As part of its business skills training programme, MTN Business has completed its first round of regional trainings with a session for SMEs in the Central region that took place at Kampala Sheraton Hotel on 18th July 2014. The programme, which has been running for the past three years, is intended to pass on relevant and practical business skills that will help Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) grow their businesses.
The training, which followed similar sessions in the Northern, Western and Eastern Regions over the past eight months, attracted 100 participants from the areas of Kampala, Mukono, Wakiso and Entebbe, and was carried out in partnership with Summit Consulting Limited. The participants received training in internal controls,working capital management,value creation and preservation, business taxation and using the internet to grow their businesses.
Speaking at the close of the training, Hon. Amelia Kyambadde, Minister for Trade, Industry and Cooperatives appreciated MTN Business for the unmatched initiative it has committed itself to and applauded the team for the great work they have done in passing on essential business skills to SMEs in Uganda.
“SMEs are a backbone to any economic development because all big enterprises start small. The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Cooperatives is fully braced to support this sector to see that Uganda shines economically. I want to encourage MTN to continue with this programme, so as to avail this knowledge to as many small business owners as possible”, added Hon Kyambadde.
Reiterating MTN’s interest in SMEs, the Ag. Senior Manager, Enterprise, Mr Steven Kirenga said, “Over the years, there has been a phenomenal growth in the SME segment, making it a cornerstone of Uganda’s economic growth. The successful implementation of this training program in the past three years has encouraged us to continue supporting the SME business segment, so as to support the economic development of our country”.
Explaining the selection criteria of the participants, MTN Business General Manager- Mr Reginald Kafeero said the participants were asked to apply for the training, and thereafter vetted through the Summit Consulting team as to whether they are indeed a registered and progressively growing business and stand to gain from the training.
Kafeero said MTN Business has initiated a number of products and services aimed at introducing SMEs to new ways of doing business. He highlighted the recently launched IP Multimedia Services as one of the offerings that is increasingly becoming popular with the business community, as a means to ensure more efficient and cost effective business communications.
The evening cocktail held at the close of the training provided opportunity for interaction and networking between the participants and representatives from MTN Business, and other MTN Business corporate and SME customers.