Issuu

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Market-leading investment into the future of DRC www.vodacom.cd

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Connecting People and

Vodacom has been creating opportunities in Congo for more than a decade; leveraging its influence as one of the world’s most renowned telecoms giants to enrich lives nationwide Writer: Matthew Staff Project Manager: Donovan Smith

ince launching its activities in Congo 13 years’ ago, Vodacom has gradually and increasingly realised its promise of saturating the entire country with its market-leading telecoms services, combining its unparalleled technological expertise with an arguably even more significant social influence on a national scale. Following its inception in May, 2002 the Vodacom Pty subsidiary has invested hundreds of millions of dollars in order to fulfil its aim of galvanising the levels of communication in the country, with the primary goal of making its full range of internationallyacclaimed products accessible to the entire Congolese population. Built upon its “connecting people, creating opportunities and changing lives” ethos, Vodacom’s network in the country now envelopes 1,000 cities and 500 villages, comprising a total of more than 12 million subscribers. The person entrusted with overseeing such an extensive

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influence is the newly appointed Managing Director (MD), Murielle Lorilloux, who has already signalled her intent to expand the Company’s network infrastructure on a business level, while continuing the positive influence that has been established nationwide. “Vodacom has heavily invested in telecommunication infrastructures and has positioned itself as a data-leading company by providing to all Congolese the possibility to communicate and experiment the great power of 3G internet via the undersea cable,” the new MD explains. “Vodacom Congo is a socially responsible corporate that is involved in social welfare, health and

education throughout Congo. It also has a privileged partnership with the Congolese government. “That’s why the company is committed to assisting the government to achieve its objectives.” Currently employing more than 1,500 permanent staff, and a further 25,000 indirectly, Vodacom’s position as market leader is firmly cemented, paving the way for the Company to focus on the ongoing marketing, education and unveiling of its trademark consumer services; comprising voice services, SMS messaging, 2G and 3G mobile internet, and its continent-famous M-Pesa mobile money solution.

Murielle Lorilloux Managing Director Since taking on the role as Managing Director of Vodacom Congo in the Autumn of 2014, Murielle Lorilloux has immediately signalled her intentions around the type of impact she expects a Company of this ilk to have. Progressing within a potentially lucrative and fastdeveloping Congolese market, Lorilloux has highlighted the levels of investments needed to not only extend its network across a wider national footprint, but to also fend off concerted competition from the other key operators in the country at present. Lorilloux has been with Vodacom Congo for two years in total, having previously held the position of Commercial Director, putting her in the ideal position to analyse the all-important market trends and subsequently produce a successful strategy to take the Company forward in the years to come.

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AFRICA IS

VOICING... www.instavoice.com Download the free App from

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or simply give a missed call to +27 21 300 2155 +233 507 910 433 +1 (518) 300 3361 to get an sms with the download link

Africa today expresses through Voice. InstaVoice速 gives everyone a voice. Mobile users can send and receive Voice SMS messages, see and respond to their Missed Calls and Voicemails in a simple and easy way, both from feature phones and smartphones. Used monthly by over 75 million people in 10 African countries, InstaVoice is now clocking over 1.4 billion calls per month and counting. For smartphones, InstaVoice is available as a free mobile app download from Google Play Store and Apple App Store. The download includes extensions for the Android Wear watches and for the Apple Watch. The InstaVoice app brings Missed Calls, Voice SMS and Voicemail in a single and engaging interface that is as cool as chatting.

InstaVoice CelebTM

Yvonne Nelson

Juliet Ibrahim

Deborah Vanessa

InstaVoice Celeb brings celebrities and fans closer. Over 150 celebrities use the unique voice micro blogging feature of InstaVoice to express their emotions and share their joyous moments in their own voice with millions of fans across Africa. The service is available on feature phones and on smartphones. InstaVoice速 is a trademark of Kirusa, registered in the US Patent and Trademark Office. InstaVoice CelebTM is a trademark of Kirusa.

Kirusa An interview with Dr. Inderpal Singh Mumick, Founder, Chairman & CEO of Kirusa

Why is Africa important to Kirusa? Africa is a continent with 1.1 billion people and an economy that is expected to double over the next 5 years to USD 2.6 trillion. Mobile technologies are a major driver for Africa’s economic growth. The number of mobile connections in Africa has grown rapidly to 800 million, the number of mobile broadband connections has grown to 160 million and are still growing at a torrid pace. It is projected that the number of mobile users will grow another 55% over the next 5 years.

It is indeed time for the African Lion to roar! Kirusa management and investors believe in the growth story of Africa and the business opportunity it presents for companies who can invest and build technologies suitable for Africa’s mobile market. And, that is what Kirusa is doing. What is InstaVoice? InstaVoice® is a service that provides Voice SMS, Voicemail and Missed Calls to mobile users on their existing mobile phones. In Africa, InstaVoice is offered in partnership with mobile carriers, on both feature phones (without an app download) and on smartphones. Using Kirusa’s patented technology, both feature phone and smartphone users can send and receive voice messages. Users send voice messages by dialing * followed by the number of the recipient, or by calling and leaving a voice message when the called person does not answer, or by pushing a button and speaking from within the smartphone app. For smartphone users, InstaVoice is available as a free mobile app download from Google Play Store and Apple App Store. It is the only app to provide Missed calls, Voicemail (even when the phone is not reachable or switched off), and Voice SMS, all in a chat like, user friendly interface. Users of Android Wear or Apple Watches can also see and reply to messages from their smart watches.

With its patented user interface and audio processing technology, InstaVoice today offers the best voicing experience available anywhere. Voicemail is an old service that had failed in Africa. How did Kirusa make InstaVoice a success? African consumers are cost conscious, and (free) missed calls are used in large numbers. In our estimate, one out of every two calls in Africa is a missed call. Earlier voicemail technology could not co-exist with missed calls. As an example, if a user selected voicemail, the calling party could not leave a free missed call. Instead the call would be answered immediately by voicemail, and the caller would be charged. There was an opportunity to change the economics for the mobile user, and Kirusa invented the technology that makes it possible to have voicemail co-exist with missed calls. This means that users can make (free) missed calls even if the called party has InstaVoice voicemail. The new, patented technology is a major driver behind adoption of InstaVoice in Africa. Does Kirusa have any patents? Kirusa thrives on a culture of innovation. We have filed many patents in USA and other regions around the world, including Africa. Kirusa owns patents in several mobile technologies that are core to our business, including Voice

SMS, InstaVoice, audio processing, and user interfaces. What is InstaVoice Celeb™? InstaVoice Celeb brings celebrities and fans closer. Using the unique voice micro blogging feature of InstaVoice, celebrities voice their emotions and share their joyous and challenging moments, allowing their fans to hear them, a better option than just reading their text messages on a blog or media outlet. These messages are delivered instantly to subscribed fans, creating a ‘Voice Twitter’ like experience. Over 150 leading celebrities are sharing their voice with millions of fans across Africa using InstaVoice Celeb. Prophet Joel Francis, who is revered by tens of millions in Central Africa, recently recounted an incident where a man came up to him at an event and said “I feel god is speaking to me personally every day”. What is InstaVoice Sports™? Africa has given birth to soccer legends like Abedi Pele and Kalusha Bwalya. Soccer is the most popular sports in Africa. InstaVoice Sports is a social media service from Kirusa that provides soccer fans with exclusive voice updates about the latest happenings with their favorite teams and players. Offered in partnership with goal.com,

InstaVoice Sports includes frequent updates such as team news, pre and post-match analysis, and quotes from team players and managers of European clubs such as Barcelona, Manchester United, and Chelsea. What are you doing with the Vodacom group in Africa? We are actively partnering with several carriers in the Vodafone/ Vodacom group across Africa. Kirusa is providing several mobile services, including InstaVoice Voicemail and Missed Calls, InstaVoice Celeb, InstaVoice Sports, and certain enterprise services in partnership with Vodafone/ Vodacom. In DRC, Vodacom and Kirusa have partnered to provide InstaVoice Celeb and Sports services. The services have been embraced by consumers, with the top Congolese celebrities already having close to half a million fans on InstaVoice Celeb. We expect to launch additional services in DRC as well.

www.kirusa.com www.instavoice.com

InstaVoice is a trademark of Kirusa, registered in the US Patent and Trademark Office. InstaVoice Celeb and InstaVoice Sports are trademarks of Kirusa.

DEVELOPMENT OF 5G SOLUTIONS ZTE proposed the pre5G concept that can deploy 5G on 4G terminals. Put simply, pre5G contains four elements: adopt 5G technologies; provide user experience (throughput and delay) that is far better than 4G and close to 5G; be available far earlier than 2020; and be deployed over existing air interfaces or even 4G terminals.

LARGEST PROVIDER OF LTE IN CHINA

Today, we are entering a new era for telecoms and IT, powered by rapid growth in mobility and cloud computing. Our M-ICT strategy will help us capture this opportunity, and drive new innovations in products & services.

4G LTE Rising revenue powered by demand for 4G LTE networks and smartphones ZTE has successfully deployed its 4G products in 70 percent of countries with LTE networks, with operators including Bharti, China Mobile, China Telecom, Hutchison, Telenor, TeliaSonera, Vodafone, and VimpelCom

www.zte.com.cn/en

CONTACT US E: zhu.xianqiu@zte.com.cn / gao.chao60@zte.com.cn T: +243 828281673 / +243 817183917 Adsress: R&D Building, ZTE Corporation Hi-tech Roal South, Hi-tech Industrial Park, Nanshan District, Shenzhen, P.R.Chian, 518057

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Continuous network expansions

Bridging its three core customer segments across the mass market, youth, and high value consumers, the need to be diverse and proactive in regards to technological innovation still remains significant despite the country’s relative immaturity surrounding some of the more niche offerings. The responsibility placed on Vodacom to therefore complement its products with a general enhancement of the national network has been paramount, and is something that Lorilloux is especially focused on improving further during her tenure. “Vodacom DRC has been investing systematically in infrastructure and equipment of the latest generation to improve our customer experience,” she says. “From a voice quality, data speed and coverage perspective, our network has been deployed in such a way that it reaches the most remote areas of the country in a way worthy for DRC’s telecoms market leader.” Prior to the Company’s 2014 unveiling of its ‘rural coverage system’ - a new, flexible technology which promises to bring improved coverage to the most remote areas of Congo - Vodacom had already invested $484 million into the country’s infrastructure.

Network expansion promises total network coverage across the nation by the end of 2015

$484 million Level of investment resulting in Vodacom’s 7,000 km fibre optic network

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Continuous network expansions are improving our geographical footprint far into the rural areas of our country as well as improving our network deep inside the buildings of urban and suburban areas

The result: more than 7,000 kilometres of fibre optic network laying the groundwork for an endof-2015 goal to achieve total network coverage across the nation. Lorilloux says: “Continuous network expansions are improving our geographical footprint far into the rural areas of our country as well as improving our network deep inside the buildings of urban and suburban areas. “Vodacom uses, to the maximum, all technologies covered by its different licenses; such as 2G+ (gsm, gprs, edge), 3G+ (hspda, umts), WiMax and WiMax Evolution, Point-to-Multi-Point solutions, fibre optic and satellite connectivity, and dedicated customtailored solutions for VIP and high-end corporate customers. “We have also successfully tested 4G technology (mobile LTE) and prepared our network through a single RAN solution to be 4G ready.” Keeping ahead of the industry curve, not just in Congo but on a continental scale, is something which Vodacom

ZTE Corporation Z

TE Corporation is a globally-leading provider of telecommunications equipment and network solutions. With operations in 160 countries, the company is a leader in technology innovation, delivering superior products and business solutions to clients all over the world. Founded in 1985, ZTE is listed on both the Hong Kong and Shenzhen Stock Exchanges and is China’s largest listed telecoms equipment company. Offering the industry’s most comprehensive product range and end-to-end solutions, ZTE delivers cutting-edge technology to telecommunications clients in wireless, access & bearer, value-added services, terminals, managed network services, and ICT solutions for enterprises and government agencies The company’s expertise and flexibility in these areas enables telecommunications operators and enterprises globally to achieve business objectives and attain increased competitiveness. ZTE’s technology is deployed by leading international operators and Fortune-500 enterprises globally. The company is the world’s fourth-largest handset maker, offering stylish and intelligent devices for consumers around the world. On 19 January 2015, ZTE issued guidance for full-year profit to increase 94.2%, with rising revenue powered by demand for 4G LTE network systems and smartphones. ZTE believes in technology innovation as a core value of the company, investing more than 10% of annual revenue in R&D. The company has established 18 state-of-the-art R&D centers in the China, France, India and employs over 30,000 research professionals. With 107 subsidiaries devoted to innovation

globally, ZTE was the world’s biggest originator of technology patents in each of the past two years, according to data from the World Intellectual Property Organization. As a member of the UN Global Compact, ZTE is committed to a vision of balanced, sustainable development in the social, environmental and economic arenas. Promoting freedom of communications around the world, the company has incorporated innovation, technological convergence and the concept of “going green” into the product life cycle. This includes R&D, production, logistics and customer service. The company also is committed to maximizing energy efficiency and minimizing the CO2 emissions Active in community programs, ZTE participated in relief efforts related to the 2004 tsunami in Indonesia, the 2008 earthquake in Sichuan, China, and the 2010 earthquake in Haiti. ZTE also established the ZTE Special Children Care Fund, the largest charity fund in China. Looking forward, ZTE will continue to shape the global telecommunications industry, working with our customers and partners to stay on top of shifts in technology, business models and market needs.

T +243 828281673 +243 817183917 E zhu.xianqiu@zte.com.cn gao.chao60@zte.com.cn www.zte.com.cn/en

GSM BUILDIND ANTENNA ENGINEERING (GBAE)

Specialists in technical services

INDUSTRIES: ADMINISTRATIVE

A G R I C U LT U R A L

LEGAL

ENVIRONMENTAL

Being a contractor company for VODACOM Congo, GBAE s.a.r.l have implemented for the last three years several works in the East part of the country and in both two states of Kasaï. These works include: - Comprehensive sites RCS facilities (Rural Coverage Sites) installation in several rural areas of the country in order to increase coverage of the Vodacom communication network. This is a project launched by Vodacom Congo to open up some rural areas of the Democratic Republic of Congo. - Civil Work & MW & GSM Installation of Vodacom sites and sharing, - Installations of VSAT sites, several microwave links in North and South Kivu, - Protective maintenance of RF and MW in Kasaï and Kivu, - Manufacturing and supplying gears for GSM and MW etc... As part of the territory development in Bandundu and Kikwit a city sanitation project is under study. Given that there is no garbage collection structure, GBAE is exploring ways and means for implementation of this important project.

SER VICES Installation of telecommunication equipment » GSM system, » MW System (beam Antenna) » V -SAT system » Assembly and dissociation of Tower Maintenance of equipment » RF System » MW System » Tower » Generators

Buying and Selling of telecommunications equipment » Telephone, Modem

NEW COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGIES

WATER RESOURCES

FACILITIES PLANNING

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as a brand has always prided itself on, and currently fits within a wider twoyear modernisation campaign being undertaken in the country. “During the campaign, all network elements have been upgraded to the latest generation of telecoms equipment available on the international markets,” Lorilloux continues. “This modernisation covered our access, transmission, core, signalling, billing, IT and back office equipment. We effectively put, at the service of our customers, one of the most modern networks globally available.”

HR Talent

While network optimisation and world-class telecoms services are the bread and butter of Vodacom and Vodafone subsidiaries the world over, the Company’s notoriety in Congo and most prominent feather in its cap stems from its role in the communities and its commitment to enriching the lives of the wider population. While this evidently comprises vast levels of corporate social responsibility initiatives outside of its technological domain, the enrichment process begins within the industry itself; addressing a core challenge engrained into the country.

Enriching the lives of the wider population

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HR Talent is part of the human resources department at Vodacom Congo and is mainly in charge of talent acquisition, talent integration in the company and their development throughout their professional lifecycle

Skills shortages have long been a bane of telecoms operators looking to reach international standards of working, but the Company has countered this through the development of its own HR Talent project. “HR Talent is part of the human resources department at Vodacom Congo and is mainly in charge of talent acquisition, talent integration in the company and their development throughout their professional lifecycle,” Lorilloux says. “In regards to talent acquisition, in order to ensure that Vodacom Congo always attracts the best talent, HR Talent oversees the implementation of different recruitment programmes. “Those programmes are mainly purported at maintaining a healthy talent pipeline and readily available pool.”

Skills shortages have long been a bane of telecoms operators

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The two programmes subsequently introduced have been the Motomolo Bursary Programme and its tailored Graduate Programme to ensure that the most talented individuals available are not only being identified but are being honed and refined over the course of their academic development to gear them up for the working world. The next stage addresses talent integration, as Lorilloux explains: “HR Talent activities around integration are summed into the orientation or induction programme for new staff in the company. This programme is currently organised once a month (HR induction) and once every six months (overall company induction) where possible.” The delivery of learning and training programmes across the education element of development

is then carried out in two formats; a structured basis as per the Company’s approved training plan, and an ad-hoc basis which is conducted more in line with dynamic industry demands. In regards to the former, the “training plan is compiled as per needs received from various departments yearly and delivered through a three-year period as per priorities determined by the Executive Committee”, Lorilloux notes. “The training needs are identified in each function according to performance dialogue principles and agreed upon with line management and staff. “An ad-hoc basis includes demands which rise outside training plans during the year. Those requests are dealt with through the formal submission of a duly approved training application form.”

HR Talent activities around integration are summed into the orientation or induction programme for new staff in the company. This programme is currently organised once a month (HR induction) and once every six months (overall company induction) where possible

MAGIC TOUCH

agic Touch is a local and affordable one-stop branding and digital printing service, offering the full package from design and production, right through to timely delivery of a quality finished product. Our eight years of experience in DRC’s printing industry places us in a leading position in the country, with one of the widest product ranges and in-house services available. This extensive product range includes stationary, mugs, plaques, USB flash drives, lanyards, bracelets, keyrings, uniforms, baseball caps and ties; all of which Magic Touch promises will get your business noticed, turning your ideas into a reality. Valuable clients include Vodacom DRC, who we closely liaise with to provide its corporate uniforms, amongst other products that require the Vodacom stamp. We believe our clients deserve only the best, so through our turnkey in-house services, we take away the hassle that is often associated with branding via our experienced sales and design teams. Equipped with state-of-the-art industrial machines, we are able to operate and source more than 90 percent of our materials locally and to international standards. Our printing services are supported by a fully qualified team of staff deployed throughout the value chain. Place your order now and join our substantial list of satisfied clients who reap the benefits of an exemplary design service and helpful staff; and enjoy a high quality finished product made to your specifications, delivered directly to your door. Make Magic Touch your number one digital printing choice in the DRC. T +243 995 893 383 E info@magictouch.cd

www.magictouch.cd www.magicrdc.com

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Tout produits à l’interne!

We supply branded uniforms and various other products to Vodacom.

Votre guichet unique pour les services d’impression numériques et image de marque. Make Magic Touch your number one digital printing choice in the DRC.

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T: +243 995 893 383 / +243 815 683 213 E: info@magictouch.cd / mtpub1@gmail.com www.magictouch.cd / www.magicrdc.com D.R.Congo / Kinshasa, LIMETE RESIDENTIEL 9eme Rue N0. 477 sur Petit Boulevard Lumumba

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Employer of Choice

Complementing Vodacom’s established talent development programmes are a series of more specific initiatives designed to develop tailored skills for individual departments within the Company. Incorporating facets such as leadership programmes, finance education, managerial and supervisory skills development, and universitysupporting bursary schemes; it is this dedication to formulating bespoke solutions to industry challenges which makes Vodacom an employer of choice within the sector and country. “We launched our Employer of Choice campaign last August in order to reinforce the image of Vodacom as such in the Congolese market,” Lorilloux says. “The campaign has an overall external objective to strengthen the image of Vodacom as the best employer in the local market and attract the best talent to work for our organisation. “We cannot achieve this objective without our own employees being ambassadors of that message externally.”

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We launched our Employer of Choice campaign last August in order to reinforce the image of Vodacom as such in the Congolese market. The campaign has an overall external objective to strengthen the image of Vodacom as the best employer in the local market and attract the best talent to work for our organisation

Mc Telecom is the leader in Telecommunication Solutions for both small businesses and large corporations. We are based in Kinshasha in the DRC Our staff and technicians expertise will help your business grow and thrive. Our partners are

MC Telecomâ€™s inhouse design

worldwide international Communication Companies

and development team to provide

that provide first class cost effective services

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your best needs. Our engineering

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team ensure end-to-end modular

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Our supply chain network across the globe, backed

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Tel: +243 997-870347 +243 815-024077 info@mctelecom.dr www.mctelecom.org

1060 Mpolo Av. Local M3 Gombe, Kinshasa DRC

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The campaign has consequently begun internally across two main focuses; improving efficiencies of key internal employee practices, and reinforcing the benefits attached to the “status of the employee”. By creating this positive atmosphere and development culture within the Company, the knock-on effect that has subsequently been seen across the DRC has been made all the more concerted, consistent and sustainable.

ALCATEL ONE TOUCH

What makes technology smart is what you can do with it rather than what it can do. That’s the simple philosophy that underpins ALCATEL ONETOUCH’s approach as it seeks to make mobile devices and the Internet fun, accessible and affordable to all.

Corporate social responsibility

At the heart of this positive culture created within the DRC is the Vodacom Foundation - the Company’s corporate social responsibility arm - and at the heart of the Foundation is the belief that Vodacom’s mobile communication technologies can address some of the most pressing humanitarian challenges in its operating countries. “Our responsibility is to utilise our mobile technologies’ innovative ways to mobilise social change and improve people’s lives,” Lorilloux emphasises.

LCATEL ONETOUCH: making mobile technology accessible and affordable to all

Vodacom’s mobile communication technologies can address some of the most pressing humanitarian challenges

ALERTE ROUGE Launched in May 2013, the Alerte Rouge campaign was initiated to support victims of repetitive wars in the DRC based in the refugee camp of Mugunga III, located in North Kivu. Congolese from all across the country and abroad were engaged to financially support the campaign via SMS and M-Pesa; raising money to buy mosquito nets, blankets, tents and food distributions in the camp.

Launched in May 2013, the Alerte Rouge campaign was initiated to support victims of repetitive wars in the DRC based in the refugee camp of Mugunga III, located in North Kivu

As part of TCL Communication, ALCATEL ONETOUCH forms part of a growing international company that designs, develops, and markets a range of mobile and Internet devices. TCL Communication is a public company listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange (2618.HK) and part of TCL Corporation one of the largest consumer electronics companies in the world. ALCATEL ONETOUCH is targeting Africa for growth because it believes that the market is hungry for cost-effective smartphones that offer high-end features. ALCATEL ONETOUCH aims to bring the latest mobile innovations to mass market consumers in a stylish package. They recognise that every smartphone user needs and deserves a device that offers good performance, beautiful aesthetics and rich functionality. The aim is to provide the ultimate tools for people to enjoy the life that they imagine. ALCATEL ONETOUCH delivers the best user experience across a wide range of products, ranging from feature phones to smartphones to tablets to mobile broadband, focusing on offering choice, variety and flexibility to customers throughout Africa.

www.alcatelonetouch.com

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Since then, Vodacom has also aided the area through the assistance of female domestic violence victims, the support of females who have undergone reconstruction surgery and a forthcoming commitment to Heal Africa through the contribution of collaborating partners also. An intense engagement is currently conducted to identify potential donors to support the latter. HUMANITARIAN FREE CALLING SERVICES As part of the Alert Rouge campaign, in 2013, a free calling service was also deployed in the refugee camp of Mugunga and each family was offered a five minute call per month. Vodacom Congo extended this free service in 2014 and will continue to offer the same service in 2015. More than 90,000 people were able to make a phone call and 50 percent of them were able to reconnect with their families.

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Vodacom has also aided the area through the assistance of female domestic violence victims, the support of females who have undergone reconstruction surgery

INSTANT CLASSROOM Since November 2013, Vodafone Foundation launched its tablet-based learning programme called Instant Classrrom in Goma, North Kivu. In partnership with Don Bosco School and Vodacom Congo, Vodafone built a learning mobile education centre within the school facility where 500 children from the refugee camp of Mugunga attend regularly that class apart from the regular Congolese scholar programmes. Vodafone Foundation has also announced the deployment of five additional schools in three refugee camps based in the equatorial region of the DRC.

Gare Centrale Avenue des Sénégalais Numéro 1 Gare Centrale Kinshasa / Gombe Gare Centrale

Avenue des Sénégalais Numéro 1

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TRANSTECH AFRICA GLOBAL

AG is the partner of choice for Africaâ€™s leading mobile providers helping create the most innovative cost-effective networks for rapid deployment of new services. The TAG team have since the inception for mobile communication applied ground breaking advanced concepts to complex telecommunication infrastructure projects, both on and off grid. TAG continues to evolve all technologies to roll out rapid deployment solutions in the power and telecoms environments including assisting the worldâ€™s leading mobile providers to create sustainable business in remote low ARPU regions. TAG is the first company worldwide to successfully rollout large scale ultra low (ULCS) cost rapid deployment solutions run only on solar and with no wet works. This has proved to be a groundbreaking revolution in thinking to service the underserviced areas in Africa and the world. Our technology has already won it first innovation award.

BALEFYRE The Refugees United partnership enables Congolese to reconnect with their family members and friends

REFUGEES UNITED PARTNERSHIP Vodacom Congo signed an agreement with the international NGO, Refugees United to enable Congolese to reconnect with their family members and friends. Refugees United has created a search engine accessible via SMS and internet services where people can register and look for loved ones separated by war or natural disasters. Regular SMS broadcast campaigns are conducted to raise awareness of the platform and to encourage people to subscribe and to use the platform especially in areas affected by the war. Thousands of Congolese have registered to the platform and hundreds have reconnected with their separated ones.

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B Refugees United has created a search engine accessible via SMS and internet services where people can register and look for loved ones separated by war or natural disasters

alefyre is a South African start-up borne out of a long history in telco-grade software development and suppliers of value added service solutions to leading mobile network operators such as Vodacom Congo. Keeping up with the rapidly changing market dynamics requires solutions that are future-proof. The patented USSDx solution enables the creation of a mobile app, utilising the existing USSD services. Balefyre provides a range of messaging solutions including rapid app creation, USSD gateway, SMSC and USSD based applications. T +27 11 475 4837 E support@balefyre.co.za

www.balefyre.co.za

The TAG Team embodies “the spirit of trust” in building long term partnerships with all our customers and supply chain partners to offer innovative power and telecom solutions. Those customers who have already dealt with the TAG Team understand our dedication to loyalty & going the extra mile. We embrace the continual technological development of all staff culminating in the following: · Latest Solutions · Quick response time and logistic preparedness · Competitive pricing · Skilled and dedicated staff · Willingness and ability to adapt

your source, by choice

TEAM TAG supplying “SERVICE EXCELLENCE”

www.tagsa.co.za E-mail: vossie@tagsa.co.za, sydney@tagsa.co.za Telephone: +27 11 318 8666

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The Company has successfully initiated the Computer Literacy Programme

COMPUTER LITERACY PROGRAMME Education is a key strategic pillar for the Vodacom Congo Foundation. Numerous initiatives have been implemented to improve the education sector of the DRC and to support the government efforts. The Company has similarly initiated a programme called the Computer Literacy Programme to give students in higher education the opportunities to become more familiar with computers. More than 100 computers were granted to the University of Kinshasa in partnership with the US embassy who provided access to a free virtual library. Vodacom Congo will implement a similar project this new fiscal year in Katanga.

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More than 100 computers were granted to the University of Kinshasa in partnership with the US embassy who provided access to a free virtual library. Vodacom Congo will implement a similar project this new fiscal year in Katanga

DIGITAL CANAL MEDIA BROADCAST CMB DIGI s.a.r.l IMMEUBLE BOTOUR 4eme NIVEAU C/GOMBE KINSHASA-DRC E: cmbdigi@yahoo.fr www.cmbdigi-tv.com

Leader of various

construction projects throughout Central Africa

Leans Projects Sprl

Tel: +243 815 326 671 +243 99 85 25 001 +243 89 52 77 787

Av du Commerce (Galerie du Commerce) c/gombe, Kinshasa, DRC E-mail: leansprojects@yahoo.fr

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BENCH DONATION PROGRAMME Over the past 10 years, the Vodacom Foundation has supported the education sector in the DRC through its bench donation programme to elementary and high schools across the country. The objective is to support government efforts to improve the school environment countrywide. 1,000 benches were distributed in Bascongo, South Kivu, Kasai and Kinshasa.

Youth segment

Identifying and displaying key differentiators in the telecoms market is something that all industry players must strive to achieve, and is something that Vodacom has succeeded in establishing across all parameters set out for a leading enterprise. Lorilloux states: “Vodacom has done phenomenally well in DRC, maintaining its positioning as the number one telecom brand by all indicators, despite the entry of new competitors such as Orange and Africel penetrating the market with lower rate offers.” This isn’t to say that there isn’t room for improvement though, with the Company identifying the youth segment as its next target for potential growth. “Recent studies highlight youths’ preference on competing brands as they are offered tariffs which address

The youth segment has been identified as Vodacom’s next target for potential growth

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Vodacom has done phenomenally well in DRC, maintaining its positioning as the number one telecom brand by all indicators, despite the entry of new competitors such as Orange and Africel penetrating the market with lower rate offers

their needs in terms of usage while clearing the key affordability barrier to staying connected with their loved ones and preferred activities.” Vodacom defines its youth segment as a group of users aged between 15 and 24, and is convinced that the segment is a potential growth driver since it accounts for more than half of the country’s population. The Company’s attentions have therefore turned towards leveraging the Vodacom brand and reputation to ensure it becomes the operator of choice amongst the youth segment also, via its Vodacom Planete Jeune (Vodacom Youth Universe) initiative. Lorilloux continues: “Vodacom wants to provide a platform of unlimited possibilities through this campaign where it is positioned as an enabler to enhance youth experience with dedicated youth propositions around products, tariff offers, sponsorship programmes, training and job opportunities.”

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METAL TOP ENGINEERING is a Congolese construction company specialising in meeting the challenges of Congolese entrepreneurship. Founded in 2002, MTE has completed several works in the field of general construction and in a very competitive environment, MTE has proven to be a dynamic and versatile company. The satisfaction of our customers remains our main priority.

MTE offers quality services at low cost and competitive prices including: • Construction Engineering • Maintenance and Rehabilitation Building • Metal Construction • Manufacturing and Installation Pylon • Equipment Connecting the GSM, • GSM Sites Maintenance • Air conditioning (Domestic and Industrial) • Waterproofing • Plumbing • Electrical Industrial Building • Solar Energy • Carpentry (Metal, Wood and Aluminum) • Interior and Exterior Landscaping • Installation Maintenance and Repair

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+243 99 99 35 000 +243 81 99 35 000 +234 89 99 35 000 +243 99 99 35 000 1458, Avenue Lukusa, Gombe, Kinshasa +243 89 99 35 000

Tel: +243 818 109851 +243 823538331 / +243 997724004 / +243 855279282 metal.top.engineering@gmail.com metal_top_engineering@yahoo.fr www.metaltopengineering.com

1458, Avenue Colonel Lukusa, Gombe, Kinshasa

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ABEER COOLING

AV. LUBEFU NO. 26, KINSHASA GOMBE PHONE: (+243)999935560 / (+243)818995577 EMAIL: ABEERCOOLING@GMAIL.COM

NOUS 2 has been a key partner of VODACOM DRC in the Kinshasa Optic Metro Ring Extension project.

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NOUS 2 CONSULTING & MARKET RESEARCH SARL, is a multisectorial group that provides services in DRC to Telecoms operators, to the public sector, to SMEs as well as larges enterprises. Our main activities are the following: • Set up and deployment of telecom networks infrastructure • Telecom Site Acquisitions (negotiations, building permits and right of way) • Site Surveys • Construction & development of GSM 2G / 3G / 4G Sites • Transmissions : Microwave – Optical Fiber (Installation & Maintenance) • Electrical installations • RF measurements • Civil Works (Towers, Shelters Cabinets (indoor and outdoor) • Building construction and renovation For more infomation please contact us: T 00243 822 150 001 E info@nousdeuxconsulting.com / nousdeux_consulting@yahoo.fr

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The Company’s JS8 campaign further compounds this commitment to improving offerings to this segment of the population, addressing tariff concerns specifically through dedicated offers and engagement programmes.

Best of the best

KPIs across the youth segment over the coming months and years incorporate awareness, emotion, performance, uniqueness, value, leadership and consideration; all facets which have become synonymous with Vodacom’s rise in the DRC over the past 13 years.

JS 8

mpaign with a JS8 is a generic ca tly linked to ec dir s set of attribute for the youth. ns Vodacom tariff pla pressions ex are s ute rib These att e the rib sc de t of attitudes tha Vodacom, as ich wh ’ ne zo ort mf ‘co ough any one an enabler, offers thr offerings d ate dic of its youth-de grammes: and engagement pro • On-net Calls • All-net Calls • SMS • Data • Social media les: triple • Integrated Bund ge advanta st of the Best, • Engagements: Be er-School Int m, co da Miss Vo I CS G, Challenge, M4

Addressing key performance indicators (KPIs) across the youth segment has been important to company growth

The Company’s notoriety has reached such an extent that it now breaches the entertainment domain via its Vodacom Best of the Best singing competition which is now one of the most successful shows in the history of Congolese television.

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Demonstrating yet another string to the Vodacom bow, the business is in a prime position to build upon this first decade of prominence as one of the most recognisable brands, across any sector, within the country. The pressure now lies in ensuring that the Company never loses sight of

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Electricool Best Systems the attributes that propelled Vodacom to such a commanding position in the first place; by being the best from a technological standpoint, and the most considerate in enriching the country at large. “The next generation will be living in a society dominated by technology in all aspects of their daily lives. This futuristic vision has already started today,” Lorilloux concludes. “Communications, telecommunications, internet and data access, etc. will all be indispensable in one’s daily routines. “Therefore, including such technologies and teaching our children how to deal with them is a moral and civic obligation.”

Email: ebsnzazi@hotmail.com Tel: 00243 999 901 685

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VODACOM CONGO Vodacom Corporate Park 3157, Boulevard du 30 Juin Mobil-Oil Building 2em Etage Kinshasa - Gombe Democratic Republic of Congo T: +243 81 313 1000 E: vodacom@vodacom.cd