By Sizwe Dlamini
MTN Eswatini CEO, Wandile Mtshali has urged businesses to embrace Artificial Intelligence (AI) as MTN expands into the Fintech space,
Mtshali made these remarks during the MTN Business Luncheon held at the Happy Valley Hotel.
“Our business has been expanding in the Fintech space, and we are doing well. We’ve connected over 600,000 emaSwati who use our mobile money services continuously. As we talk about digitalization, we urge businesses to take advantage of these platforms, as they streamline processes and operations. By partnering with us, we can provide you with the technologies and equip you with the skills necessary for your digital transformation,” he said.
Mtshali also discussed the integration of AI, emphasizing that MTN is taking the lead in this area.
“We invite businesses to engage with us and explore how AI can benefit their operations. At MTN, we are already applying AI across various departments, improving efficiencies and service speed. We want to share this technology with businesses across the kingdom so we can all progress together into the future,” he added.
Addressing concerns about the obsolescence of legacy technologies, Mtshali reassured businesses about MTN’s plans.
“I know many of you are wondering about the upcoming obsolescence of certain legacy technologies, as announced by ESCCOM. As MTN, we are not holding back—we are investing in new technologies, including 5G, and looking ahead to 6G. We are committed to ensuring that when legacy technologies phase out, we are ready for the future, and we want to move forward with emaSwati.”
Mtshali also celebrated MTN Eswatini’s remarkable achievement in mobile network penetration, which currently stands at 129%—one of the highest rates in Africa. With over 1 million emaSwati connected to its network, MTN has achieved 98% network coverage across the Kingdom.
“At MTN, we believe that every Liswati deserves the benefits of a modern, connected network, and we take great pride in the fact that we have connected 98% of Emaswati through the MTN network. This number has been growing steadily over the years. So far, we have connected over 1 million customers across Eswatini. This is a significant achievement for us, as the general mobile network penetration, according to ESCCOM, is sitting at 129%, which is one of the highest on the African continent. It demonstrates the positive impact MTN has had on the Kingdom and the various communities we live and work in,” he said.
Mtshali also shared that over the past 26 years, MTN Eswatini has successfully connected businesses of all sizes across the Kingdom.
“The modernization we have witnessed in the country is built on the foundation of the MTN GSM network. We would like to sincerely thank our customers for being a part of this journey with us and for our achievements over the past 26 years. We have connected all the major corporations in the Kingdom of Eswatini, as well as most of the SMEs. These businesses have greatly benefited from MTN services, and now, our focus is on strengthening the services we provide to ensure a brighter future,” he concluded.