Release: MTN and Aleph Group partner to break new ground for local advertising opportunities

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Johannesburg, South Africa - 15 October 2024 - MTN’s Digital Services, the advertising arm of Africa's largest mobile operator, has appointed Aleph Group, as their sales partner for their go-to-market MTN Ads solution. 

This strategic partnership will enable advertisers to leverage MTN’s vast first party data to enable precise audience targeting, while tapping into core telco channels like SMS and platforms like Ayoba, an all-in-one super app developed by the MTN Group.

“It's a unique proposition in the market; one that incorporates our device-agnostic, data-free and rewards solutions. This combination enables businesses to drive immediate engagement regardless of content or user journey, with measurable attribution,” said Jason Probert, General Manager: Digital Services at MTN South Africa. 

With access to MTN’s extensive user base of over 38 million subscribers in South Africa, these advertising solutions provide an excellent opportunity to reach a vast audience across all demographics and device types. 

"We are thrilled to pioneer the MTN Ads solution and continue to contribute to the growth of South Africa's digital advertising ecosystem," said Stephen A. Newton, Managing Director of Sub-Saharan Africa at Aleph Group.

"MTN's vast network and rich data insights, combined with Aleph's expertise in digital advertising, will empower businesses to connect with their target audiences in a more meaningful and effective way, helping to accelerate the transfer from offline to online GDP."

As an official sales partner, Aleph Group will provide a team of experts to collaborate with brands and advertising agencies to develop and execute advertising solutions across MTN's various platforms, including SMS, Rich Business Messaging (RBM), mobile display, and in-app advertising.

"In today's challenging economic climate, businesses are seeking a greater return on advertising spend (ROAS). We believe this partnership will enable businesses to unlock the full potential of digital advertising in South Africa,” added Newton. 

South Africa’s ad spend is projected to reach R40.95 billion by the end of the year, with digital advertising driving much of this growth because of increased urbanisation and mobile network expansion. Furthermore, internet advertising is anticipated to reach R32.77 billion by 2027. 

38% of South African respondents to a recent Aleph survey claimed that they learn about new products via ads that play before online videos they’re watching, highlighting the importance of digital and internet advertising. By 2029, nearly half of total spending will come from digital channels, with mobile advertising accounting for 74% of digital ad spending by 2028. 

This partnership allows MTN and Aleph to capitalise on this shift, empowering brands to reach audiences through impactful, data-driven campaigns. Leveraging telco unique solutions, including zero rating for users and device agnostic solutions, advertisers can now reach all audiences across the digital funnel journey. 

Nigeria abandon 2-Time AFCON winner, eye move for former England manager to replace Finidi George

Finidi George's departure has left the Super Eagles with a huge vacancy that could be filled by a former England manager.

The Super Eagles of Nigeria’s search for a new manager has led them to former England boss Steve McClaren. Currently working as Erik ten Hag's number two at Manchester United, McClaren is now reportedly a contender to replace the departed Finidi George, who left the role in June.

Nigeria consider McClaren for vacant job.

 According to TalkSPORT, McClaren has been spoken to about the vacant role after Finidi’s June resignation but faces competition for the job from other candidates for the job.

By Ayoola Kelechi.

Full story at Pulse NG.

Pubs can open late in England and Wales for Euro 2024 final

Pubs can stay open until 1am on the day of the
Euro 2024 final between England and Spain
(Image: Bradley Collyer/Lynne Cameron/PA Wire)

Pubs will be allowed to extend their opening hours on Sunday (July 14) with England set to take on Spain in the Euro 2024 final.

Venues in England and Wales will be allowed to stay open an extra two hours, until 1am, on the day of the match.

Before the 2024 General Election, the Government approved late-night hours at pubs if England or Scotland were to reach the Euros semi-finals or final.

Home Secretary at the time James Cleverly said: “We have listened to the public through our consultation and will be extending pub licensing hours should England or Scotland reach the semi-finals or final of Euro 2024.”

By Carlo Simone.

Full story at Yahoo News.

How mentorship can make entrepreneurs do more.

The road to success for entrepreneurs is not the same and is most likely difficult. I am keen on trying to make something out of nothing depending on the given opportunity and the ideation process one needs to follow.

I am trying to be what I am destined to be. I know, I know and the very thing I know; I will never forget. I know where those silicon valley's companies make their money from. As a dice is cast, you await its outcome but is a pity if you don't learn the rope your case will end up like "the more you look; the less you understand." 

Hence, I refer to mentorship as the lifejacket of every entrepreneur. 

With so much love for Tony Elumelu and respect to Tony Elumelu Foundation; I officially turned down the invitation to mentor this year. 

In my email to Moyo Awotile; " I am not in a good space for that now. I promise to be ready next time. All the best with all the entrepreneurs."

By Olagunju, Success Taiwo.

Israel Adesanya blasts Dricus du Plessis on discrediting Usman and Ngannou's African status

According to Israel Adesanya, his fight with Dricus Du Plessis at UFC 305 is a statement after the South African discrediting Kamaru Usman and Francis Ngannou's African status.

Nigerian UFC fighter Israel Adesanya has discovered peace when playing barefoot golf, yet he gets hot under the collar just by talking about middleweight champion Dricus du Plessis.

On August 18, Adesanya and du Plessis will square off for the middleweight title at Perth's RAC Arena.

Israel Adesanya gets back up for Dricus Du Plessis fight

The two are sworn enemies, with Adesanya still incensed over past remarks made by du Plessis, in which the South African stated that he aspired to be the "first real African champ".

By Tosin Abayomi.

Full story at Pulse NG.

End of an era as 'disappointed' Murray withdraws from Wimbledon singles

All over: Andy Murray on his way to a
training session at Wimbledon (Glyn KIRK)

Two-time champion Andy Murray called time on his Wimbledon singles career on Tuesday after the "extremely disappointed" former world number one lost his battle to recover from back surgery. 

However, the 37-year-old, who plans to retire after the Paris Olympics, will still experience an emotional farewell at the All England Club when he plays doubles with brother Jamie later in the tournament.

 Murray underwent surgery to remove a cyst from his back last month, a procedure he described as "not insignificant".

By Dave James.

Full story at Yahoo News.