MTN Group, Africa's premier telecommunications giant connected an
additional 8.4 million people through the deployment of 6.6 thousand sites in
rural areas across its operations, according to its 2023 Annual Financial
Results.
This
expansion it noted marked a crucial step towards achieving the company's target
of 95% coverage by 2025, with broadband coverage reaching 89.2% in 2023, up
from 87.8% in 2022.
It also aligned with its
dedication to advancing broadband internet access in rural and remote areas, a
pivotal stride toward fostering digital and financial inclusion.
Under its Doing for
People# Diversity and Inclusion, which the report noted are fundamental to MTN’s
values, the group continue to advance gender equality with women representing
40% of its workforce (2022: 40%); hence on track to meet it 2030 target of
gender parity.
“Beyond
total representation, we are closely tracking key dimensions against our 2025
targets; such as women in leadership (28% against 2025 target of 30%) and women
in technology (24% against 2025 target of 21%). We remain focused on fostering
an environment where women are meaningfully supported to thrive, grow and contribute
to our collective success,” the report noted.
Moreover,
MTN Group's social and economic contributions in 2023 made a significant impact
on lives and livelihoods in its markets. With approximately R159 billion
invested, the company's initiatives aimed to address societal challenges and
support community development.
Furthermore,
MTN Group invested over R195 million in corporate social investment programs
across its host nations, aligning with national and continental priorities and
making a meaningful contribution to the communities it serves.
One of MTN
Group's flagship initiatives, the MTN Skills Academy, plays a key role in
empowering individuals across the continent to participate in economies as
producers, consumers, and innovators in digital technologies and other
socioeconomic priority areas. With a presence in eight markets, the academy
offers basic digital courses and specialized skills training, paving the way
for job opportunities and economic empowerment.
By: Nana Appiah Acquaye
