MTN promotes local Apps

Mobile telecommunications giant, MTN Ghana, has launched a competition to promote information and communications technology programmes to develop mobile applications (Mobile Apps) relevant for use in Ghana.

Mobile Apps are software developed to work on smartphones and tablets, for use by individuals or organisations to improve their delivery and lifestyles.

For instance, a Mobile App can help users in the country to identify restaurants, give instantaneous weather reports, help productivity in the office, keep and manage time.

The MTN Mobile Applications Challenge, which will run from now till the end of September (six weeks), would enable apps developers resident in Ghana to submit mobile software for use at the MTN Apps Store.

The telecom company would reward five successful Mobile Apps and the first winner will receive a prize of GH¢10,000 to help them to defray their development costs. The winner will also take home data devices and will be sponsored to attend an all-expense paid telecom conference abroad.

MTN would also make available the Apps on their platform and share the revenue that accrues from usage with the developers.

The challenge follows a hint given by the Managing Director of MTN Ghana, Mr Michael Ikpoki, during the 7th MTN Executive Breakfast on the theme: “The Mobile App Revolution: How Ghanaian businesses can take advantage.”

Speakers and experts at the forum challenged mobile operators and application developers to liaise with each other to design products that will be of benefit to the two entities.

Speaking at the launch of the MTN Mobile Apps Challenge in Accra, the Chief marketing Officer of MTN, Mr Eric Nsaako,  said, “the MTN Apps Challenge is a challenge that seeks to generate relevant local applications for our stakeholders.”

He added that the challenge created another opportunity for MTN to engage local developers to provide unique, relevant and user-friendly apps that would be relevant for local users in Africa and Ghana.

The Ghana apps challenge is the local version of what the MTN Group launched to solicit quality apps for android mobile applications from Africa.

He said although there was smartphone penetration in the country with apps, some of the software did not meet local taste and preferences, thus creating an opportunity for MTN to close the gap.

While Ghana’s mobile subscription is at its peak level, data usage (Internet penetration) is still at its growth level, thus creating demand for apps.