Lobamba, Eswatini: MTN Eswatini, the leading telecommunications provider in the Kingdom, announced its readiness to partner with Uganda’s electric bus manufacturer, Kiira Motors Corporation (KMC), to champion sustainable mobility and digital innovation in Eswatini and beyond. This announcement was made during a high-level engagement held last Saturday at the Happy Valley Hotel in the capital, Lobamba.
Jerry J. Soko, the Acting CEO of MTN Eswatini, described the partnership as an opportunity for MTN Eswatini to extend its commitment to sustainability and innovation.
“For long, Africa has been on the receiving end of technology. We see this expedition as proof that Africa is now leading the development of its own solutions. Together, we can harness the power of digital connectivity and electric mobility to not only enhance transportation efficiency but also drive economic growth in a sustainable manner,” Soko said.
To support the growth of e-mobility, MTN Eswatini will provide comprehensive digital and connectivity solutions for every Kayoola EV Coach sold in the country.
Speaking on behalf of the King of Eswatini, His Majesty King Mswati III, Tholani Mkhaliphi, the Principal Secretary in the Ministry of Public Works and Transport, expressed the King’s support for Kiira Motors Corporation and the Kingdom’s readiness to embrace e-mobility.
“Our King endorsed Kiira Motors Corporation following his visit to Uganda last year. We welcome you to Eswatini and hope our relationship will bear fruit,” Mkhaliphi said.
Building on the trailblazing electric expedition initiated by MTN Uganda alongside the Science, Technology and Innovation Secretariat under the Office of the President (STI-OP), Eswatini recognizes the critical importance of collaborating with African enterprises that prioritize sustainable technologies.
According to Catherine Muwumuza, the Superintendent of Support Services at the Ministry of Science and Technology, the collaboration with KMC will position MTN Eswatini as a key player in advocating for sustainable e-mobility solutions.
The integration of robust Internet of Things (IoT) solutions will enhance fleet management and performance tracking, underscoring MTN Eswatini’s commitment to driving technological advancement while prioritizing environmental impact.
KMC’s Legal Head, Elias Bwambale, who is also in charge of the expedition, hailed MTN Eswatini’s enthusiasm.
“Just as the Kiira Electric Coach stands as a testament to African ingenuity, our partnership will showcase the capabilities of Eswatini in adopting innovative solutions for a greener future,” Bwambale said.
The engagement was graced by key delegates from the Eswatini Kingdom, a Ugandan delegation led by Uganda’s Ambassador to South Africa, Paul Amoru, as well as partners from MTN, KMC, and STI. The meeting followed the arrival of the African electric expedition team in Eswatini last Friday.
As the dedicated connectivity partner and sponsor of the expedition, MTN is the crucial digital engine behind this 13,000+ kilometre journey, ensuring that the expedition team remains safe, traceable, and in constant communication with mission control, media, and family.
“We are enabling the safety and success of this mission, just as we enable millions of customers and thousands of businesses every day,” said Ibrahim Senyonga, the MTN Uganda GM Enterprise Business Unit, reaffirming MTN’s commitment to providing leading solutions for Africa’s progress, including scalable solutions beyond communication and connectivity for the transport sector.
MTN Eswatini invites stakeholders, government entities, and the public to support sustainable initiatives that pave the way for a cleaner, greener economy. This partnership with Kiira Motors Corporation symbolizes MTN’s unwavering dedication to innovation, sustainability, and the development of Africa’s promising future.
