MTN Group launched SME Day yesterday at its headquarters in Johannesburg.

Pan-African mobile operator MTN Group has unveiled an ambitious plan to support over 40 million small businesses across the continent with a suite of digital solutions.

MTN Group, Africa's largest telecoms company with 289 million customers, announced its plan yesterday, promising to foster growth and provide essential resources to the continent's small and medium-sized enterprises.

The company's suite of services, including MoMo (Mobile Money), Ayoba, and Chenosis, will be showcased a two day SME event MTN is hosting this week.

MTN says it will be demonstrating how these platforms can empower SMEs with ‘convenient and secure financial transactions, digital marketing solutions, communication tools, and access to a broader customer base’.

The pan-Africa company launched SME Day yesterday at its headquarters in Johannesburg, which will now be followed by the two day event. The event, it says, will serve as a platform for SMEs to connect, learn, and showcase their products and services to a broader audience.

“The event will feature a live exhibition of SMEs and partner solutions, engaging activities, such as the highly anticipated JumpStarter funding competition, and insightful keynote speeches from influential industry figures,” says MTN.

The telecoms company says it is committed to empowering SMEs by providing them with the necessary tools, resources, and support to thrive in a competitive business landscape.

It says: “With this event, MTN aims to position itself as the leading brand dedicated to supporting the growth and success of over 40 million African SMEs through targeted development programmes and a comprehensive range of services.”

One of the event's highlights, says the group, will be the live exhibition, where selected SMEs will have the opportunity to showcase their products and services to potential customers, investors, and partners.

“This platform will enable them to increase their visibility, expand their networks, and attract new business opportunities,” says MTN.

Tumi Chamayou, MTN Group executive: enterprise, says that MTN understands the vital role SMEs play in driving economic growth and job creation across Africa.

"We are proud to host this empowering event that brings together the brightest minds and resources to support the success of SMEs.

“Our goal is to position MTN as the go-to brand for African entrepreneurs seeking to thrive in today's digital economy."

The initiatives announced yesterday are an addition to the group’s other projects that are supporting Africa’s ballooning digital economy.

MTN recently revealed details of its $25 million Ghana ICT Hub project to support the Digital Ghana Agenda. 

The hub will sit on 4,000 square meters of land, and will be the Africans with ICT skills, it’s also hoped that it will generate over 100,000 jobs during the first three years, post-completion.

The hub will provide practical training in fourth-industrial-revolution technologies such as: artificial intelligence, cloud computing, 3D printing, robotics, Internet of Things, advanced manufacturing techniques, cyber security and genetic engineering.

Two weeks ago, MTN Group company Bayobab signed a deal with infrastructure development fund Africa50, to develop Project East2West, a terrestrial fibre-optic cable network connecting the eastern and western shores of Africa. 

The partnership will invest up to $320 million (R6 billion) in connecting 10 African countries over 2023, 2024 and 2025.