MTN Rwanda contributed Rwf100 million to the Economic Recovery Fund which was recently unveiled.
“We felt it is extremely important to make this financial contribution toward the fund. We will also leverage our capabilities to provide support particularly toward SMEs to help keep them afloat during this time,” said Chantal Kagame, MTN’s Chief Business and Corporate Affairs Officer.
Kuri uyu wa Kane, @MTNRwanda yeteye inkunga ya miliyoni 100 z'amanyarwanda ikigega kigamije kuzahura ubukungu bw'u #Rwanda bwazahajwe n'icyorezo cya #COVID19. Iki kigega kikaba cyaramaze gutangira, aho cyatangiranye miliyari 100 z'amanyarwanda.#RBAAmakuru pic.twitter.com/ge5o9RGheP
— Rwanda Broadcasting Agency (RBA) (@rbarwanda) June 11, 2020
1/4: Pleasure seeing you Hon Minister @undagijimana!@MTNRwanda stands with #Rwanda as we embark on the journey of economic recovery. We, today announced a Rwf100m contribution into the Econ Recovery Fund + other SME support initiatives. 👇#ERF @RwandaFinance #GoodTogether https://t.co/cquNaw7epw pic.twitter.com/XIVyWD7d2t
— Mitwa Kaemba Ng'ambi (@mkngambi) June 11, 2020
The contribution was received by Finance Minister, Dr. Uzziel Ndagijimana.
He said the government is pleased that MTN has initiated this fund support initiative to assist the Private Sector that has been seriously impacted by COVID-19. “We take this opportunity to encourage others to support this Fund,” he said.
In the meantime, MTN announced that it will be giving its customers free access to some e-commerce websites in collaboration with the Ministry of ICT & Innovation, the Ministry of Trade and RISA.
The move is aimed at promoting the rapid adoption of e-commerce services, boosting sales for those SMEs with an online presence and encouraging the public to shop online. This will take effect until 31 August 2020.
MTN also announced a 50 percent discount for SMEs wishing to take on 1-year contracts for hosting and colocation services at the data centre. Any SME that signs up before 31 August 2020 will also be eligible for a free service for 3 months.
In order to ensure that small and medium-sized enterprises have affordable communication solutions during this period of economic recovery, MTN has also introduced MTN SME ISIBO Bundles, a prepaid bundle for SMEs that allows business owners to take control of their company’s spending communication.
MTN SME Isibo Bundles are accessible by dialing * 843 # and can allow 3 to 15 phone numbers to share data, SMS, and minutes.