COVID-19: MTN Group provides US$13.4mn relief package

As the spread of COVID-19 continues to impact millions, leading organisations are providing support to those affected amidst the outbreak.

Believing that charity “begins at home”, MTN Group has announced that it will be supporting the efforts to combat the virus with a US$13.4mn relief package for the areas in which MTN Group operates, as well as customising its response to recognise its responsibility to help both home markets, and others facing the challenges of the pandemic.

MTN Group’s relief package will be comprised of five key intervention initiatives:

“We believe it is the responsibility of all organisations to assist where they can during the pandemic. MTN plays a vital role in the mobile and telecommunications industry across Africa and the Middle East and it is vital that we assist our employees, customers and stakeholders during this difficult time,” said Mcebisi Jonas, the Chairman of MTN Group.

The Group also plans to raise US$2.14mn for the MTN Global Staff Emergency Fund for its employees in need, raised via contributions from the Group’s directors, managers and general staff. Those who have contributed to the fund include:

• The Chairman, Group CEO, Group CFO and multiple directors have pledged 30% of their board fees and salaries for the next three months
• Executive teams of both MTN Group and MTN South Africa

In addition, more than US$8.06mn is to be invested in the Y’ello Hope Package for customers. The package includes:

• Free SMS services
• Waiving of fees for certain mobile money transactions
• Discounted calling during off-peak periods
• Zero-rating of certain health, social services and educational sites
• Payment concessions to business customers

“Utilising our services and technologies for the greater good is key at the moment. We can positively impact millions of lives and our main focus is on keeping our network in good working order and enable our customers to connect with their loved ones during this most difficult time for all,” said Rob Shuter, MTN Group President and CEO.

MTN will also mobilise its MTN Foundations to reach those most vulnerable. Its efforts will include:

• Tackling health emergencies to minimise the spread of COVID-19
• Providing disease commodity packages and ICT services needed for health ministries and health professionals
• Providing student access to vital school and university content
• Minimum contribution of US$2.68mn

SEE ALSO: For more information on business topics in Africa, please take a look at the latest edition of Business Chief EMEA. Follow Business Chief on LinkedIn and Twitter.

Originally published at https://africa.businesschief.com on April 1, 2020.