HiPipo Money

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Johannesburg –MTN yesterday announced the appointment of Zunaid Bulbulia as Group Chief Operating Executive, with the incumbent, Ahmad Farroukh replacing Bulbulia as CEO of MTN South Africa. Both appointments are effective immediately.

“In order to respond adequately to challenges and opportunities in our markets, we continue to take appropriate steps to enhance our competitive position, and to ensure the long-term sustainability of our business. To this end, the latest changes are in line with MTN’s strategy to regularly rotate key talent within the business. I wish both of Zunaid and Ahmad success in their new roles, as they continue to contribute to the growth of MTN in South Africa and across our footprint,” says Group President and CEO Sifiso Dabengwa.

Zunaid is a founding member of MTN and was the Chief Financial Officer of MTN SA, prior to being appointed CEO of MTN SA. Ahmad is a former CEO of MTN Nigeria, and served in a similar role at MTN Ghana. Before assuming the role of Group Chief Operating Executive, he was Vice-President of the West and Central Africa (WECA) region. Both Zunaid and Ahmad will continue to serve on the Group EXCO.

– Issued by MTN Group Corporate Affairs

About the MTN Group

Launched in 1994, the MTN Group 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 31 March 2014, MTN recorded 210.1 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. Visit us at, www.mtnbusiness.com,www.mtn.com and www.mtnmmo.com

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British Airways has invited travel consultants operating in Uganda to improve their travel consultancy and management skills by undertaking the BA Academy programme via an online e-learning module based system.

The programme which starts on 01 Aug 2014 and lasts until 31October 2014, aims to improve the consultants’ knowledge about British Airways products and services.

Talking about what British Airways expects to achieve through the programme, Faith Chaitezvi British Airways Country Commercial Manager Uganda said, “making sure all the necessary tools are used effectively to enhance our passengers travel is a top priority for British Airways, that is why programmes like e-learning is vital in order to keep our travel agents abreast with developments in the industry. This programme will also act as a revision tool for our travel consultantswho embrace it, providing them with the excellence required to cater for ever changing customer needs in the course of their everyday work.”   

 BA academy e-learning programme consists of four progressive membership levels which include Blue, Bronze, Silver and Gold. Blue is a default level assigned to every member, Bronze levelis assigned upon successful completion of three modules, Silver  level is assigned upon successful completion of 6 modules and Gold level is assigned upon successful completion of 8 modules, which is the total number of modules to be completed in the programme.  An e-certificate is awarded at the completion of each module.

“The first 10 graduates to the next membership level which is the Bronze, Silver and Gold will win various amazing prizes, such as British Airways merchandise, mobile credit vouchers, shopping vouchers and fuel vouchers. The overall Bronze winnerswill receive shopping vouchers worth Ugx 500,000/= each, while 4overall Silver winners will each receive smart phones. The 2 grand prize winners selected from the gold level for the BA Academy 2014 will take 2 ipads. To elaborate more on the qualification process, Faith Chaitezvi stated, “The system will automatically select winners using a built in tool for finding winners from all participants who have completed the most training courses with the least number of attempts. Winners will be informed by email and a follow up phone call.”

To enroll for the BA Academy 2014, visit http://academy.speedbirdclub.com/ug.” 

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Uganda’s top marketers were last Friday engaged in a rigorous and insightful skills building session on the intricacies of developing winning strategies at the global stage even as the field of marketing grows beyond artistic and creative tasks to include more technical and complex requirements.

Set in an exquisite and colorful night of networking and learning, the 2^nd Marketer’s Night of 2014 did not disappoint with the over 200 marketing executives from top companies gathering to collectively formulate new strategies that will take the country forward.

The night, organized by Marketing Africa in partnership with Tusker Malt Lager, started with a sumptuous dinner and afro-fusion music by Myko Ouma and his band before the keynote speaker Dr. Wale Akinyemi, the Chief Transformation Officer, Power Talks Consultants shared the all-important tips for growing and maintaining their brands through winning strategies.

The Marketers Night Out didn’t disappoint as Dr. Akinyemi’s persona always captivates and his voice, great sense of humour, genuine personality and words of endless wisdom echoed through the Africana Hotel.

Akinyemi revealed that ‘In life the right to be remembered doesn’t not come with existence, it comes with achievement.’ and concluded with ‘If your absence doesn’t make a difference, your existence wasn’t necessary’ which left the marketers in agreement.

Speaking at the event, Mr. Themba Nobanda, Uganda Breweries Limited, MarketingManager said: “Through your presence here, you have not only successfully introduced your company and brand  to another person or business market, you have also been able to see  the enormous talent and creativity that is now so much a part of Uganda’s marketing and business industry”.

Considered a key business and networking event in Uganda, the Marketers night puts the gift of talking and making new connections at the core of what it means to be a great business and is a Uganda Breweries Limited sponsored gala dinner which is the culmination of a program of events, exclusive to Tusker Malt Lager consumers.

The exclusive evening provides a unique opportunity for entrepreneurs and business managers to showcase their companies to investors, and for investors hopefully to identify and support the next big thing. Previous Marketers Nightsout has attracted a number of well-known industry players and speakers to dialogue and share their expertise. 

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MTN Uganda has launched Online Payments using the Mobile Money service, adding to a wide range of innovative products attached to Mobile Money service including payment of utility bills, School Fees, Life Insurance, among a host of other services.

With the vast usage of Mobile Money and Internet, MTN has responded to the customers need to shop online which is a better time saving option and can be done from anywhere. A customer simply needs to register for MTN Mobile Money to use the service.

The MTN Acting Chief Marketing Officer Mr. Kenneth Kiddu explained the steps which he described as quite easy, quick and simple.  A customer simply needs to log on to any online selling site then select MTN Mobile Money as the payment option. A customer will then be required to enter their Mobile Money number,and will receive a notification on their phone prompting them to confirm payment by punching in their Mobile Money PIN. On successful completion of transaction, an SMS notification with a transaction ID will be sent to the customer’s phone. The customer will then get a call from the merchant on how and where to deliver the items purchased. For a full catalogueof online products & services, customers can visit www.mtn.co.ug/mobilemoney.

“At MTN we are aware that our Mobile Money customers desire more than just sending and receiving money from their phone and so we have continuouslyenhanced theMobile Money service by adding more services on our Mobile Money platform. In the same breathe we have added a service that enables our Mobile Money customers purchase items online”, said Mr. Kiddu.

The Online shopping service is a step in the reinforcement of MTN’s vision of delivering a bold new digital world, away from the traditional online shopping systems that require customers to have credit cards and bank accounts,MTN Uganda has re-invented online shopping by empowering customers to shop for whatever they want online by using MTN Mobile Money.

Customers can now easily shop whatever they want online by simply using MTN Mobile Money .Currently MTN Uganda is partnering with onlylocalmerchants but we expect to expand the scope of merchants over the coming months.

Shopping online is not a new phenomenon but with the lowest penetration levels of credit and debit cards, Africa has remained underserved and thus this innovation is another way to address this barrier.With MTN’s fastest internet speeds and very reliable Mobile Money service, shopping online using Mobile Money is an exceptional initiative considering that it will serve over 2.5 million customers who use MTN internet and over 6 million registered Mobile Money Customers.

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Qalaa Holdings (CCAP.CA on the Egyptian Exchange, formerly Citadel Capital) announced that its energy sector subsidiary TAQA Arabia aims to expand its network of fuel stations in Egypt through TAQA Oil Marketing Company. The company currently offers comprehensive services with the highest levels of quality, through 36 state of the art gas and fuel stations nationwide.

TAQA Arabia’s Board of Directors, headed by Khaled Abu Bakr, recently approved the ambitious expansion plan presented by TAQA Marketing Managing Director, Mohamed Nafea. The company’s strategy is focused on serving remote areas of the country that are in need of premium service stations outside the major urban centers of Cairo and Alexandria. 

“The Egyptian market has immense growth potential. In light of the government’s efforts to revive the economy and regain investor trust, we will continue to invest heavily in energy as one of our core industries. This initiative on the part of TAQA to expand its network of stations is an important step that will make oil products more readily available in rural areas that have witnessed the worst of the country’s energy shortage,” said Mohamed Shoeib, Managing Director and Head of Qalaa Holdings Energy Division.

TAQA Oil Marketing is currently pursuing a strategy that aims to see the company become one of the top 5 oil marketing companies in the country within the next 10 years, particularly with regards to its market share. Its new stations are state of the art one stop shops offering a variety of petroleum products.

“We have already differentiated ourselves and built strong brand equity in the market by providing customers with the highest quality products and services. Now TAQA Oil Marketing looks forward to rolling out our new expansion plan in Egypt’s underserved markets,” said TAQA Arabia CEO, PakinamKafafi.

TAQA Oil Marketing has capitalized on its exclusive deal with Castrol, one of the biggest lube producing companies in the world. As the exclusive distributer of Castrol’s products in Egypt, the company provides services to the automotive, industrial and maritime sectors.

“TAQA Marketing has become a profitable company with return on equity expected to exceed 20% by year’s end and will reach 25% within two years,” said the company’s Managing Director, Mohamed Nafea..

TAQA Arabia is the largest private sector energy distribution company in Egypt with over 16 years of experience, investing and operating energy infrastructure including gas transmission and distribution, power generation and distribution and marketing of petroleum products. The company serves more than 600 industrial, 50,000 commercial and 600,000 residential customers and has converted 1 million appliances to natural gas in Egypt and the MENA region.

Energy is one of Qalaa Holdings’ (formally Citadel Capital) core industries along with cement, agrifoods, transportation & logistics and mining.

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Qalaa Holdings(CCAP.CA on the Egyptian Stock Exchange) is an African leader in infrastructure and industry. Formerly known as Citadel Capital, Qalaa Holdings controls subsidiaries in core industries including Energy, Cement, Agrifoods, Transportation & Logistics, and Mining. To learn more, please visit qalaaholdings.com.

TAQA Arabia is the largest private sector energy distribution company in Egypt with over 16 years of experience, investing and operating energy infrastructure including gas transmission and distribution, power generation and distribution and marketing of petroleum products. Incorporated in Egypt, TAQA Arabia has successfully grown from a local service provider to a highly ranked regional competitor with operations in the Middle East and Africa. TAQA provides services through 4 operating arms; TAQA Gas, TAQA Power, TAQA EPC and TAQA Fuel Marketing.

Forward-Looking Statements

Statements contained in this News Release that are not historical facts are based on current expectations, estimates, projections, opinions and beliefs of Qalaa Holdings. Such statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, and undue reliance should not be placed thereon. Certain information contained herein constitutes “targets” or “forward-looking statements,” which can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as “may,” “will,” “seek,” “should,” “expect,” “anticipate,” “project,” “estimate,” “intend,” “continue” or “believe” or the negatives thereof or other variations thereon or comparable terminology. Actual events or results or the actual performance of Citadel Capital may differ materially from those reflected or contemplated in such targets or forward-looking statements. The performance of Qalaa Holdings is subject to risks and uncertainties.

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• First private equity fund to raise capital from local pension funds
• 70% of the funds are committed by commercial investors 
• Fund to invest in enterprises across Eastern Africa

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The dark silhouetted figure of a lanky Karamojong warrior suddenly appeared in our way along the path leading to Natapari village in Nabilatuk sub county, Nakapiripirit district, one of the two sub counties that benefited from the MTN 2013 Marathon water project.

Unlike in the recent years, the warrior had a long stick instead of a gun slung across his neck as he took long strides towards a large tree, a few meters away from one of the newly constructed boreholes where half a dozen other warriors who had already taken their seats. As he steps aside to give way to the 4WDs to pass, a traditional Karamojong stool peeped out of his suuka.

At the water point, a modern borehole spewing out clean and safe water, a horde of dirty kids and a lone one-armed elderly woman were noisily quenching their thirst. As they took turns to pump the water, the warriors under the tree take quizzical watch over their precious miracle pump, a much prized asset that has happened to the village in the recent years.

For Apuun Maritina who is nursing an amputated right arm, the bore-hole is God sent.  She said before the borehole was drilled she used to go down the swamps, over three kilometers from her manyata to fetch dirty water, for which she would be asked to pay Ugx 1000.

“I have not stopped thanking God for this borehole. Now I can come anytime and get clean water for my household. This is indeed a blessing to this village for which we are very grateful to the people who thought of us as beneficiaries of this project”, she said as she stretched her left palm to scoop another handful of clean water which she drank with relish, oblivious of the stump that is left of what used to be her right hand.

It is evident that the borehole is not only important to Maritina and the children. Lokol who had already taken his position under the tree with other warriors said:

“We come here every morning and take our seats under this tree to guard over our water source lest some strangers come and destroy it. It is within our will to guard it day and night to ensure its longevity for the good of our children, mothers, wives and livestock”.

In a region largely dominated by pastoralists who do nothing else other than graze cattle, hunger has become synonymous with the communities. Most people make do with one meal a day, explaining why a clean source of water such as this borehole means a lot to the people here. In Lokol’s words, now the communities can at least afford to drink safe water to take them through the day.

Following the 2013 Marathon, MTN Uganda and its partners including Huawei Uganda, New Vision, Stanbic Bank and Rwenzori Water handed over the UShs. 400 million collected during the MTN Kampala Marathonto Water Aid Uganda to implement a 6 months water project in Nakapiripit- part of the Karamoja sub region and deliver safe and clean water to the people of Karamoja.

The selection ofNakapiripit districtas beneficiary was made after the evidence from Uganda Bureau of Statistics -UBOS poverty map and primary data indicated that more than 80% of the people in the district were living below the poverty line. A full needs analysis was carried out by Water Aid Uganda to ensure that the neediest villages in Karamoja would benefit from this water project.

The Uganda Human Development Report 2005 (UNDP 2005) ranked Karamoja Region as the second last in the country Human Development Index of 0.24 where high levels of poverty were attributed to frequent drought and insecurity. The two beneficiary Sub Counties Moruita and Nabilatuk in Nakapiripirit that were selected due to the fact that they have the least water coverage of 34% and 46% respectively.

WaterAid was also tasked to monitor sanitation and hygiene among the communities and engage them through hygiene education and promotion activities including drama shows, village improvement campaigns, and household hygiene and sanitation follow-ups in 8 villages.

The Nakapiripirit Water Aid Uganda Project Coordinator  Anne Lukune said the other components of the project included conducting of two community competitions as part of demonstration of best practices in sanitation and hygiene, capacity building for Community Based Monitoring Systems (CBMS) , Construction of 4 School sanitation facilities, training school health clubs, SMCs and teachers in improvement of school sanitation and hygiene and procurement of 50 hygiene and sanitation tool kits (Spades and pick axes) for aiding household latrine construction all of which is expected to benefit close to 10,000 people.

According to Lukune, 18 boreholes have been constructed across the two sub-counties and most of the work has been done. In addition, eighteen water committees have been formed in coordination with the District Local government officials to be trained on best hygiene and sanitation practices.

Milly Okwi, WaterAid Hygiene and Sanitation Coordinator said they are working closely with the district Local government committee to sensitize the communities on proper hygiene practices.  Tonny Okullu, the District Internal Security Officer (DISO) who chaired the joint meeting at the district headquarters said authorities have embarked on law enforcement to ensure proper hygiene practices are observed by the Karamojong.

“We are currently working with Police to arrest all those found defecating in the open space. As a result of this enforcement, Latrine coverage in the district has gone up to 14% from almost zero in the last two years.

Okullu thanked MTN and partners for choosing Karamoja as beneficiaries of the water project adding that their efforts will never go to waste is the most deserving given the low literacy levels and lack of proper hygiene and sanitation practices.

Speaking about the project, MTN Uganda’s GM Corporate Services Anthony Katambareiterated that MTN Uganda was committed to continue partnering with other Corporate Companies and with the Government of Uganda as developmental partners to spearhead life changing initiatives

Katamba added;“We take pride in the fact that every participant who took part in the 2013Marathon whose theme was run for Water, joined hands with MTN to make a difference in the lives of the people of Karamoja.At MTN, we have over the years dedicated ourselves to the cause of improving the society we live in by harnessing the passion that we as Ugandans have within ourselves. We have done this through many avenues, but one of my personal favorite is the MTN Kampala Marathon”.

As MTN and partners prepare to officially commission the  18 boreholes in Nakapiripirit next month, it is evident that the life of Lokol Peter and his kinsmen in Natapari village, have positively changed, just like that of other communities where the water sources have been installed.

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About MTN Uganda

Launched in 1998, MTN Uganda is the leading communications operator in Uganda, offering Mobile and Fixed telecommunications, Mobile Money Services and Internet Service Provisioning. As of 31 March 2014, MTN Uganda recorded 9.5 million subscribers across Uganda. Visit us at www.mtn.co.ug and for our football fans www.mtnfootball.com. Customers can also follow us on www.youtube.com/mtnug and www.twitter.com/mtnugandacare for assistance.

About the MTN Group
Launched in 1994, the MTN Group 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 September 2013, MTN recorded 203.8 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. More info onwww.mtn.com

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After a successful launch of this year’s scholarships programme worth 650 million Uganda shillings, and receiving over 1,000 applications the MadhvaniFoundation scholarship committee has released the list of candidates shortlisted for final interviews.

Face to face Interviews will be conducted at Makerere University senate building level 4.  From 4^th to 9^th August between 8:30 am – 5:30pm to evaluate which candidates are the most deserving to be awarded full tuition scholarships.  

In a statement issued by the foundation, Ms. Beatrice Apoto the foundation’s Administrator said, “the Scholarships have always received a very good response with thousands of applications and this year has not been any different, we have been particularly impressed with the surge in applications from Northern Uganda which is evidence of the effects of return of peace to the region”.  

She continued the candidates shortlisted for interviews are required to come to come with all original documents they submitted with their application in addition to a valid identity card, proof of parents/guardian’s occupation e.g pay slip, letter from the employer, Letter from LC, Death Certificate in case of deceased and all receipts for payment of fees at their current University.

Beatrice reminded all candidate to come for the interviews only at the appointed time and date. The full list of candidates is available on the foundation website http://www.madhvanifoundation.comand at the Madhvani Foundation offices at Plot 96-98, 5th Street Industrial AreaEast African Distributors Ltd.

The Madhvani Foundation scholarship programme was set up at the dawn of Uganda’s independence to honour the memory of the founder of the Madhvani Group the late MuljibhaiMadhvani (1894 -1958) who firmly believed Uganda’s economic transformation would only be possible through investment in the promotion of scientific and technical education among the people of Uganda. The Foundation supports both under and postgraduate Ugandan students from underprivileged families who prove themselves academically.

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Chinese government officially handed over solar street lamps to KCCA at Kampala Serena Hotel. The solar lamps grant worth $800,000 (98 solar lights) was as a result of notes signed by the Government of the republic of china and government of Uganda in 2012 on the initiation of the solar demonstration project aiding Uganda.

The 98 lights were installed by Huawei Technologies Uganda co. ltd along Kabaka anjagala road, Usafi Car Park, Nsambya road, Mbogo road and state house close.

Mr. Radoslaw Kedzia the Managing Director Huawei Technologies Uganda said that the lights were easy to maintain, save up to 85,000kwh every year and have zero emission of carbondioxide. He added that each light’s battery can support three days working of LED light in case there are days with no sunlight.

Mr. Zhao Yali, the ambassador of China to Uganda noted that the grant was a sign of good relations between Uganda and China as a result of an economic and technological agreement that was signed in 2011.

Mr. Frank Tumwebaze; the minister for Presidency and KCCA affairs, Mrs. Jenifer Musisi Ssemakula Executive Director KCCA and other dignitaries from KCCA also graced the event.

About Huawei

Huawei is a leading global information and communications technology (ICT) solutions provider. Through our dedication to customer-centric innovation and strong partnerships, we have established end-to-end advantages in telecom networks, devices and cloud computing. We are committed to creating maximum value for telecom operators, enterprises and consumers by providing competitive solutions and services. Our products and solutions have been deployed in over 140 countries, serving more than one third of the world’s population.    For more information, visit Huawei online: www.huawei.com