MTN maps out strategy for software growth in Nigeria

As part of its contribution towards turning the software industry into gold mine for young developers in the country, MTN would be partnering with developers in a relationship that would give boost to the industry.In that regard, the mobile operator held a forum, called Ideas Forum, with local applications developers including representative from Google, Nokia, Samsung and other stakeholders in the application industry.The initiative, according to the Chief Marketing Officer for MTN, Mr. Bola Akingbade, designed out of its determination to grow an ecosystem of web developers, and provide a veritable platform for them to become millionaires.In the plan, MTN would be bringing together mobile applications developers together to create a platform of wealth for them in a planed ecosystem.Akingbade said that through the partnership, it hoped to connect partner with application developers, and provide a platform for them to excel in application development saying that there is a growing trend of application development across the world.He disclosed that applications have emerged as a fundamental driver of enabling lifestyle and productivity as consumers want to access relevant content from PCs, laptops, phones and even in-car systems.'Research has indicated that there is a yearning for relevant local and international mobile applications from an application store that guarantees ease of access. Apps create an exciting and elevating feeling of unconstrained sense of belongingness and being in touch with the world', he explained.He added: 'The Ideas Forum is envisaged to provide useful insight to guide the positioning of the MTN App store initiative and also enhance the brand equity by reinforcing the MTN brand promise of enriching the lives of its teeming customers.'It is focused on building a committed and vibrant community of local developers, provide a platform for ideas generation and innovation and assist local developers to monetise their skills and together, deliver life enriching applications for customers'.While giving an overview of the market perspective on mobile applications, an official of MTN, Mr. Olubayo Adekanmi, noted that mobile application websites have great relevance to human capacity development and nation building.Adekanmi, who urged developers to take hold of the opportunity that the scheme is providing to grow the industry, said that MTN would soon commence the MTN mobile application developers' competition for them to exhibit their works.According to him, the event would attract huge financial benefits for those who will emerge winners at the competition that would be hinged on relevance and sustainability of the ecosystem.
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