- The partnership themed the “Bright Innovation Incubator” aims to stimulate innovation in Financial Technology (FinTech).
Mbabane: The Royal Science and Technology Park (RSTP) and MTN Eswatini have partnered to launch an incubator programme worth E200 000.
The partnership themed the “Bright Innovation Incubator” aims to stimulate innovation in Financial Technology (FinTech).
The partnership was launched at the MTN Golf Park on Wednesday, and was marked by the signing of partnership agreements by MTN Chief Executive Officer Wandile Mtshali and RSTP Chief Executive Officer Vumile Dlamini.
Announcing the E200 000 cash injection from MTN, FinTech Chief Operations Officer (COO) Sam Shongwe said the sponsorship package will cover technical support, marketing support and Invention and Innovators awards to innovators.
The incubator program will enable developers and programmers to get free access to MTN Mobile Money as well as to create products that ease payments options which should simplify payment and process as distant customers will have access to the different products and services that are on the Mobile Money platforms.
Through the launch, Shongwe said as MTN they want the public to be aware of available opportunities for innovators and how they can tap into the MTN Mobile Money market.
Making his remarks, the Principal Secretary (PS) in the Ministry of Information Communication Technology (ICT) Maxwell Masuku who was representing the Minister of ICT Princess Sikhanyiso, said as the ministry they acknowledge and are grateful to MTN Eswatini for their contribution to ICT innovation, job creation, economic growth and community building in various locations in Eswatini.
Masuku said as per the plan RSTP is expected to nurture the FinTech start-ups to survive and grow through the early and vulnerable stages of the business cycle. He said these start-ups will generate jobs, increase locally made solutions and contribute to the economy of the country.
Meanwhile MTN Eswatini CEO Wandile Mtshali highlighted that they were very happy to partner with RSTP to stimulate innovation in Financial Technology. He said through the partnership they hope to stimulate the development of start-ups and the use Mobile Money as tool that promotes Financial Inclusion.
Mtshali also urged young people to take advantage of the opportunities that are being availed through the programme. He said the opportunities are huge as MTN Mobile Money was also looking for innovators who will develop applications for taxes on subscriber’s phones.
He said young graduates should make use of the opportunity and approach RSTP to get to know how they can be part of the programme.
