HiPipo Money

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• With over 40 million MTN Mobile Money transactions each month, the service has become an integral part of society today
• Total value of transactions per month exceeds UShs. 1.8 trillion
• MTN Uganda leading access to financial services in Uganda
• MTN Mobile transforming lives and driving financial inclusion
• MTN Mobile Money Making life easier, one transaction at a time

Six years after its launch, MTN Mobile Money has transitioned from just facilitating remittances of cash in and cash out payments to becoming an indispensable component of today’s society.

Launched in March 2009, the service was initially designed to enable customers to send and receive money domestically and buy airtime using their mobile phone.

But Mobile Money has continued to grow and evolve into a mainstream method of payment for goods and services, facilitating seamless banking transactions and tax payments; payment of utility bills, allowing parents to pay their children’s school fees and simply paying for food and for MTN products and services, as well as purchasing products online. The growth of MTN Mobile Money has been unparralled, with over 7.5m subscribers, 3.5m of which are active daily, the total number of registered users has overshadowed the overall number of bank account holders in Uganda over the years.

“The ease and convenience of Mobile Money can best be illustrated by how widely it has been accepted as the preferred method of payment for bills and utilities. Today, more than 70 percent of all utility bills are paid through the MTN Mobile Money platform,” said MTN Uganda’s General Manager for Financial Services, Phrase Lubega.

In terms of payment of utilities, MTN Mobile Money facilitates the payment of an average of Shs 5.8 billion monthly, which is 71.42 percent of the volume collected by all mobile money subscribers in the market. MTN also collects about sh2.1 billion water bills through mobile money, which is 74.55 percent of total volumes collected.

“The integration of financial services into the Mobile Money portfolio has seen the service not only drive financial inclusion, but has also boldly cemented MTN’s influence as the leading financial services provider in Uganda,” he added.

 “We are proud to say that MTN has indisputably become Uganda’s leading financial service provider, enabling consumers to access alternative methods of transacting to suite their lifestyle,” he said.

“MTN Mobile Money now partners with 12 financial institutions facilitating deposits and withdrawals of funds seamlessly from their accounts. On average, over 20,000 MTN subscribers already use this service each month,” Mr. Lubega revealed.

Overall, 87 percent of all mobile money to/from bank transactions are facilitated by MTN Mobile Money.

In addition, over 35,000 subscribers majorly in rural Uganda access solar power by using MTN Mobile Money to pay. MTN is proud to partner with companies  such as ReadyPay and Mkopa, which are changing lives through enabling access to affordable electricity services

Mobile Money in the digital world

Mobile Money is backed by breakthrough technology that offers a complete end-to-end customer experience enabling real-time transactions and can seamlessly replace cash.

Today the MTN Mobile Money has completely become digital.  If you own a smart phone as a mobile money subscriber you can simply download the new MyMTN Mobile Money App to get a fully digital experience for all MTN Mobile money transactions.

“MTN Mobile Money is so much more than money on your phone. It’s a bold and transformative service that has seamlessly integrated the extensive financial services ecosystem of Uganda and made it accessible through your mobile phone, towards an easier and simpler way of life for all Ugandans. MTN Mobile Money is transforming lives every day and simply makes life easier for the over 7.5 million MTN Mobile Money users,” said MTN’s Chief Executive Officer, Brian Gouldie.

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Brian Tebukooza

The movie industry in Uganda is evolving to greater heights day by day with its overwhelming and enthusiastic production sweeping away theatrics that were prominent in the 80’s and 90’s. This was proved right on 1^st October at Theatre Labonita when the award winning movie in the Arusha Film Festival 2015 “Wako” was premiered.

The red-carpet event that started at 6pm had prominent faces in the arts industry like Sam Bagenda, Mariam Ndagire, Yoyo, Saava Karim come to witness the movie about cervical cancer awareness being premiered. Screening of the movie started at 8pm and the theatre was filled with laughter and excitement due to the unpredictable setting and production with amazing scenes throughout the show.

The movie cast was invited to the stage at the climax of the screening followed by Sam Bagenda of the Ebonies and the guest of honor, Freeman. M. Ajumebon from Nigeria. Sam praised the producers of Wako, Zziwa Aaron and Natuhwera Brighton for their efforts made to put together such an amazing artistic piece.

“Uganda’s movie industry is growing at a rate faster than the Nigeria’s.” Freeman said. He then took a copy of the movie at 2m and congratulated the cast and the producers for a great movie that goes beyond entertainment circles crossing to the educative world too.

Zziwa Aaron Alone and Natuhwera Brighton the producers of Wako credited the movie cast for their endless support and hard work to see it a success.
“We are to have a country tour to Gulu, Jinja, Mbale, Masaka and Mbarara.” Brighton said. The tour is aimed at creating cervical cancer awareness in Uganda.

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It was such a colorful and marvelous evening that saw Swanair Travel and Safaris officially open its new and permanent offices on Thursday, 24th September 2015 in Bugolobi.

The company that has over 20 years of experience in travel and safaris dealing in booking flights to different destinations around the world, safaris, Hotel bookings and so much more.

Dr. Maggie Kigozi was the guest of honour and opened the new office facility on an evening that was graced by C.E.Os of Airline companies, top corporate officials and diplomats like Yoga Biragwa of South African Airways, Jackie Obado the CEO of Ostrich Travels and Christine Segawa from Public Service Commission.

“I attribute all the company success to the strong staff from when we started 20 years ago,” Eugenie Windt the CEO of Swanair said.

Eugenie made a journey full speech of the company from when it started and appreciated the private sector for the unending support from when Swanair Travel and Safaris started.

Maureen Rutabingwa the saxophonist from MoRoots band gave the event a touch of entertainment with her unique musical sounds.

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Barely 21 years of age since it was formed, MTN has joined an elite group of household brands such as Apple and Coca Cola after being voted the Brand of the Year in the telecommunications category at the World Branding Awards in London, United Kingdom.

MTN was one of over 2,500 brand nominated from 35 countries to be eligible for this much-sought after accolade. Only 119 brands were selected as the winners in their respective categories, and MTN emerged as the only brand in the telecommunications sector that qualified to receive this award.

Winners of the World Branding Awards are judged on three variables, namely brand valuation, consumer market research and public online voting.

“This prestigious accolade is testament to the work that has been done by our colleagues, employees and partners in building our brand,” says Larry Annetts, Sales and Marketing Executive: MTN South Africa.

This recognition to MTN follows the #1 Most Valuable Brand for 2015 accolade that was conferred to MTN by Brand Finance Plc, the world’s leading independent brand valuation and ratings firm, earlier this month.

“These awards are indicative of the milestones we are achieving in our quest to continue to create a distinct customer experience to our stakeholders,” Annetts concludes.

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MTN Uganda slashes calls to all networks by 45 percent

Customers to reap massive savings from MTN’s all-day, all-network 3/-  per-second flat rate for all local calls

MTN Uganda has announced a new tariff for their customers to call across all networks in Uganda. With the new rate, MTN customers will enjoy the lowest call rate across all mobile numbers, to all networks across the country. This new rate of Ush. 3/- per second takes effect immediately.

With this change, MTN has taken a bold step of reducing its call rates by 45.45 percent from Ushs. 5.5/- to Ushs. 3/-, at per second tariff rates. Existing customers simply have to dial *151*2# to enjoy this new call rate while new customers will enjoy the new rates immediately upon activation of their new SIM cards.  The rate has also been reduced from 300/- down to 180/-per minute for Postpaid customers.

Together with MTN’s attractive Voice Bundle offering, Ugandans can now enjoy the most affordable calls to anyone they want to call, as long as they are connected to the MTN network.

According to the Chief Marketing Officer, Ms. Mapula Bodibe, the move is intended to offer customers more value, competitive rates and convenience.

“In a bid to offer even more value for our customers, MTN has taken the unprecedented decision this year to reduce the calling rates for Ugandans, at a time when most prices are escalating upwards,” she said.

“Customers are continually looking for value-adding offers to meet their needs for affordability. MTN understands its customers’ needs and is always looking at opportunities to offer competitively priced products and services to address their communication needs at the most affordable rates.   With this new offer, MTN customers will enjoy the lowest calling rates, to any local network and only pay for what they have used,” she added.

In addition, MTN will offer 7 minutes of free MTN to MTN calls for a 7 day period, for all new customers that activate a new MTN SIM card. This offer is aimed as a welcome offer for new customers joining MTN.

Facts about this new tariff(s)

·   3/- per second across all networks.

o   Existing customers, dial *151*2@ to activate the 3/- per second

o   The rate is automatically activated on new SIM cards for new customers

·   New SIM cards now come with;

o   3/- per second default tariff

o   7 minutes of free MTN to MTN calls

o   Free CallerTunez subscription

·   Per Minute and Postpaid rate now at 180/- per minute

“MTN customers can now enjoy better choice and affordability whilst connecting with friends and family, either with the MTN 3/- per second tariff plan, an affordable, simple, and easy to understand price plan that allows them to call for less, or MTN Zone per second, the perfect price plan for those looking for attractive discounts on their calls,” concludes Bodibe

To enjoy the new call rates on MTN, customers can dial *151*2# and select the 3/- per second tariff plan tariff plan. New customers wanting to enjoy the new call rates can simply buy a new Sim card and join MTN.

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Qalaa’s 1H15 Revenues climb 37.8% y-o-y with EBITDA recording a three-fold surge to EGP 565.1 million; ongoing restructuring efforts continue to reflect positively on its bottom line with 2Q15 losses narrowing 55% to EGP 84.7 million

Qalaa remains on track with the delivery of its FY15 strategy, marking significant milestones in its risk reduction, deleveraging and asset divestment programs

Qalaa Holdings (CCAP on the Egyptian Exchange, formerly Citadel Capital) released today its consolidated financial results for the quarter ending 30 June 2015, reporting revenues of US$ 26,6521,963 million, up 33.7% compared to the same quarter last year. On a six months basis, revenues climbed 37.8% y-o-y in 1H15 to US$5billion. EBITDA meanwhile stood at US$72,153,765 million in the first half of 2015, a 169% increase over 1H14.

Revenue growth was driven by strong performance at TAQA Arabia’s fuel marketing arm, having recorded top-line y-o-y growth of 72% and 73% in 2Q15 and 1H15, respectively. In the cement division, ASEC Cement’s Sudan subsidiary Al-Takamol also made a strong contribution to Qalaa’s top-line growth, with the cement unit’s revenue recording 96% and 121% y-o-y growth in 2Q15 and 1H15, respectively. Together the energy and cement divisions contributed some 70% of total revenues in 2Q15.

On the restructuring front, the first six months of 2015 have also witnessed several developments, including ASEC Holding’s sale of its 27.5% stake in Misr Qena Cement, which resulted in a gain from sale of investment equivalent to US$ 8,556,287 million booked in 2Q15. Proceeds from the sale were utilized to fully deleverage at ASEC Cement and partially deleverage ASEC Holding, with the balance being distributed to shareholders.

“Our exit from Misr Qena is one of several developments taking place during 2015 that play into our risk reduction strategy and our ongoing deleveraging program,” said Ahmed Heikal, Chairman and Founder of Qalaa Holdings. “Qalaa’s ongoing restructuring efforts meanwhile continue to reflect positively on its financial performance, with significant improvements at the EBITDA level, in line with our previously announced guidance, and a continued narrowing of its bottom-line losses, which recorded a 53% y-o-y improvement in the first half of 2015,” Heikal added. 

The company reported a net loss after tax and minority interest of US$10,854,991million in the second quarter of 2015, a narrowing of 55% from 2Q14 figure of EGP 188.3 million. On a six months basis, bottom-line posted a loss of US$25,158,039million, a 53% improvement compared to 1H14 figure of US$ 53,636,427million. This improvement comes despite charges of US$13,153,695million in 1H15 related to discontinued operations. Of the US$13,153,695million, c.US$5,619,054million were booked in 2Q15 of which US$4,214,290million came from MENA Homes’ Designopolis, one of several assets earmarked for sale as part of the FHI transaction. It is worthy to note that interest and depreciation due to discontinued operations are non-cash items; management accordingly estimates that c. 95% of losses from discontinued operations are non-cash.

Management reiterates its strategy for 2015 with its underlining factors being the mitigation of financial risk by significantly deleveraging at the holding and platform company levels, and limiting operational risk through the divestment of non-core and non-essential assets while focusing resources on core business and ensuring they have the funding needed to deliver on growth plans.

“Qalaa has repeatedly stressed that deleveraging is one of the company’s key strategic goals for 2015 and onward,” said Qalaa Co-Founder and Managing Director Hisham El-Khazindar. “We remain on track with our divestment program,  proceeds from which will be utilized in reducing total consolidated debt from the current US$1billion excluding debt associated with Africa Railways and greenfield megaproject ERC — to around US$6.3 billion by the end of FY15.”

 “We have cut bank debt by c.US$ 46,612,609 million, as proceeds from our exit from Misr Qena were directed toward deleveraging at ASEC Cement; this will be reflected in our 3Q15 financials. Moreover, our agreement with FHI, which we expect to close by December 2015, will result in a further c.US$1billion reduction in Qalaa’s consolidated debt and further delivers on our strategy of reducing both financial and operational risk.” (Execution of the FHI transaction is subject to certain conditions precedent and customary termination rights.)

Key elements of Qalaa Holdings’ strategy in FY15 include:

·         Deleveraging at the holding and platform company levels

·         Acquisition of additional stakes in key platform companies

·         Selective investments within existing platform companies

·         Share Buybacks: Management is mindful of the opportunity to create value through share buybacks, and intends to use the proceeds from exits post deleveraging to acquire Qalaa shares for so long as these trade at a significant discount to their fair market value.

The aforementioned elements are to be financed through sale of assets where Qalaa is in advanced stages of divestments, including Misr Glass Manufacturing, Dina Farms Op Co, confectioner Rashidi El-Mizan, microfinance platform Tanmeyah, ASEC Cement’s operations in Algeria (Zahana Cement & Djelfa), and the Tebbin land held by Nile Logistics. The company reiterates its stance that further divestments will be executed if the need to do larger share buybacks arises.

Qalaa Holdings’ full business review for 2Q/1H 2015 and the financial statements on which it is based are now available for download on ir.qalaaholdings.com.

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Previous Qalaa Holdings press releases on this subject and others may be viewed online from your computer, tablet or mobile device at qalaaholdings.com/newsroom

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, Transportation & Logistics, and Mining. To learn more, please visit qalaaholdings.com.

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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The world’s middle class is growing. According to Pew Research Center, 63 million people entered Latin America’s middle class over the last decade; it is estimated that Nigeria’s middle class grew by 600 percent between 2000 and 2014.

By 2030, EY expects two thirds of the global middle class to live in the Asia-Pacific region. As this portion of the population grows in size, it is becoming increasingly affluent, in turn creating a new group of consumers with higher purchasing power than ever before. This rapid expansion will not only create economic change, but drive demand for consumer goods, such as mobile devices, luxury brands, cars, and high-quality real estate.

Indonesia is leading Asia’s middle-class growth, with the number of people in the middle-income bracket expected to more than double in the next five years. Cities such as Jakarta are already experiencing the surge in middle class residents. The country’s growing middle class is flocking into the capital city, increasing need for residential and commercial properties, and demanding technological products, reliable Internet connectivity and online services.

Furthermore, as consumer demand grows, more jobs will be created in the emerging markets, to meet the needs of the growing populations. The economic improvements as a result of the emerging middle class will further drive developments in education and healthcare, leading to enhanced quality of life and growth prospects for these countries.

The middle classes in the emerging markets are much younger than their developed counterparts. These younger age groups are more focused on using technology, influencing spending habits by looking online to buy quality products and services. This young, affluent demographic is expected to drive the growth of the real estate sector in the emerging markets.

Earlier this year, Lamudi – an online real estate portal focused exclusively in the emerging markets – revealed that in the first five months of 2015, 60.3 percent of house-hunters in Pakistan were between the ages of 18 and 34; in Nigeria, the same age group made up 49.4 percent of house-hunters using the platform.

Kian Moini, co-founder and managing director of Lamudi, commented: “The shifting demographics within the emerging markets are very important, particularly when you look at the growing middle class in regions like Asia.

As people become more affluent, they also become better educated, more career-minded and therefore they have more purchasing power as they enter the property market. They buy houses earlier and more often, leading to increasing turnover and search volume. The importance of this trend cannot be underestimated, as it continues to support strong growth in the country’s property market.”

While each country in the emerging markets faces its own individual set of challenges and opportunities, the growth of the middle class is expected to push economic and social development; the benefits of this demographic growth will further drive opportunities in employment, technology, education, healthcare and entrepreneurship, significantly impacting the future growth of these markets.

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MultiChoice Uganda the country’s leading video entertainment provider, officially launched its new corporate headquarters and customer care center in Kololo, in a ceremony that doubled as their 20 anniversary celebration, officiated by the Prime Minister of Uganda Hon Dr. Ruhakana Rugunda.

The new HQ which was constructed over the last 12 months includes offices for key management staff, an expanded call center and an ultra-modern customer care office with dedicated parking for over 30 cars.  

Speaking at the anniversary celebration MultiChoice Uganda’s General Manager Charles Hamya stated, “This is a fantastic achievement and the culmination of twenty years of hard work, innovation and investment. Over the last 20 years MultiChoice has become the number one video entertainment provider in the country and the first to build a permanent home, combining a state of the art work place for our staff with a world class customer care environment for our subscribers”.

He added “our new Headquarters is a tangible demonstration of our long term commitment to the Ugandan market which began with our launch of Uganda’s first pay television service at a time when most experts claimed that the Ugandan television market was too small and not yet ready to handle quality pay television services. Today twenty years later as a result of our subscribers’ loyalty and support we have managed to prove the experts wrong, the Ugandan television industry has grown incredibly both in terms of numbers and reach.”   

The new MultiChoice customer center is a purpose built facility designed with the customer as the key focus. The main service hall which is manned by more than ten service agents is a lot more spacious and equipped with state of the art technology including self-help computerized touch points that will ensure long queues are a thing of the past. In addition it has a dedicated demo lounge area that allows one on one interaction with service agents. “This ensures that by the time a subscriber decides to purchase one of our products he or she is fully conversant with how the new technology works from day one,” Charles stated.

Giving a speech during the celebration the Regional Director MultiChoice East Africa Mr. Stephen Isaboke said “Opening this office is an exciting development for us as a regional hub because it marks the completion of the first phase of a strategic initiative started by the group that will see us open similar office facilities in each of the regional capitals. Our objective is to take our service delivery to the next level, consolidate our core services under one roof in each territory and make use of communications technologies to provide an increasingly personalized interface with our clients”.

He continued “this development will not only allow us to improve our operational efficiencies, it will also allow us to free up resources and focus our energies towards improving quality and extending the reach of our Digital Terrestrial Network”. He called for PPP’s to be used as a means of eliminating the rural urban digital divide and increase digital penetration.

Congratulating MultiChoice for achieving this milestone and responding to the Regional Director’s call, the Prime Minister congratulated MultiChoice for their longevity and commitment to the Ugandan Market. “Not many companies in Uganda celebrate this type of longevity because they often fail to see the big picture and are overtaken by events. MultiChoice is evidently not just an investor, but an innovator, and the perfect example of how International investors should partner with Ugandan entrepreneurs to produce a world class product, which we can genuinely call our own”.

Recounting the journey of the company over the last 20 years the Chairman of MultiChoice Uganda Mr. Steven Musoke said “from our humble beginnings on Bombo road, to Buganda road which most of you are familiar with, to this state of the art edifice next to me, MultiChoice as a company has always been pushing the technological and customer care boundaries in a bid to ensure our subscribers have the very best television experience possible at par with the very best in the world, this is the reason why MultiChoice is number one in Uganda and across the continent. 

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Over the last three days, children from 10 schools in Kampala were able to create various exciting and innovative robotics projects in the fields of programming, mechanics and electronics. 

This was part of a 3-day Juniors Robotics camp organized by MTN Uganda in partnership with FundiBots, a Ugandan based organization that focuses on robotics training in schools aiming to change that mind-set. The camp aimed at equipping juniors aged between 9-12 years with skills that can enable them solve real-world problems through digital design.

The event dubbed the ‘MTN Juniors’ Robotics Camp’ brought together 50 children from 10 schools in Kampala with each school being represented by five children. The training commenced on Friday the 11th of September 2015.

While the camp was intended to be just introductory, covering the basics of robotics under three aspects, Electronics, Programming and Mechanics, participating children were able develop functional projects despite the very limited time available.

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“What surprised me most is that even though we had limited time, pupils were able to create more than we taught,” said FundiBots’ Solomon King Benge, who was also the camp’s main facilitator. “We taught them to use mortars but some went ahead and have made some moving cars.”

He added; “What we’ve done is set them off on a journey that challenges them, their schools and parents to create better learning opportunities. For the children, it is the beginning of changing how they see the world, and the solutions that they can create for the problems around them.”

According to Ms. Mapula Bodibe, MTN Uganda’s Chief Marketing Officer, the goal of the camp was to introduce and teach the children, digital skills used in the building of robots from a more practical, fun and open environment and in the process, expose them to new ways of thinking.

“MTN is proud to partner with Fundi Bots, which is a pioneer provider of robotics design training in Ugandan schools. Our intention is to create and inspire a new generation of Ugandan children to be the future problem solvers, innovators and change makers,” Ms. Bodibe said.

“We hope the children will leave the program with a new love and passion for design facilitated by innovations in the digital space. We also want them to know that anyone, regardless of age, gender or background can use digital platforms in a creative and innovative ways,” she added.

 “During the construction of the robot, they learn electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, computer programming, biology and soft skills like leadership, teamwork and project management. Such will help them in future, regardless of their eventual careers,” concluded Ms Bodibe.

Susan Kayemba, MTN Uganda’s Senior Manager for Retention and Social Media said that, “By guiding students through problem identification, brainstorming, collaboration, construction, programming, final deployment and system feedback, we will show them how life’s challenges can be solved using digital and technological tools.”

“We were also overwhelmingly encouraged by the feedback we received from some parents, especially those whose children did not participate this time, asking when we’ll organize the next camp so they can also send their children participate,” Kayemba added.

The closing ceremony was also attended by Florence Muhumuza, KCCA’s Director of Educational Services, who thanked MTN for its commitment to supporting ICT education in schools.

“We recognize the various projects that MTN is doing in our schools, including the MTN Internet Bus which goes and spends time at different schools from time to time. Some of these initiatives may look small but they have a significant impact,” she said.

The children received a certificate of participation at the end of the event.

Primary schools participating:

1. Lohana Academy
2. Vine Academy
3. Ntinda Primary School
4. Nakasero Primary School
5. Buganda Road Primary School
6. Kiswa Primary School
7. Kitante Primary School
8. Daffodils Academy
9. Kampala Parents School
10. St. Kizito Primary School

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Finalists in the prestigious CNN MultiChoice African Journalist 2015 Competition were announced today by Ferial Haffajee, Chair of the independent judging panel. The competition is now in a landmark 20th year.

This year the competition received entries from 39 countries across the continent, including French and Portuguese speaking Africa.

There are 31 finalists from 15 countries: 

1. Fiifi Essilfie Anaman, Freelance for zonalsports.com, Ghana
2. Benedicta Asiimwe, Freelance for Daily Monitor, Uganda
3. Femi Asu, Punch Newspaper, Nigeria
4. Domingos Bento, redeangola.info, Angola
5. Thomas Naadi Bitlegma, Viasat1, Ghana
6. Sheriff Bojang Jnr, Freelance for West Africa Democracy Radio, Senegal
7. Ruth Butaumocho, The Herald, Zimbabwe
8. Ibrahima Diallo, Radiodiffusion Télévision Sénégalaise (RTS), Senegal
9. Adewale Olugbenga Emosu, tribuneonlineng.com, Nigeria
10. Chahinaz Samir Gheith, Freelance for Al-Ahram Hebdo, Egypt
11. Carla Gonçalves, A Nação, Cape Verde
12. Boldwill Hungwe, Zimbabwe Independent, Zimbabwe
13. Ibanga Isine, Premium Times Newspaper, Nigeria
14. Paul Kelemba, Freelance for The Standard on Saturday, Kenya
15. Deo Gratias Tchédé Kindoho, Radio Bénin, Benin
16. Julie Laurenz & Jacqueline Jayamaha, Freelance for e.tv, South Africa
17. Petride Mudoola, Freelance for Sunday Vision, Uganda
18. Abubakari Akida Mussa, Mtanzania Newspaper, Tanzania
19. Pedro Paxi Pereira Ndoma, TV Zimbo, Angola
20. George Oduor Otieno, Baraka FM, Kenya
21. Hyacinthe Boowurosigue Sanou, L’Observateur Paalga, Burkina Faso
22. Enock Sikolia & Charles Kariuki, NTV, Kenya
23. Arison Tamfu, Cameroon Journal, Cameroon
24. Kọ́lá Túbọ̀sún, Blogger at ktravula.com, Nigeria
25. Arukaino Umukoro, Punch Newspaper, Nigeria
26. Bento Venâncio, Jornal Domingo, Mozambique
27. Herman Verwey, Beeld, South Africa
28. Kiundu Waweru, The Standard on Saturday, Kenya
29. Sarah Wild, Mail & Guardian, South Africa

The independent judging panel, chaired by Ferial Haffajee, Editor-in-Chief, City Press, South Africa, includes: Debo Adesina, Editor-in-Chief, Guardian Newspapers, Nigeria; Nima Elbagir, Senior International Correspondent, CNN; Jean-Paul Gérouard, Editor-in-Chief, France Télévisions ; Fernando Gonçalves, Editor, Savana, Mozambique; Anton Harber, Caxton Professor of Journalism, University of the Witwatersrand; Joel Kibazo, Director of Communications and External Relations, African Development Bank Group; Amadou Mahtar Ba, Co-Founder and Executive Chairman, AllAfrica Global Media; Wanja Njuguna, Senior Lecturer, Polytechnic of Namibia & CNN Journalist of the year 2000; José Sebastião Paulo, Professor of Journalism, University Agostinho Neto, Angola; and, David Ohito, Digital Editor, The Standard Media Group, Kenya.

The competition is once again supported by the following sponsors, who continue to lend their valuable support to the awards: A24 Media, African Development Bank, Dow, Ecobank, GE, IPP Media and MSD (MSD is known as Merck in the U.S. and Canada).

The finalists will enjoy an all-expense paid four day programme of workshops, media forums and networking in Nairobi, Kenya, culminating in a Gala Award Ceremony in October 2015. In addition, winners from previous years will join this year’s finalists for a special evening to celebrate 20 years of the awards. 

Tony Maddox, Executive Vice-President and Managing Director of CNN International said: “The quality and breadth of entries in this, its 20th, year is testament to the CNN MultiChoice African Journalist Awards’ position as the most prestigious recognition for journalism across the continent. CNN is privileged to be involved in this important initiative to honor the outstanding work across multiple platforms, topics and journalistic disciplines. I salute the finalists for the great work that they have done and look forward to seeing their future achievements.”

Greg Beitchman, Vice President, Content Sales and Partnerships, CNN International: “This year’s ceremony promises to be a stellar moment in the long history of the CNN MultiChoice African Journalist Awards. A combination of the strong body of work to be showcased at the 2015 awards, the presence of a number of former winners, and the backdrop of the vibrant city of Nairobi will make for an evening that celebrates the very best of African journalism.”

Tim Jacobs, CEO MultiChoice Africa: “We continue to be amazed by the resourcefulness and growth of journalists in the complexity and immediacy of the digital and online age of news and information. That is why we remain committed to nurturing and growing African journalists who have a huge responsibility and role to play and where tech-savvy readers have the ability to follow breaking stories and are not shy to engage in dialogue on a number of different platforms.  The CNN MultiChoice African Journalist of the Year Awards have for the past 20 years provided a voice for credible journalism. As we celebrate this remarkable milestone, we can only commend the journalists for leaving no stone unturned in telling the important stories.”

Imtiaz Patel, Group CEO, MultiChoice: “MultiChoice is delighted to once again be associated with these prestigious awards that give respect to the work done by journalists across the African continent. We congratulate all the finalists on their achievements and look forward to celebrating with the winners in Nairobi in October.”