Stephen Blewett, CEO, MTN Cameroon
MTN CAMEROON
NEW TECHNOLOGY
NEW THINKING The face of African digital connectivity and Fintech is evolving. At the centre of the sector, we take a look at MTN Cameroon, and speak to CEO Stephen Blewett, about the company’s people-focused drive behind development Writer: Marcus Kääpä | Project Manager: Marvin Iseghehi
A very dedicated and motivated team of staff committed to bold moves executed with excellence
MTN Cameroon CEO Stephen Blewett with Prime Minister of the Republic of Cameroon, HRH Chief Dr Joseph Dion Ngute
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TECHNOLOGY
The Governor of the Centre Region, Naseri Paul Bea, visits the MTN Ekié Service Centre in Yaounde
With the advent of Covid-19 security and health checks heightened at MTN stores
MTN Cameroon CEO, Stephen Blewett and colleagues on a mission to brighten lives in the South Region using all transportation means possible
There have been many positive and dynamic shifts in Cameroon’s technology, communications and Fintech sectors over the last few years. From new entrants in the mobile money side of the industry to increased connectivity, there is excitement around what is to come.” Having spent a portion of his career in the oil and gas sector, Stephen Blewett, CEO of MTN Cameroon (MTNC), was soon drawn in to the versatile and ever evolving technology space. From working with Shell, to oil and gas in both South Africa and Mozambique, Blewett followed his interest in technology and entered the sphere
MTN changing lives. A lucky customer wins a brand new car from MTN Cameroon
working for Vodafone and others, making his way up the ladder in the telecommunications industry. “At 34, I was the youngest CEO in the space,” he tells us. “I worked in telecommunications across various countries: Mozambique, South Africa, Namibia, and Benin, and now I am currently based in Cameroon. “It has given me a great deal of experience in varying cultures and their languages, and personally this has been a really interesting part of my history in the field. I have now been a CEO for 17 years and have watched the industry grow, change and develop during a dynamic two decades.” The sector remains to this day
an ever-changing area in which adaptation and facilitation are key to continued relevance and business success.
FACILITATING MODERNISATION MTNC is part of the globally renowned MTN Group, and is made up of three primary business lines: mobile financial services, consumer GSM (Global System for Mobile communications), and businessto-business enterprise offers. At the company’s forefront is its dedication to Cameroon’s ongoing digital transformation, providing the country’s digital economy with simple, accessible and secure means of payment through its very own MTN Africa Outlook issue 93 | 3
MTN CAMEROON Mobile Money (MTN MoMo). This is an innovative service that facilitates the daily lives of millions of users. “Every player in the space is pushing to launch new technology, new thinking, and new ideas,” Blewett explains. “This drives us to compete very hard and also realise that there is more to be done and worked upon. Currently, there is a lot of focus on data access and better-quality networks, especially when it comes to expanding into rural areas. “For example, state-owned operator Camtel launching its mobile offerings is very exciting. These kinds of changes in the market are good because it shows the increase of investment in the space and creates a lot of energy in the industry, which is positive for both companies and for the country’s development on the whole.” Represented and active in every region of the country, MTNC is deeply rooted in the development of Cameroon. The company plays a
DEVELOPING THE NATION Since 2000, MTNC has created over 1,000 direct jobs. The dynamism of the company’s activity provides daily income to more than 200,000 families through indirect employment, and many employees of MTNC have become world-class senior staff that today hold top positions within the MTN Group, worldwide. In recognition of its good human resources management, MTNC has been accredited as an Employer of Choice (Gold accreditation) by the prestigious British institution, Investors in People (IiP).
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major role in the country’s economy, as well as being one of Cameroon’s largest private investors (more than FCFA 1,000 billion invested since 2000) and second largest contributor to the state in terms of taxes, duties, concession dues and other royalties paid with more than FCFA 1,270 billion in 20 years of activity. The investments realised by MTNC have contributed to the development of a thousand SME partners and suppliers of the company.
OVER A DECADE OF MOBILE SERVICE The aforementioned MTN MoMo is a key area of focus for the company moving forward, and for MTNC it represents the centre of the business’ development. “We were the first company to launch such a service, and we are celebrating our 11th anniversary this year,” Blewett tells us proudly. “At the start it was a basic service, peer-to-peer transfers and the like, but it has evolved so much. For example, to further entrench MTN MoMo in peoples’ daily lives, the next generation of advanced Mobile Financial Services including microloans is on the way. “Over 40 percent of our customers are utilising this offer instead of going to physical locations to buy data bundles. When you live in a country like Cameroon, where long extended rainy seasons can take precedent during the year, and people have to make their way through flooding and rain just to get to another place, mobile financial services come in incredibly useful. Now, instead of trekking through the elements, customers can simply sit at home and purchase data bundles online, or transfer money digitally within the country or internationally. “It is a key focus for our company to maintain, develop and provide these kinds of solutions to the people of Cameroon.”
Driving and Logistics STREAMLINING THE MANAGEMENT OF YOUR CAR FLEET AND SECURING THE MOVEMENT OF YOUR STAFF AND GOODS. The global economic context shaken by the health crisis due to COVID-19, the fall in the price of raw materials and the restriction of international economic exchanges, has forced companies to prioritise cost management. In order to be part of this global dynamic, Driving and Logistics (DAL), a Cameroonian company specialised in fleet management, offers a range of services to its current and future partners. Driving and Logistics’ offer integrates the complexity of fleet management (avoiding navigation at sight) and the financial stakes underlying each management decision. Owing to the flexibility of our solutions, the experience and the professionalism of our teams, DAL’s offer enables its partners to increase productivity, to reduce their operating costs, and to guarantee the availability and the longevity of their vehicles. Besides, it contributes in a relevant way to the implementation and development of the safety culture. MTN, COTCO (a subsidiary of EXXON MOBIL), EDF, ECOBANK, STANDARD CHARTERED BANK, MAERSK and HUAWEI are some of the clients with whom we have been working for more than 5 years. Also, they are the proof of the implementation of our tailor-made services in the fleet management service. DAL is the SOLUTION for any company who looks for a quality fleet management service and cost optimisation to remain competitive in today’s economic context.
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Enjoy the benefits of outsourced fleet management • Make your investments profitable • Focus on your activity • Secure your material and human resources From now on, optimise your energy, your finances and your time by joining the DAL team, and by sharing our vision of becoming the company that will serve as an example to reach the noble objective of zero road accidents in Cameroon.
Current Performance • • • •
4,000,000 kms in 3 years without fatalities Zero fatalities Zero accidents with injuries Zero accidents with immobilisation of human resources
Fleet Consulting
We set up proceedures to supervise the daily activity of your fleet, and reduce costs: • Fleet Sizing • Fleet Performance Assessment • Fleet Management Streamlining (setting up proceedures - KPIs - SLA) • Establishing Road Risk Prevention Plans
Our Current Park Fleet Management
We provide complete, or partial, management of your car fleet according to your needs, and ensure the optimisation of its operational costs. • Long term rental: 12 to 60 months • Average rental duration: 1 to 12 months • Short term rental: 1 to 30 days
Safety Improvement
• More Than 400 Vehicles • 300 Trained Drivers, Experienced in Preventive Driving and First Aid • A Trained and Experienced Supervision Team • A Team of Certified Trainers in SMITH and AEGIDE International • A Parking Area and Ultra Modern Cleaning Shop in Douala and Yaoundé
We have set up a safety program focused on: • • • • • • •
Recruitment Training and Evaluation Coaching Performance Recognition Management Commitment Road Survey Reporting of Risk Solutions
HEAD OFFICE: Rue Bertaut P.O. Box: 1513 Douala, Cameroon
+237 233 42 80 61 info@drivingandlogistics.com emiliempouma@drivingandlogistics.com r.mefoung@drivingandlogistics.com www.drivingandlogistics.com
MTN CAMEROON MTNC achieves the highest standards, and consequently, stands in the market as a trusted business in the technology, communication, and Fintech spheres. The mixture of quality, convenience and security
ensures that the company’s services are at the forefront of a country with smartphone penetration totalling more than 50 percent, making MTNC’s services efficient for both the individual and the overall
development of Cameroon. “We are GSMA certified for Mobile Financial Services to demonstrate our commitment to provide the highest level of security for subscribers,” Blewett adds.
BRANCHING AND EVOLVING
AFRICA OUTLOOK: HOW DID COVID-19 IMPACT MTNC AND HOW DID THE BUSINESS ADAPT? Stephen Blewett, CEO: “Our priority during this time has always been our people and the customers we serve at our service centres across Cameroon. “At the service centres where our staff and engineers operate face-to-face with customers, we practiced the standard policies necessary during the pandemic; social distancing, hand sanitisers, and masks were a must, and we have been very focused on this. “These policies have also caused queues outside of the service centres where people wait, and even though the process takes longer, we have ensured that people can wait in a covered area with chairs, so that everybody can sit comfortably and socially distanced. We have done this to ensure the safety of our people and customers. “When it comes to employee wellbeing, we have tried to stay as connected and social as possible digitally throughout the period and have even engaged in activities to bind a sense of community through fun.”
MTNC exists as a large supplier to not only enterprise customers, but also the public sector and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) providing services and solutions beyond telecommunications. “We did just that for the Ministry of Transport, where we provided and supported systems that include cameras that monitor truck driver fatigue,” Blewett continues. “There are a lot of accidents on the road. These systems monitor the individual driver’s state as well as the behaviour of other drivers using cameras in the transport network. “In this way, MTNC is moving beyond traditional services to provide a broader spectrum of offers in the enterprise space and public sector. So far, these have been very successful for us.”
MTN staff donate Covid protective gear to the most exposed members of our community accross the country to support in fight against the pandemic MTN MoMo entrenched in the daily lives of Cameroonians
MTNC CEO, Stephen Blewett, spends precious time in communion with leaders of tomorrow in the South Region of the country
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MTN takes its services to its customers nationwide in their neighbourhoods with its Mobile Service Centres
Design Manufacture
M FRANÇOIS FOTSO NOUMSI
Distribute
Guest Cameroon is a 100% Cameroonian company, created in 2009 by M FRANÇOIS FOTSO NOUMSI, whose main activities are the design, manufacture, and distribution of telecommunications terminals (Phones, Tablets, Routers, Mifi, payment terminals, etc.) We also distribute electronic equipment and household appliances, small computers and very recently storage solutions (Cloud) and network security. A. SERVICES: • Devices Bank Financing • Assistance and advice • Immediate replacement of defective product • Respect of environmental standards for the destruction of our damage. B. PRODUCTS: • Electronic devices (mobile phones, PC tablets, Laptop, Payment terminals…)
• Home Appliances (microwaves, washing machines, air conditioners, refrigerators, etc.) • Computer tools and consumables, Toners and Black Diamond Brand Laser printer ribbons, compatible with all printer brands (HP, Dell, Samsung, Brother, Lexmark, Canon, Xerox...). C. ADVANTAGE: • Original products, very good quality with the latest technology • After-sales services insured. • Guaranties from the manufacturer. In order to offer quality products at competitive prices, coupled with fast deliveries, improve your daily tasks and ensure the quick return on investment of your purchases, we approach you to offer you a great partnership. We are convinced that together we can alleviate the difficulties you face in your company.
Location: Rue Foch, Akwa BP 12520 Douala - Cameroon | BP 12520 Douala - Cameroon Email: info@guestcameroon.com | Call: +237 678 88 40 40 | www. guestcameroon.com
MTN CAMEROON The expansion in service range falls in line with MTNC’s people-centric values and focus, and the constant evolution of the business to improve customer experience. This customer centricity is apparent when looking at MTNC’s dedication towards modernising and bettering Cameroon on the whole, both with regard to the COVID-19 pandemic and modernisation development. In order to support the national fight against COVID-19, in 2020 alone, over 350 million sensitisation messages were sent to MTNC’s subscriber base to keep them up to date and informed on virus prevention. On top of this, COVID-19 emergency numbers were set up,
and close to four million minutes of free airtime was provided to 334 healthcare professionals working on the frontline of the fight against the virus, with 10,000 individuals being given PPE equipment; notably, teachers, medical staff, call box operators and journalists.
ADVANCING CAMEROON At present, the company’s network solutions provide better quality connection at greater, more reliable speeds across the country. According to Blewett, over 350 sites were modernised to create a better experience for MTNC’s customers, and the company is currently focusing on developing the network
AFRICA OUTLOOK: COULD YOU TELL US ABOUT ANY OF MTNC’S CSR ACTIVITIES? Stephen Blewett, CEO: “When it comes to CSR, we do a lot of work and we’re the first company to create a corporate foundation in Cameroon that was officially launched in February 2006. “We were part of an initiative with the African Union to provide COVID19 vaccine coverage, and we contributed money towards associations that we worked with to provide healthcare support to people across Cameroon. “On top of that, we are also currently involved with ensuring water access to those places that lack clean water, facilitating and supporting digital classrooms, promoting youth and women’s empowerment, and we are sponsoring various events around the country to help interconnect the national community. “Our employees also play an active role in the implementation of our corporate social investment policy as members of the MTN Foundation Friends Club and also within the framework of our annual CSI global staff campaign dubbed ‘21 Days of Y’ello Care’. As a result of COVID-19, our traditional Y’ello Care activities aimed at ameliorating the livelihood of members of our community didn’t take place in their customary manner. “Since 2020, employees have actively participated in our Y’ello Hope campaigns which seek to reduce the spread of the virus through sensitisation and education, distribute protective equipment to the most exposed members of our communities nationwide and minimise the socio-economic impact of the pandemic.”
infrastructure in the northwest and southwest of the country, providing upgraded connectivity across the regions. “We are really placing focus on rural areas in Cameroon, and we are doing very well at the moment, especially in the Far North,” Blewett elaborates. “We have been really pushing our rural solutions and have rolled out developments to over 150 localities, continuing to build sites that provide connectivity using the latest advanced environmentally friendly technologies for people who either have poor levels of connection, or who have never been able to access such connection before. Our focus in the coming months is to deploy more rural solutions to over 200 localities.” For Blewett, this notion of rural development sits close to his heart and is a key personal driving force that aligns with the core of how MTNC defines itself as a company and service provider. What is even
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TECHNOLOGY
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Africa Outlook issue 93 | 9
MTN CAMEROON
Students provided multimedia centres for access to the bold new digital world by MTN Foundation
Providing orphans and underprivileged children with basic school necessities, an annual activity by Friends of the MTN Foundation
Customers supported by MTN to face the challenges brought about by the Covid-19 pandemic
Completely dedicated to giving back to our communities
Smartphone penetration on the rise and MTN customers are from all walks of life
MTN West and Central Africa Vice President, Ebenezer Asante (r) and MTNC CEO, Stephen Blewett (l) MTN technical staff work to ensure premium network coverage across the 10 regions of the country
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TECHNOLOGY
AMN builds, owns, operates and maintains mobile network infrastructure, delivering services for the biggest Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) in Africa. AMN is bringing 2G, 3G and 4G voice and data connectivity to towns and villages which have previously been unconnected. AMN currently operates more than 1,000 base stations in 9 countries and is launching operations in 3 more countries in 2020, and ultimately will cover almost every country in sub-Saharan Africa.
www.africamobilenetworks.com
Using digital platforms to provide customers with quality services round the clock at our HVC Call Center
more assuring for Blewett is the fact that these non-traditional solutions contribute significantly to reducing carbon emissions and protecting the environment as part of the company’s strategic pillar in Ambition 2025. “We have a vision that everyone deserves the benefits of a modern connected life,” he continues. “When we undertake these rural developments, we are reminded of why we are committed to this sector and space. When you see people crying because they are overjoyed to be connected to one another, or have access to the internet, it really reinforces what it means to work for people, not just a business. “The fact that they can access online banking, send and receive money, and make phone calls – things that we take for granted – are revolutionary in terms of facilitating modern living, and it’s fantastic to see our work actually make an impact.”
As a wider group, MTN will have spent close to $70 million on the network by the end of 2021 alone. This significant amount of money will only increase moving forward into next year, with a total of $80 million being forecasted for 2022. “These investments are geared towards enriching our customers’ lives and technology evolution,” Blewett adds.
THE FOCUS OF THE FUTURE From MTNC’s employees, the highly motivated and laser focused talent that allows the company to be both agile and successful, to the customers who remain MTNC’s core mission and directive, people are the future of the business. “For myself and the leadership team, focusing on people in both respects allows us to have a clear vision of both where the company stands and where it must be,” Blewett reveals. “By
engaging people and listening to what they have to say, we gain a clear vision of what we want to achieve. This paves our continuous development and the aims and goals of our future.” As for the years ahead, MTNC foresees exponential growth for each of its business lines over the course of 2022 and into 2023, both in terms of services and performance. But at the centre of growth sits MTNC’s aforementioned core values of people-centric solutions, unique services and full support for customers across Cameroon.
MTN CAMEROON Tel: +237 679 00 90 90 www.mtn.cm
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MTN CAMEROON Head Office 360 Rue Druout, Akwa Douala P.O. Box 15574 Douala, Littoral Region Republic of Cameroon Tel: +237 679 00 90 90 www.mtn.cm
PRODUCED BY AFRICA OUTLOOK MAGAZINE