ZANTEL COMMITS TO EMPOWER WOMEN BY USING MOBILE FINANCIAL SERVICE

Zantel Chief Executive Officer, Benoit Janin (in a black Tshirt), speaks to Zantel Sales Executives during the event.

Zantel Chief Executive Officer, Benoit Janin (in a black Tshirt), speaks to Zantel Sales Executives during the event.

Dar es Salaam, July 27, 2016: Zanzibar’s leading mobile operator, Zantel, has announced its commitments to economically empower women by using Mobile Financial service.

By closing the mobile gender gap, women will ultimately have more economic and social opportunities on how they conduct their lives.

The commitments were made by Zantel’s Chief Executive Officer, Benoit Janin during the Mobile 360 - Africa Conference, taking place at the Julius Nyerere International Convention Centre in Dar es Salaam.

‘We at Zantel understand that by closing the mobile gender gap will create economic opportunities for women and we are able to generate growth and advancement for the communities that surround us’ said Mr Janin.

Zantel have also committed to grow the women percentage of its active base using Ezypesa from the current 27% to 40% by 2020.

‘Zantel already has projects that are underway with various women groups such as Nia ni Umoja in Pemba and Association of Seaweed Farmers in Unguja. Our intention is to train over 2000 women on the use of Ezypesa’ said Mr Janin.

Mr Janin also said in its bid to unlock potential women and other underserved groups, Zantel has doubled its reach. In the mainland it covers 80% of the population, while in Zanzibar, Zantel has the widest network.

‘In Zanzibar for instance, where Zantel has almost 70% market share, we will be partnering with Zanzibar Social Security Fund (ZSSF). This is to ensure that its members, of which 60% are women, contribute their donations through Ezypesa’.

Benoit also urged stakeholders and operators to work together in ensuring end users benefit from Mobile Financial Services. He also pointed out the critical role mobile communications plays in the social and national development.

‘Operators and stakeholders should work together to ensure barriers such as access to Internet, connectivity, digital literacy are resolved’ said Mr Janin.