MTN Foundation Press Release

MTN Centre Nyarutarama: MTN Rwanda announced the formation of the MTN Foundation.
The MTN Foundation is the vehicle through which MTN implements its Corporate Social Responsibility programme. The Foundation was created with a focus on giving back to society and "Impacting the quality of lives in our communities" in a meaningful way. We are passionate about our vision to positively impact lives in our communities therefore we intervene through projects in 3 key areas, namely;
a. Education,
b. Economic Empowerment and
c. Health.
By focusing our efforts on these 3 key areas, we are able to concentrate on basic needs and design projects that empower people, are sustainable and have maximum impact.
MTN Foundation distinguishes itself from many others in a number of respects:
Firstly, it confines itself to specific areas on engagement, to which it channels its funds and endeavours to develop programmes which are meaningful and sustainable. In other words, The Foundation was not set up to distribute ad-hoc donations, and court the attendant publicity. The decision to concentrate on the areas of health, education and economic empowerment was based on output from a series of highly interactive sessions with NGO's, private and public sector leaders as well as community based organizations.
Secondly, the Foundation is in a truly unique position to give back to society on a sustainable basis. It enjoys 100% funding from MTN Rwanda, which gives it up to 1 percent of its post tax profits and covers all its overhead expenses including staffing, accommodation, travel, publicity and all expenses necessary to operate. Therefore, every franc entering its coffers are put towards sustainable projects.
Thirdly, the Foundation carries out its work in partnership with Government, its agencies, and credible local and international development partners. This strategy ensures that the Foundation can leverage on the skills and expertise of existing agencies, which means that it can deploy its resources more efficiently, and to areas of real need.
Fourthly, the Foundation and its work is a manifestation of an ethos, which draws its inspiration from its predecessor, which was established in South Africa by the MTN Group in 2001. Aside from the clear benefit of access to its predecessor's experience, it stands to reason that the Foundation will remain true to the deep-seated vision that gave birth to it.
The Foundation will be managed by a board of eminent Rwandans chaired by Mr. Alphonse Byusa.
The Launch was presided over by Hon Minister of Local Government Mr. James Musoni who said ‘…We look forward to working with the MTN foundation to the realisation of our common vision to better the lives of our people…In working towards this goal, you have my commitment to provide the foundation with any support that may be required in ensuring any investment made is effective and efficiently utilised…’
The Chairman of MTN John Milenge presented a ceremonial cheque to the Minister as a symbol of MTN’s commitment to funding the Foundation.