MTN, which is rapidly transforming into a Techco, made a significant foray last week into Ugandan tourism and hospitality to deliver bespoke ICT and mobile money services.
The pan-African telco's transition is driven by a focus on strategic alliances and policy reforms.
The company is working with governments, regulators, and industry stakeholders to create a conducive climate for digital innovation.
In Uganda, MTN, led by Sylvia Mulinge, and its subsidiary MTN Mobile Money, struck a deal with the Uganda Hotel Owners' Association (UHOA) to provide telecom services to over 780 hotels under UHOA membership, enabling the adoption of mobile payments, guest Wi-Fi, enterprise connectivity, and customised business tools.
According to the company, the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) is the start of an alliance aimed at driving digital transformation in the East African country's hospitality and tourism industries.
According to MTN, the hospitality sector employs over 70% of Uganda's tourism industry workers.
Recognising this, the alliance intends to provide UHOA members with solutions that will improve efficiency, service delivery, and customer convenience.
MTN Mobile Money will collaborate with hotel owners to implement mobile money solutions for digital transactions such as reservations, bill payments, and interfaces with hotel management systems.
On the enterprise side, MTN Uganda's Enterprise Business Unit will provide tailored solutions such as affordable internet access, dependable guest Wi-Fi, unified communications, and software as a service to hospitality businesses.
Following the agreement, MTN and UHOA will launch a sector-wide engagement to better understand the operational communication and technology needs of hotel owners.
Dennis Kakonge, general manager corporate services at MTN Mobile Money, stated that the agreement will allow hotels to serve both local and foreign customers with modern payment methods, backed by MTN Mobile Money's reach.
Ibrahim Senyonga, general manager of MTN Enterprise Business, added: “As part of our Ambition 2025 strategy, MTN is shifting from a telco to a full-scale techco, and partnerships like this are critical to driving growth in priority sectors like hospitality.
“Through this MOU, we reaffirm our commitment to supporting innovation, customer experience, and economic development through digital inclusion.”
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