MTN Group has announced it will launch an instant messaging service akin to China’s WeChat and Facebook’s WhatsApp as it seeks to expand revenue from digital services and mobile money.
MTN Group shares soared by 18.1% on Thursday after Africa’s biggest wireless carrier started a R15-billion disposal plan to shore up the balance sheet.
MTN Group announced the disposal of its share in a Botswana joint venture as Africa’s biggest wireless carrier by revenue kicks off a drive to raise at least R15-billion from asset sales and strengthen the balance sheet.
MTN Group is considering the sale of its stake in Botswana’s largest wireless carrier, according to people familiar with the matter, in a deal that could raise R2.5-billion.
Uganda has deported the CEO of MTN’s Ugandan subsidiary, less than a month after the East African country did the same to its chief marketing officer, its head of sales and distribution, and its head of mobile financial services.
African online retailer Jumia is planning an initial public offering in New York this year that could value the business at about $1.5-billion, according to people familiar with the matter.
MTN Uganda is in talks to sell an unspecified stake to the state-run National Social Security Fund that would widen local shareholding currently at only 5%, President Yoweri Museveni’s office said.
MTN Group on Wednesday confirmed reports that three senior managers have been arrested and deported by the Ugandan government.
Eight MTN Group executives netted over 1.3 million shares in the telecommunications giant, valued at R116.9-million at the market price when they were issued at the end of December.
MTN Group CEO Rob Shuter has been granted more than R38-million in shares under the telecommunications operator’s performance share plan. The shares will vest in three years’ time.