets for growth. Our centre will help these players with the dynamics of the different regions. It will also help local players looking to grow on the continent or improve revenue streams," he said.

KPMG's Africa Communications Centre of Excellence has split its services into three key areas: regulatory compliance, mergers and acquisitions, and revenue assurance. The practice has 50 specialists within the group. However, this is expected to increase to between 250 and 300 specialists within the next year.

Yunus Suleman, KPMG SA director of information communications and entertainment, says the organisation has already approached some operators within the region.

"We did some preliminary engagements and were very well received. We've already won some contracts; however, we are expecting momentum to increase."