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 Kampala, Uganda: MTN Uganda today launched a Business Training Programme aimed at improving the performance of Uganda’s Small and Medium Sector. Launching the Programme this morning at the Sheraton Kampala Hotel, MTN Uganda Chief Executive Officer Themba Khumalo said the MTN Business Training Programme would be open to one hundred business entities in the SME segment.
“Uganda has frequently been ranked as one of the world’s most entrepreneurial countries because of Small and Medium Sized Enterprises. You are the engine of this economy and we recognize the central role you play in the development of the country,” Mr. Khumalo said.
The MTN Business Training Programme is the first SME Programme of its nature in Uganda to be offered with the backing of a Telecommunications firm.
The Programme will be conducted in partnership with an internationally respected professional services firm, KPMG. Under the one-year Programme, Ugandan businesses will benefit from specialized training in business management and growth – ranging from book keeping and personnel management, through business planning and strategy development.
Unveiling the Programme package, Mr. Khumalo promised that participating businesses would enjoy, among other benefits, training in Corporate Governance, Customer Retention methods and strategies, Raising Capital, and Value Addition through procurement.
“You will get the opportunity to interact with fellow business owners & managers who are also beneficiaries of the programme. And you will receive expert information and advice from both KPMG and other business leaders,” Mr. Khumalo said.
Outlining details of the SME Business Training Programme, KPMG’s Partner Edgar Isingoma said this is the first SME Programme that involves a training element specifically tailored to the needs of the individual SME. The Programme will be open to SMEs that have been in business for more than three years. “Most SMEs in Uganda collapse after just a couple of years. The Programme targets those with the resilience to last for at least three years so that they actualize their potential. At KPMG we give credit to MTN for building this culture of entrepreneurship,” said Mr. Isingoma.
Stressing the importance of business training to SME successes, Great Lakes Safaris Chief Executive Officer Amos Wekesa urged members of the private sector who qualify to ensure they take advantage of MTNs offer. “I started out nine years ago with only $200 and just a little knowledge. Today, I am where I am because of all the training, learning and innovation that I managed to absorb. Do not treat this offer lightly – it might be the lifeline your business needs to take off!” said Wekesa, who is also Private Sector Foundation Board Member representing SMEs.
About KPMG
KPMG is a global network of professional firms providing Audit, Tax and Advisory services. The aim of KPMG member firms is to turn knowledge into value for the benefit of their clients, people, and the capital markets. KPMG network of member firms can be found in 144 countries employing 139,000 people who share the same values. Please visit www.kpmg.com
About the MTN GROUP
Launched in 1994, the MTN Group is a multinational telecommunications group, operating in 21 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 at 30 September 2009, MTN recorded 108,4 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, Swaziland, Syria, Uganda, Yemen and Zambia. The MTN Group is a global sponsor of the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa™ and has exclusive mobile content rights for Africa and the Middle East. Please visit www.mtn.com and www.mtnfootball.com
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