Mascom’s headquarters in Gaborone.

Mobile use drives telecoms sector
With a 70 per cent share in the mobile market, Mascom is Botswana’s main service provider and an industry innovator

Holding 70 per cent of Botswana’s broadband telecommunications market, Mascom Wireless leads the sector by confronting every challenge with a modern approach. The company started when Portugal Telecom took over an existing licence, which they then turned over to Mascom in 1993 and which is currently owned by Batswana and Econet Wireless Zimbabwe. In a relatively small market where matters such as geography and demographics can hinder success, Mascom have nevertheless managed to acquire a majority share.

	José Ferreira CEO of Mascom
	‘Our partnership with VISA set a benchmark for industry standards worldwide’

This achievement is the result of constant innovation that has allowed Mascom to stay one step ahead of their competitors. In 1998 they introduced a prepaid mobile service, revolutionising their modest market presence and augmenting their business by around 96 per cent. It was a huge success and good preparation for their next step: a partnership with VISA. In 2004 they began working with the company on a mobile payment system. According to José Ferreira, CEO of Mascom, although they didn’t have to “reinvent the wheel” they were able to set the standard for such an undertaking. “The beauty of this agreement was that we succeeded from the banking industry’s point of view; to implement a standard solution that can be applied all over the world.” The company plans to build upon this foundation as they explore the possibilities of mobile balance inquiries, technology which will cement Mascom's place at the head of the race.

Mascom has also focused on expansion through social projects. They see the population as an integral part of their business and have funded tests to discover the impact HIV/AIDS has had on their workforce, and to provide them with the necessary care.