Mobileworld takes African telecom awards to UK

The organizers of the Mobile World Africa Telecom Awards (MWATA) has explained why the maiden edition of the award would be held in the United Kingdom (UK) in October this year.

Unveiling the Mobile World Africa Telecom Awards to the media in Lagos, the Group publisher of UK-based, Mobile World magazine, Mr. Akin Naphtal, noted that though the focus is on African market, but the investors are coming outside Africa.

According to him, the Mobile World organization which commenced operation in 2005, felt it is now time to decorate contributors of the growth being witnessed on the continent with awards.

“After operating for about four years we felt it is vital to organize these awards to encourage those operators in our land,” he said.

Akin also noted that most investors in Africa are foreigners, apart from this, “we want to create an opportunity for more investment and networking.”

He stressed that they seek to recognize all those who have assisted Africa thus far.

“It is an encouragement for stakeholders in order to sustain the development,” he declared, stressing that 90 per cent of investments in Africa come from beyond the continent.

Pointing out that the kind of fund required for telecommunications development cannot be accessed in Africa, and this is apparently based on business ideals.

The ceremony, he said, would give a boost to these foreigners who have fallen in love with Africa and who are looking for opportunities to see that opportunities brought nearer to their door steps.

The 19-category awards, he said, would be presented to the deserving industry players at the Royal Lancaster Hotel, Hyde Park London, on October 28, 2009.

He listed some of the categories to include the African Fixed Line Operator of the year, African ISP of the year, African Mobile Operator of the year, African Vendor of the year, North, West, East and Southern African Mobile Operator of the year respectively.

In addition, he said, there would be African Regulator of the year, African Phone of the year, Value Added Services company of the year, Best Mobile Money service, African mobile content provider, Africa Telecom brand, Financing bank, infrastructure company, rural development, socially responsible telecom operator and MobileWorld Lifetime Achievement award.

Further, he said that participants from Africa attending the event would receive discounts for hotel accommodation and airfare among other benefits, just as four notable industry professionals would play the role of panel of judges for the choice of candidates.

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