Africa Business Communities

[INTERVIEW] ABC Exclusive Interview With Chris Maroleng, Executive For Corporate Affairs, MTN Group

ABC meets Chris Maroleng, Executive for Corporate Affairs, MTN Group where we delve into matters concerning Africa’s telecom industry.

1. What is your assessment of Africa’s telecom industry as it stands today?

More people on the continent are getting connected to each other and the world through the internet using mobile phones. Also, an increasing number of African countries are launching 3G services, further opening the potential of mobile connectivity and digital services, to even people in some of the most remote parts of the continent. According to the latest GSMA “Global cellular market trends and insight” report, 3G now accounts for more than one in every four connections in the developing region, up from around one in five a year ago.

2. Considering the challenges and the stiff competition in the telecom industry, what sets MTN apart?

MTN has a strong brand across key markets in emerging markets, particularly Africa. In addition to our customer-centric offerings, our vibrant brand continues to make us standout in increasingly competitive markets where telecoms services are fast becoming a commodity.  MTN is also making significant investments towards digital services, to close the digital divide in our markets through services such as MTN Mobile Money and related m-services.

3. Are there specific areas in the telecom industry that could be further strengthened?

The allocation of spectrum by regulators in emerging economies would assist immensely in moving our markets to the next phase of growth and further closing the digital divide.

4. Gradually, the year is coming to an end; how would rate your performance as well your expect outcomes

MTN has made substantial progress on many of its strategic themes in the first half of the year. We continue to explore opportunities to expand our product offering outside of traditional voice and expect to increase our presence in the digital space by leveraging technology and maximising the opportunity of low internet penetration in many of our markets. Furthermore, MTN is well placed to continue the expansion of our MTN Mobile Money and broader financial services offerings and grow our innovative ICT solutions to corporate and SME customers.

5. What would you say is the greatest advantage of doing business in Africa?

Africa still holds lots of promise as a market, as large parts of the continent remain either underserved or untapped. This presents plenty of opportunities for any business willing to invest in the development of the continent, and for those living in these markets, to become active participants and owners of a share in the economic growth.  

6. What advice would you give to a foreign investor venturing into the African business market?

Use your global experiences, but think local and adapt your offerings to local needs, as each market is unique.

7. Another ten years, where do you see  MTN?

MTN will continue to work on delivering on its vision ‘to deliver a bold, new digital world to customers’, by providing a distinct experience to our customers

Chris Maroleng is an Executive for Corporate Affairs, MTN Group. The MTN Group, launched in 1994, is a leading emerging market operator, connecting subscribers in 22 countries in Africa, Asia and the Middle East. The MTN Group is listed on the JSE Securities Exchange in South Africa under the share code: "MTN." As of 30 June 2014, MTN recorded 215 million subscribers across its operations in Afghanistan, Benin, Botswana, Cameroon, Cote d'Ivoire, Cyprus, Ghana, Guinea Bissau, Guinea Republic, Iran, Liberia, Nigeria, Republic of Congo (Congo-Brazzaville), Rwanda, South Africa, Sudan, South Sudan, Swaziland, Syria, Uganda, Yemen and Zambia.


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