In a significant high-level meeting, Sunil Taldar, the Group CEO of Airtel Africa, met with the Governor of the Bank of Uganda, Dr. Michael Atingi-Ego, along with the leadership of Airtel Uganda, led by the Managing Director, Soumendra Sahu, and the Airtel Money MD, Japhet Aritho.
The meeting underscored Airtel’s commitment to Uganda and its role in fostering a robust digital economy, with discussions centering on investment, innovation, and policy frameworks that will propel the nation’s economic growth.
During the meeting held at the Governor’s office, Mr. Taldar commended the Bank of Uganda for its exemplary work in maintaining a stable macroeconomic and regulatory environment. This stability, he noted, has been instrumental in enabling the rapid growth of digital payments and financial inclusion across the country. He pointed out that a predictable and supportive regulatory landscape is crucial for private sector players like Airtel to invest with confidence, knowing their contributions will thrive in a well-managed ecosystem.
The Governor, in turn, recognised the significant impact of Airtel Money on the national economy, acknowledging its crucial role in providing essential financial services to millions of unbanked and under-banked Ugandans.
Airtel’s contribution to Uganda’s economic growth goes beyond simply providing a service. The company’s commitment to continued investment in its network, people, and innovation is a direct driver of national economic expansion.
By expanding its network, Airtel bridges the digital divide, enabling e-commerce, remote work, and digital learning for businesses and communities, from urban centers to rural areas. This increased connectivity facilitates market access for small businesses and farmers, integrating them into the formal economy.
Furthermore, innovations like the Spam Alert Service, which blocks over 40 million spam messages each month, are crucial. By tackling fraud and protecting consumers with such services, Airtel Uganda builds trust in the digital ecosystem, encouraging more Ugandans to engage in digital transactions and services. This growing confidence fuels the digital economy, increases transaction volumes, and stimulates economic activity at a grassroots level.
In addition, by investing in its people, Airtel also contributes to building a skilled workforce that is essential for a thriving digital economy.
A key appeal from Airtel during the meeting was for a review of taxes on mobile money services. Mr. Taldar argued that by making these services more affordable, the government can further accelerate financial inclusion and empower more citizens to participate in the digital economy.
Governor Atingi-Ego acknowledged this appeal and encouraged deeper collaboration within the industry on critical issues like consumer education, fraud prevention, and affordability. He noted that this recognition of shared responsibility between the private and public sectors underscores a unified vision for a more inclusive, secure, and prosperous digital future for Uganda.
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