The MTN Group will increase its shareholding in MTN RwandaCell to 40%, as it is set to acquire the 9% shareholding of public fixed-line operator, RwandaTel. The acquisition is expected to be finalised by the end of the month.
"MTN RwandaCell currently provides services to over 114 000 subscribers and has achieved coverage in all 14 of the major urban areas, which is a vast improvement on the 20 000 telephone lines that existed in the country prior to MTN`s arrival," says Yvonne Muthien, group executive of corporate affairs, MTN Group.
"Since MTN`s arrival in 1998, mobile teledensity in the country has increased to approximately 1.3% from 0.4% and we expect this increased shareholding to help us to further expand our reach in the region."
She says the average revenue per user in Rwanda is $23, while brand recognition is extremely high, with some 98% spontaneous brand awareness.
"Having met its licensing obligations in 2000, MTN RwandaCell is focusing on increasing teledensity and also on numerous socio-economic and upliftment programmes," says Muthien.
"The company`s activities in the region have had significant benefits in terms of stimulating job creation and business development opportunities, and it has also implemented a policy of `localisation`, which means that Rwandan nationals now make up some 98.5% of its staff."
Share
