MTNF Aids Rural Telephone via GBF, IFC, Others

MTN Foundation (MTNF) has yet again thrown its weight behind the Rural Telephone Project (RTP), a brain child of Growing Businesses Foundation (GBF), which was put together to provide sustainable means of livelihood for rural women through the provision of telecommunication services.
The roll out of RTP for 3,000 entrepreneurs across 30 states in Nigeria, MTN says, will serve as a catalyst for telephony services in the rural area which would facilitate poverty eradication and wealth creation.
Speaking at a press conference in Lagos to announce the commencement of the initiative, Nonny Nduka-Eze, executive secretary, MTNF, said that the loans provided for the 3,000 entrepreneurs will be administered by micro-finance institutions through GBF, and these will be in form of phones, antennae, solar chargers, SIM cards and recharge cards.
She informed that MTNF will also provide other tools of trade such as MTN branded parasol umbrellas, banners, money pouches, tables and chairs, at no cost; in addition to providing a special tariff for the entrepreneurs to ensure that they offer competitive services.
Ndidi Nnoli-Edozien, president of GBF informed that since the launch of RTP in April 2002 with only 5 beneficiaries in Enugu, it has grown in leaps and bounds, empowering over 1,500 rural entrepreneurs across 20 states and the FCT, today.
Citing Ogene Multipurpose Cooperative Society as a success story, she said the cooperative was set up by the first set of RTP women, who are now employers, having built a recognized microfinance institution.
RTP has over time created wealth for the phone ladies who now have increased opportunities and can cater for themselves. It has also enhanced productivity in rural communities due to access to telecommunications services, bringing rural dwellers into the “global village.”
GBF is the implementing partner, International Finance Corporation (IFC) offers technical assistance, while Ogene Multipurpose Cooperative Society, Self Reliance Economic Advancement Programme (SEAP) and Development Exchange Centre (DEC) are the MFI partners for the Rural Telephone Project.
MTNF has committed N300 million to RTP in the last 4 years.