MTN SO UT H SU DA N
Identifying the communication needs of the country www.mtn-ssd.com
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INITIALISING TELECOMS IN AN
Emerging Market hen South Sudan became independent on the 9 July 2011, MTN formalised its operations as a separate operating company, expanding its previously limited space in the young nation. As a company in the early stages of its life, MTN South Sudan is now working to address the existing economic development gaps and also improve its infrastructures in a sustainable manner. Top on the agenda as well is MTN’s social responsibility as a corporate citizen. “Our strategy for deployment in South Sudan is to focus on the
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basics; namely working on deploying adequate infrastructure such as new telecoms towers and identifying partners to help us increase our capacities,” says MTN South Sudan CEO, Philip Besiimire. “Unlike traditional markets, South Sudan is one with defining needs. By this I mean that even though telecommunications is in the early stages here, we still have to provide the best and the latest services that match availability elsewhere in the world,” he adds.
Platform for growth
Being part of the South Africanbased multinational mobile telecoms company, MTN Group allows the South Sudan operation access to tried and tested methodologies and pre-defined technology strategies that help achieve a vision of affordability and access on the continent. “Those who have encountered our name before will recognise our strong branding and reputation that we have among African audiences as a whole. “Building a new arm to the business
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MTN’s presence in South Sudan has proven that with the right attitude and product offering, tough market conditions can be overcome and negative perceptions about the investment environment can be changed Writer: Emily Jarvis Project Manager: Donovan Smith
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INNOVATIVE CONSTRUC Our Services Probase Roads PROBASE
Since the beginning of time man has made roads, but still problems with them persist. Unstable roads hurt business and and the communities that live and work there. Probase creates better roads sealed and usable under all weather conditions. The reasonable cost, quality and performance compares well with regular asphalt roads at a fraction of the price and time to install.
Light Weight Concrete A timeless tested construction methodology that gives our customers far more desirable benefits for the traditional cement construction methods. With light construction methodology our clients enjoys various benefits such as: • Reduced the dead weight of a structure. • Can be manufactured to precise specifications of strength and densities. • Possess excellent workability. • Structures can be nailed, planed, drilled and sawn. • Provides excellent heat and sound insulation. • Can be applied with all the traditional surface finishes paint, tiles, and carpet. • Moisture resistant and fire resistant. LCM is an innovative technology that gives you precise densities and strength, good fire proofing capability, less building time and is relatively cheap.
CTION About AKL
African Kings Limited is a private limited company duly registered construction company in Uganda. Over the past few years, we have assisduously sought to make a significant impact on construction works and the building environment industry, in Uganda and across emerging African market. We have continued to set standards and deliver innovative technologies for new construction and building projects at the national scene, with a forward looking plan expanding to take on bigger and more challenging projects, on the international level. Our growing reputation for excellence, resourcefulness and responsiveness is no accident. It is a natural consequence of the values that have guided our company since its founding. The truth is, we are always looking for better methods of building and better solutions to complicated construction problems bringing a spirited exuberance to your project. As committed general contractors we value the essence of timely delivery in construction. We have successfully executed several projects of varying magnitudes. Upholding a great degree of co-operation and liaising with our clients, undertaken proper planning and impact assessment and related studies and ensuring that the implementation procedures, delivering over and above minimum expectations/required standards. We redefine construction DNA. Our focal points: • Adherence to principles • Hi-tech facilities • Deployment of stenious, highly innovative and focused teams • Continuous research in the operations, design, building and construction industries.
Services: African Kings has vast experience in all types of paving work, specializing in: Highways, Local Roads, Private Drives, Commercial Parking Lots, Industrial Drives, Airport Runways & Taxiways
Our Services Include: Stone Work Fine Grading Asphalt Paving QC / QA Mix Design Base Work Grinding and Milling Asphalt Dump Sites Site General Contractor Paving Project Management Equipment Rentals
Contact Person: Zahara Bhatty Phone number : +256778 261494 Company: African Kings Limited Address: Ntinda Ministers’ Village. Chwa II Road, Plot 9-10 Mbuya Hill Email: info@africankings.co.ug Website: http://www.africankings.co.ug
Electricity Distribution & Supply We also provide electricity distribution and supply: Contact our sales office.
Steel Works In a quest to become Uganda's leading Fabricator and Erector of Structural Steel Work with unmatched Quality and Reliability. We provide Fabrication and Erection of Structural Steel Work services, stock a wide range of Standard Product Items; such as Prefabricated Units, Roof Ventilators, Roof Insulation Materials, Concrete Mixers, Agricultural Trailers, Water Bowsers; and Pressed Steel Tanks and towers.
Housing Construction Our team of dedicated construction professionals and uniquely talented craftsmen with one common goal "the success of your project". Through experienced leadership and attention to detail, we can ensure the success of our clients objectives and our record of performance proves it – Higher quality, timely delivery and more cost effective solutions and efficient results.
Project Management Our project managers are with you right from preconstruction phase and are selected for the experience they have attained in this industry. Our approach is "hands on" leadership - being involved, making decisions and resolving problems quickly. We set the pace that ensures success.
Water Systems Construction African Kings also provides water systems construction. We build dams, bridges, drainage systems and water retention structures. We have built Concrete Faced Rock fill Dams associated civil works such as the powerhouse, power tunnels, power intake and spillways are also built as essential structures of the hydroelectric scheme.
Consultancy Services Dedication to proactive approach is the foundation of African Kings consultancy services philosophy, we provide accurate and timely information to ensure maximum satisfaction of our client. Our attention to detail is matched only by our willingness to perform the hard work necessary to always exceed our clients expectations and ensure the projects success. African kings consultancy staff have a thorough and comprehensive understanding of the processes required to provide consultancy of your project.
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in South Sudan is a huge task, but with equipment supplies and other negotiations done at Group level, and certain expertise from sister countries coming across to provide training, we feel a level of confidence and security in our future here,” Besiimire explains. With a less than 30 percent literacy rate in the adult population, the most popular and beneficial service for customers in South Sudan has proved to be voice services as Besiimire highlights: “As the majority of the population are unable to read or write, voice services from us are in great demand. Alongside this, we have identified a small but growing demand for data, which is a service that is still finding its feet. “In general, the overall progress of our services is dependent on the country’s mobile penetration rate, which currently stands at around 25 percent.”
GLOBAL GENERAL TRADING COMPANY LTD
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lobal General Trading Company Ltd is a legally registered limited liability company under the laws of the Republic of South Sudan. It was formally registered on 4th November 2011 although it had started operations in South Sudan way back in early 2011. The company principally imports and distributes various food items, beverages and building materials. Most of the products are imported from Dubai UAE, Turkey, China, Singapore and Uganda. Since its registration, the company has under taken a number of significant business contracts with private sector, NGOs and individuals contributing most of its revenue.
MTN South Sudan is addressing economic development gaps in a sustainable manner
In general, the overall progress of our services is dependent on the country’s mobile penetration rate, which currently stands at around 25 percent
MTN capitalises on the strong branding and reputation it has in Africa
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The company offices and business premises are located in Konyokonyo market street Juba; South Sudan. We also have a sister company in Dubai; Barka General Trading Company dealing in the same products. T +211956153699 +971504275338 E info@globalgeneraltrading.com
www.globalgeneraltrading.com
Global General Trading
Our company has a vast range of business activities incorporating import and export supply functions and wholesale operations across our public, private, governmental and nongovernmental client base.
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We cover an equally diverse range of sectors through our offering, including
food and drink, technology, construction and electronics; as well as facilitating the storage of products. www.globalgeneraltrading.com
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info@globalgeneraltrading.com
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In line with its geographical expansion plans, MTN South Sudan has outlined plans to ensure that 3G is available in key towns across the country. “As a start up with limited resources, we are making sure that we drive network and cell phone growth on all fronts in the most appropriate ways. Subsequently, at this stage it is important to assess whether to outsource parts of the business or conduct everything in-house,” he discusses.
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Providers of opportunity
In addition, product pricing needs to be simple and communication needs to be made as accessible as possible to address the current market needs. “It is necessary to make sure that MTN adapts to the cultural differences in South Sudan, therefore the business must be aligned to reflect this. Few companies such as ourselves have entered the market here. Therefore, MTN will have to play more than just a communications and connectivity role; we will embed ourselves into the community through an aggressive corporate social responsibility (CSR) programme,” Besiimire says. In order to create a digital world for South Sudan, MTN will need to look at how it can use its footprint to connect people and bring the technology to them in vital ways such as enabling access to healthcare, clean water, financial inclusion and so on. “In summary, we are looking at how to assist others by going beyond our traditional sphere of activity in the technology and telecoms space,” he adds.
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MTN adapts to the cultural differences in South Sudan
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It is necessary to make sure that MTN adapts to the cultural differences in South Sudan, therefore the business must be aligned to reflect this
he foundation of PowerMet International LLC stems from an initiative of Mets Energy SAL, a group of enthusiastic people who are passionate and committed to the highest standards of ethics, integrity and commitment to customer satisfaction through round-the-clock customer service and a genuine belief that after sales service is a core value that our customers’ expect. PowerMet International LLC strives to be the major player in terms of selling, renting, servicing and maintaining Mets Energy Gensets, providing trouble free power solutions across the African region. After consolidating its competitive position in the market and establishing a strong reference list in the telecom sector, Mets Energy SAL extended its focus and know-how into larger power solutions and new market boundaries. Entering South Sudan in 2008 as a power generator supplier for Mets Energy, PowerMet have won various contracts to undertake power service provider work, most recently the supply and installation of 50 Mets generators for MTN South Sudan. Our expertise with telecom operators throughout the country enables us to support them with power & telecom services around the clock in all 10 cities of South Sudan, satisfying their needs and to expand with them whenever they are expanding! We are looking to expand our support and offerings to various commercial clients such as Kenya Commercial Bank, tying in with our ongoing expansion plans across Africa, which included opening our new branch in East Africa Uganda/Kampala in 2013 supporting MTN for 200 Mets Generators that supplied during 2012. Whatever the job is, caring for the smallest details leads us to achieving our set objectives. Mets has reached a commitment to professional service through PowerMet network services all over 13 branches; Juba, Lebanon, Iraq, Kurdistan, Qatar, KSA, Yemen, Algeria, Uzbekistan, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Uganda).
PowerMet deals with generators, power supply units, spare parts, power & telecom maintenance & associated services. Our network reaches throughout Africa and the Middle East. PowerMet works in close collaboration with Mets Energy on the following: - PowerMet as network dealing with generators & services - Mets Energy (Manufacture & suppliers)
www.powermet.com T: +211 9550 22270-1 Juba Main Airport Road Hai Matar
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So far, MTN South Sudan has built three computer labs in local schools, and plans to replicate this across the country, achieving more than a dozen in the next two years. “This is just one example of how we intend to bridge the gap in the community.” As lack of education is a factor in the country, Besiimire is aware that by moving into South Sudan, MTN has inherited a responsibility to develop skills. “By encouraging young people to attend school and adopt ICT at an early age, it will raise a level of interest in the telecoms sector. “Simultaneously, this provides children who have felt cut off from the world a way to make the right steps forward in terms of education and get connected with the rest of the world,” he emphasises.
Developing professionals
In order to provide the business with the right tools for success, MTN South Sudan has an active national secondment talent exchange programme. “This means we are able to borrow professionals from neighbouring countries such as Uganda, Kenya, Nigeria and South Africa primarily, both on a short and long-term basis,” comments Besiimire. Short-term training initiatives are
MTN South Sudan has an active national secondment talent exchange programme
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MTN embeds itself into the community through an array of CSR programmes
We are able to borrow professionals from neighbouring countries such as Uganda, Kenya, Nigeria and South Africa primarily, both on a short and long-term basis
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utilised when the company introduces a new product to the market, and long-term training is used to up-skill and equip South Sudan to become a sustainable business environment for MTN in the future. “At present, this method is not sustainable in the longterm. Therefore we are undertaking specific activities as a business to ensure the country has the right skills and its own resources going forward,” says Besiimire. As a Group with a national presence, MTN South Sudan advantageously has the option to send people to other countries as another method of personal development. With a comprehensive student programme for African university students who seek employment in the sector, the company is also able to offer a three month internship scheme extending across most of its departments, with promise of a further graduate training programme coming in September.
The road to profitability
Besiimire says that a key element
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to the long-term success and sustainability of MTN South Sudan is to remain relevant and keep up with industry trends in order to set an example for other businesses considering operations in the country: “We have all the right strategies in place to make sure MTN remains in operation here and will provide a return for stakeholders and the government in the long-term. Most importantly for us, the company must meet market demand and keep up with the latest technological advancements to be able to give customers what they want and keep ahead of any competition that may enter the country. “The digital revolution has only just begun for South Sudan, and we need to make sure we remain at the forefront of telecoms in the country, allowing customers to do everything they require from one device powered by MTN.” Further to this, Besiimire is keen to explore financial services in the coming years after approval is given.
In a country where only five percent of the population uses and has access to banking services, there are clear advantages in connecting people to financial services and insurance via MTN technology. “We remain the only service provider that is able to service the vast reaches of the country, and this drives us forward as an enabler for countrywide communication in a simple and affordable way for the customer,” he says. Despite the enormity of challenges undertaken in a country that is still recovering from outbreaks of civil war, MTN is proud to have invested its time and money in South Sudan, where organisations such as itself can really make a difference. “Together with authorities we can tackle the many challenges in South Sudan and we hope our success will set an example to other leading businesses on the continent that we have achieved success, all it takes is tenacity and perseverance; two driving factors that are inherent within MTN,” Besiimire concludes.
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MTN SOUTH SUDAN Hai Jerusalem, Residential Area Hai Cinema, North East Juba (1) Basic School P.O Box 573 Juba, South Sudan Tel: +211 922 333 333 CC_CSP@mtn-southsudan.com
www.mtn-ssd.com