Social Programs at Roshan, Afghanistan
http://www.roshan.af/web/?page_id=87
Roshan - Not just a cell phone company
-
Guest
Cell-phone company donates $22,000 to ASCIANA
Roshan donates $22,000 to Asciana
KABUL, May 22 (Pajhwok Afghan News): A private cell phone company has donated $22,000 ASCIANA Centre on Monday.
Altaf Ladak of the Roshan cell phone company handed over cheque for the amount to ASCIANA director engineer Yusuf.
Speaking on the occasion, Ladak urged the need for an enhanced role of the corporate entities in the socio-economic development of the society. He said Roshan was an example of that. Its corporate social responsibilities are guided by altruism and a genuine concern to make a difference for the marginalised groups of the community.
Roshan has a fund-raising programme focused on education of children. Each employee participating in the programme has to sponsor a child in education.
An amount of $11,000 has so far been raised by the employees and an equal amount was contributed by Roshan raising the total fund to $22,000, which is presented to ASCIANA today, he informed.
ASCIANA'S director engineer Yusuf told Pajhwok Afghan News about 4,700 children were getting education at its centre in Kabul. ASCIANA have similar schools in other parts of the country like Herat, Mazar-i-Sharif and Parwan. He said their aim was to provide informal education to street children.
Syed Anwer
dk
http://www.pajhwak.com/viewstory.asp?lng=eng&id=18506
KABUL, May 22 (Pajhwok Afghan News): A private cell phone company has donated $22,000 ASCIANA Centre on Monday.
Altaf Ladak of the Roshan cell phone company handed over cheque for the amount to ASCIANA director engineer Yusuf.
Speaking on the occasion, Ladak urged the need for an enhanced role of the corporate entities in the socio-economic development of the society. He said Roshan was an example of that. Its corporate social responsibilities are guided by altruism and a genuine concern to make a difference for the marginalised groups of the community.
Roshan has a fund-raising programme focused on education of children. Each employee participating in the programme has to sponsor a child in education.
An amount of $11,000 has so far been raised by the employees and an equal amount was contributed by Roshan raising the total fund to $22,000, which is presented to ASCIANA today, he informed.
ASCIANA'S director engineer Yusuf told Pajhwok Afghan News about 4,700 children were getting education at its centre in Kabul. ASCIANA have similar schools in other parts of the country like Herat, Mazar-i-Sharif and Parwan. He said their aim was to provide informal education to street children.
Syed Anwer
dk
http://www.pajhwak.com/viewstory.asp?lng=eng&id=18506
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Guest
Roshan donates furniture, stationery to school
Roshan donates furniture, stationery to school
KABUL, July 4 (Pajhwok Afghan News): Private mobile phone company Roshan has donated books and furniture to a school in the Kart-i-Naw area of this central capital on Tuesday. Chief marketing officer of the company Altaf Ladak handed over the goods to the administration of the Shah Shaheed school during a ceremony held here.
Speaking on the occasion, Ladak said aim of the donation was to bring those children back who had left their studies for certain reasons.
He said education was the foremost step in putting the country back on the path to progress and prosperity. He said the youngsters were the future of the country and the company was glad to serve the new generations.
Sharifa, principal of the school, appreciated the assistance extended by the phone company and said the school administration was in need of the furniture and stationery.
She said the school building was mostly destroyed during the civil war and had recently been renovated by the government. Three hundred students, including 100 boys and 200 girls, are presently enrolled in the Shah Shahid school.
Mustafa Basharat
by/dk
http://www.pajhwak.com/viewstory.asp?lng=eng&id=20857
KABUL, July 4 (Pajhwok Afghan News): Private mobile phone company Roshan has donated books and furniture to a school in the Kart-i-Naw area of this central capital on Tuesday. Chief marketing officer of the company Altaf Ladak handed over the goods to the administration of the Shah Shaheed school during a ceremony held here.
Speaking on the occasion, Ladak said aim of the donation was to bring those children back who had left their studies for certain reasons.
He said education was the foremost step in putting the country back on the path to progress and prosperity. He said the youngsters were the future of the country and the company was glad to serve the new generations.
Sharifa, principal of the school, appreciated the assistance extended by the phone company and said the school administration was in need of the furniture and stationery.
She said the school building was mostly destroyed during the civil war and had recently been renovated by the government. Three hundred students, including 100 boys and 200 girls, are presently enrolled in the Shah Shahid school.
Mustafa Basharat
by/dk
http://www.pajhwak.com/viewstory.asp?lng=eng&id=20857
Roshan and Mercy Corps Launch TradeNet in Afghanistan
PARWAN, Afghanistan, April 2 /PRNewswire/ -- Roshan, the leading mobile operator in Afghanistan, in partnership with Mercy Corps today announced the launch of TradeNet, a price information system to provide farmers, input suppliers, traders, wholesalers and retail outlets with access to pricing information through an SMS delivery system. Mercy Corps and Roshan will pilot the project in Parwan, Afghanistan, the first deployment of TradeNet in Asia.
Farmers will now be able to send an SMS from their Roshan phone to the TradeNet platform; the system will then send an SMS back with up to date/current commodity prices. Through the pilot project, farmers in Parwan province will have access to price information on wheat. Once developed further, the project will expand to other provinces and other commodities, with a focus on reaching difficult areas in Afghanistan. The TradeNet service, which launched in 2007, has already been successful with farmers in several countries of West Africa.
Roshan will provide substantial start up funding and technical support; the project will use Roshan's telecommunication network infrastructure, working closely with TradeNet to ensure optimal performance of the system and the delivery of price information.
"We believe that mobile telephony is a catalyst for economic growth and social development. Commerce, the lifeblood of a nation's economy, can only grow as business owners have access to the information needed. Our partnership with TradeNet and Mercy Corps will give farmers in rural areas access to real-time market prices. Subsistence farmers and traders will now be able to secure the best prices possible for their crops," said Altaf Ladak, chief operating officer for Roshan.
"We're really energized by our new partners in Afghanistan and excited about TradeNet's first deployment in Asia," said Sarah Bartlett, BusyLab's Communications Director. "From our experience, successful deployment of TradeNet requires both informed and dedicated partners. With Mercy Corps' strong presence on the ground and Roshan's expertise in local infrastructure, the delivery of timely and relevant market information to the people that need it most is right around the corner."
Mercy Corps, with funding from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and the United Kingdom Department for International Development (DFID) will play a key role in rolling out the service in Parwan, using their expertise of market value chains. Mercy Corps will also work with a targeted group of local farmers, to educate them on how best to use the service.
Nigel Pont, Country Director of Mercy Corps Afghanistan said, "Most farmers lack access to accurate price information and do not have the resources to visit markets daily. This service will create a more transparent marketplace by enabling farmers, traders, wholesalers and retail outlets to make more informed decisions about buying and selling agricultural products."
About Roshan
Roshan (Telecom Development Company Afghanistan Ltd) is Afghanistan's leading telecom operator, with coverage in over 226 cities and towns and 3 million active subscribers. Roshan directly employs more than 1,000 people and provides indirect employment to more than 25,000 people. Since its inception 5 years ago, Roshan has invested over US $375 million in Afghanistan and is the country's single largest investor and tax payer. Roshan is deeply committed to Afghanistan's reconstruction and socio-economic development. The Aga Khan Fund for Economic Development (AKFED), part of the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN), is a major shareholder of Roshan and promotes private initiatives and building economically sound enterprises in the developing world. Also owned in part by Monaco Telecom International (MTI) and TeliaSonera, Roshan brings international expertise to Afghanistan and is committed to the highest standards of network quality and coverage for the people of Afghanistan.
About TradeNet
TradeNet is a mobile-based market information service for traders and producers in emerging economies. Private or public groups can configure portals of information online with TradeNet and organize SMS-based market feeds that are filtered to suit the needs to their recipients, and include weather, offers, prices, transport, forex and contacts. TradeNet is owned by BusyLab Software, based in Accra, Ghana.
About Mercy Corps
Mercy Corps works amid disaster, conflicts, chronic poverty and instability to unleash the potential of people who can win against nearly impossible odds. Since 1979, Mercy Corps has provided $1.5 billion in assistance to people 106 nations. Supported by headquarters in North America and Europe, the agency's global programs employ 3,500 staff worldwide and reach 16.4 million people in more than 35 countries.
For further information, please contact
Farah Kurji
Public Relations Specialist
Roshan (Telecom Development Company Afghanistan Ltd)
House #13, Main Street, Wazir Akbar Khan, Kabul, Afghanistan
Office: +93 (0) 799 97 6813
Mobile: +93 (0) 799 99 6813
Fax: +93 (0) 79 978 800
E-mail: [email protected]
Website:http://www.roshan.af
SOURCE Roshan
http://news.prnewswire.com/DisplayRelea ... 773&EDATE=
*****
Babson Hosts Leaders of Afghanistan’s Largest Phone Company
April 6
Babson College will present Karim Khoja, CEO, Roshan, and Shainoor Khoja, Director, Corporate Affairs, Roshan, on Monday, April 6, 5:00-6:30 p.m., in Olin Auditorium. Together, they built Roshan into Afghanistan’s largest mobile phone company in an effort to keep a war-torn nation connected as one.
The Lewis Initiative and Babson’s Net Impact are co-sponsoring this presentation as part of The Lewis Initiative Career Speaker Series on Entrepreneurship and Societal Impact. Mark Albion, of Babson’s Lewis Initiative will make the introductions.
Hear their winning business strategy. Learn how they did it with two growing children. At the same time, find out what the career opportunities are in the developing world.
Karim Khoja is CEO of Roshan, Afghanistan’s leading mobile phone company and winner of worldwide acclaim for promoting female employment and entrepreneurial opportunities. Karim has served in senior management positions in national and multi-national telecommunications companies for over fifteen years. He has extensive experience in nurturing start-up businesses from infancy through development, and has led several GSM start-up companies into becoming major market players as President and CEO, including being the founding CEO of Mobilink (Pakistan), Director of Marketing, Strategy and Sales for ERA GSM, Chief Operating Officer and Member of the Board for CROATIAN Telecommunication HT, as well as founding CEO of T-MOBILE, Croatia. Mr. Khoja has also been on the board of directors and in senior positions focusing on sales, marketing and strategy for companies such as Exi Wireless Inc, Spectonics Microsystems Ltd., and RAM Mobile Data Ltd. In January 2003, Mr. Khoja was appointed as the Chief Executive Officer for the Telecom Development Company Afghanistan Ltd, t/a Roshan. Under his leadership, Roshan has grown to be Afghanistan's largest mobile provider and today is the largest company in Afghanistan with over 3 million subscribers. Mr. Khoja is also Chairman of the Board of the Afghan Investment Climate Facility AICF and an advisor to the GSMA Development Fund.
Shainoor Khoja has a BSc in Physiotherapy, an MBA in Health Management, a basic background in Law and several Postgraduate qualifications in Corporate Social Responsibility. Shainoor has successfully operated projects and businesses in four different continents working within diverse cultures, in challenging environments and in multiple languages. For the last four years she has focused on the mobile technology sector setting up a new division within the mobile technology industry in corporate social responsibility from start up to project delivery and operation. The project manages a budget of over $2 Million USD and integrates social development mobile technology projects such as mobile money, village phone models and bottom of the pyramid business strategies. Over the years she has built collaborative relationships with large international agencies and the private sector for joint projects and funding including USAID, Mercy Corps, CISCO, Vodafone, Aga Khan University Hospital Karachi, French Medical Institute for Children and One laptop per child through MIT.
Shainoor continues to develop the programs by researching and creating innovative uses of technology for business expansion and societal benefit in areas such as Telemedicine, transfer of educational content through mobile phones, training programs to build in-country human capacity. She has expanded the program to develop the promotion of strategic tri-sector partnerships, manage partner relationships and direct PR and media efforts. Shainoor is also working with academic institutions such as Harvard and Berkley Haas Business School MBA students assisting their understanding of business in emerging markets.
The Lewis Initiative leverages the Babson Way of entrepreneurial thought and action to address many of the world's most pressing social problems through systemic change. In the fall of 2008, Alan and Harriet Lewis founded the startup of the Initiative with their vision and the second largest gift in the history of the College. For information, visit www3.babson.edu/Lewis.
http://www3.babson.edu/Newsroom/Release ... 4-09ns.cfm
PARWAN, Afghanistan, April 2 /PRNewswire/ -- Roshan, the leading mobile operator in Afghanistan, in partnership with Mercy Corps today announced the launch of TradeNet, a price information system to provide farmers, input suppliers, traders, wholesalers and retail outlets with access to pricing information through an SMS delivery system. Mercy Corps and Roshan will pilot the project in Parwan, Afghanistan, the first deployment of TradeNet in Asia.
Farmers will now be able to send an SMS from their Roshan phone to the TradeNet platform; the system will then send an SMS back with up to date/current commodity prices. Through the pilot project, farmers in Parwan province will have access to price information on wheat. Once developed further, the project will expand to other provinces and other commodities, with a focus on reaching difficult areas in Afghanistan. The TradeNet service, which launched in 2007, has already been successful with farmers in several countries of West Africa.
Roshan will provide substantial start up funding and technical support; the project will use Roshan's telecommunication network infrastructure, working closely with TradeNet to ensure optimal performance of the system and the delivery of price information.
"We believe that mobile telephony is a catalyst for economic growth and social development. Commerce, the lifeblood of a nation's economy, can only grow as business owners have access to the information needed. Our partnership with TradeNet and Mercy Corps will give farmers in rural areas access to real-time market prices. Subsistence farmers and traders will now be able to secure the best prices possible for their crops," said Altaf Ladak, chief operating officer for Roshan.
"We're really energized by our new partners in Afghanistan and excited about TradeNet's first deployment in Asia," said Sarah Bartlett, BusyLab's Communications Director. "From our experience, successful deployment of TradeNet requires both informed and dedicated partners. With Mercy Corps' strong presence on the ground and Roshan's expertise in local infrastructure, the delivery of timely and relevant market information to the people that need it most is right around the corner."
Mercy Corps, with funding from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and the United Kingdom Department for International Development (DFID) will play a key role in rolling out the service in Parwan, using their expertise of market value chains. Mercy Corps will also work with a targeted group of local farmers, to educate them on how best to use the service.
Nigel Pont, Country Director of Mercy Corps Afghanistan said, "Most farmers lack access to accurate price information and do not have the resources to visit markets daily. This service will create a more transparent marketplace by enabling farmers, traders, wholesalers and retail outlets to make more informed decisions about buying and selling agricultural products."
About Roshan
Roshan (Telecom Development Company Afghanistan Ltd) is Afghanistan's leading telecom operator, with coverage in over 226 cities and towns and 3 million active subscribers. Roshan directly employs more than 1,000 people and provides indirect employment to more than 25,000 people. Since its inception 5 years ago, Roshan has invested over US $375 million in Afghanistan and is the country's single largest investor and tax payer. Roshan is deeply committed to Afghanistan's reconstruction and socio-economic development. The Aga Khan Fund for Economic Development (AKFED), part of the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN), is a major shareholder of Roshan and promotes private initiatives and building economically sound enterprises in the developing world. Also owned in part by Monaco Telecom International (MTI) and TeliaSonera, Roshan brings international expertise to Afghanistan and is committed to the highest standards of network quality and coverage for the people of Afghanistan.
About TradeNet
TradeNet is a mobile-based market information service for traders and producers in emerging economies. Private or public groups can configure portals of information online with TradeNet and organize SMS-based market feeds that are filtered to suit the needs to their recipients, and include weather, offers, prices, transport, forex and contacts. TradeNet is owned by BusyLab Software, based in Accra, Ghana.
About Mercy Corps
Mercy Corps works amid disaster, conflicts, chronic poverty and instability to unleash the potential of people who can win against nearly impossible odds. Since 1979, Mercy Corps has provided $1.5 billion in assistance to people 106 nations. Supported by headquarters in North America and Europe, the agency's global programs employ 3,500 staff worldwide and reach 16.4 million people in more than 35 countries.
For further information, please contact
Farah Kurji
Public Relations Specialist
Roshan (Telecom Development Company Afghanistan Ltd)
House #13, Main Street, Wazir Akbar Khan, Kabul, Afghanistan
Office: +93 (0) 799 97 6813
Mobile: +93 (0) 799 99 6813
Fax: +93 (0) 79 978 800
E-mail: [email protected]
Website:http://www.roshan.af
SOURCE Roshan
http://news.prnewswire.com/DisplayRelea ... 773&EDATE=
*****
Babson Hosts Leaders of Afghanistan’s Largest Phone Company
April 6
Babson College will present Karim Khoja, CEO, Roshan, and Shainoor Khoja, Director, Corporate Affairs, Roshan, on Monday, April 6, 5:00-6:30 p.m., in Olin Auditorium. Together, they built Roshan into Afghanistan’s largest mobile phone company in an effort to keep a war-torn nation connected as one.
The Lewis Initiative and Babson’s Net Impact are co-sponsoring this presentation as part of The Lewis Initiative Career Speaker Series on Entrepreneurship and Societal Impact. Mark Albion, of Babson’s Lewis Initiative will make the introductions.
Hear their winning business strategy. Learn how they did it with two growing children. At the same time, find out what the career opportunities are in the developing world.
Karim Khoja is CEO of Roshan, Afghanistan’s leading mobile phone company and winner of worldwide acclaim for promoting female employment and entrepreneurial opportunities. Karim has served in senior management positions in national and multi-national telecommunications companies for over fifteen years. He has extensive experience in nurturing start-up businesses from infancy through development, and has led several GSM start-up companies into becoming major market players as President and CEO, including being the founding CEO of Mobilink (Pakistan), Director of Marketing, Strategy and Sales for ERA GSM, Chief Operating Officer and Member of the Board for CROATIAN Telecommunication HT, as well as founding CEO of T-MOBILE, Croatia. Mr. Khoja has also been on the board of directors and in senior positions focusing on sales, marketing and strategy for companies such as Exi Wireless Inc, Spectonics Microsystems Ltd., and RAM Mobile Data Ltd. In January 2003, Mr. Khoja was appointed as the Chief Executive Officer for the Telecom Development Company Afghanistan Ltd, t/a Roshan. Under his leadership, Roshan has grown to be Afghanistan's largest mobile provider and today is the largest company in Afghanistan with over 3 million subscribers. Mr. Khoja is also Chairman of the Board of the Afghan Investment Climate Facility AICF and an advisor to the GSMA Development Fund.
Shainoor Khoja has a BSc in Physiotherapy, an MBA in Health Management, a basic background in Law and several Postgraduate qualifications in Corporate Social Responsibility. Shainoor has successfully operated projects and businesses in four different continents working within diverse cultures, in challenging environments and in multiple languages. For the last four years she has focused on the mobile technology sector setting up a new division within the mobile technology industry in corporate social responsibility from start up to project delivery and operation. The project manages a budget of over $2 Million USD and integrates social development mobile technology projects such as mobile money, village phone models and bottom of the pyramid business strategies. Over the years she has built collaborative relationships with large international agencies and the private sector for joint projects and funding including USAID, Mercy Corps, CISCO, Vodafone, Aga Khan University Hospital Karachi, French Medical Institute for Children and One laptop per child through MIT.
Shainoor continues to develop the programs by researching and creating innovative uses of technology for business expansion and societal benefit in areas such as Telemedicine, transfer of educational content through mobile phones, training programs to build in-country human capacity. She has expanded the program to develop the promotion of strategic tri-sector partnerships, manage partner relationships and direct PR and media efforts. Shainoor is also working with academic institutions such as Harvard and Berkley Haas Business School MBA students assisting their understanding of business in emerging markets.
The Lewis Initiative leverages the Babson Way of entrepreneurial thought and action to address many of the world's most pressing social problems through systemic change. In the fall of 2008, Alan and Harriet Lewis founded the startup of the Initiative with their vision and the second largest gift in the history of the College. For information, visit www3.babson.edu/Lewis.
http://www3.babson.edu/Newsroom/Release ... 4-09ns.cfm
Shainoor Khoja speaks at Global Health International Conference,
May 26-30, Washington, DC May 28, 2009
Posted by ismailimail in Health, Ismaili Muslims in the News, North America, United States.
trackback
Plenary 2: Thursday, May 28, 2009 8:15-9:35 am
The eHealth Blueprint: Building the Foundation for Integrated Health Systems
All builders know they are lost without an architect, and all architects realize they are only visionaries without a builder. Building stronger health systems – to increase access, affordability and quality in the most poorly resourced settings – requires both the architect and the builders to come up with a blueprint for success. In eHealth, these roles may be filled by the community health worker and the technology developer….
–snip–
Shainoor Khoja Director, Corporate Affairs Roshan, Afghanistan
Shainoor Khoja, Director of Corporate Affairs at Roshan, has established an award-winning Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Department and a comprehensive medical, dental and physiotherapy clinic with laboratory facilities, vaccination and health promotion units in Kabul, Afghanistan. Roshan’s CSR Department encompasses activities in commerce, health, social welfare and education. The focus is on developing innovative solutions using technology to address the needs of a developing country like Afghanistan. Solutions utilize the power of public-private sector partnerships in an effort to bring together unique expertise to create maximum impact. Examples include an initiative to develop a telemedicine solution to address shortcomings in Afghanistan’s health-care system, working to address transfer of money using mobile money, and using microfinance to create social enterprise for women. Shainoor studied in England, Canada and the United States and holds a Bachelors of Physiotherapy, a Masters in Health Management and Postgraduate Certificates from Cambridge University England and Harvard in Corporate Social Responsibility.
http://www.globalhealth.org/conference_ ... hp3?id=965
http://ismailimail.wordpress.com/2009/0 ... ington-dc/
May 26-30, Washington, DC May 28, 2009
Posted by ismailimail in Health, Ismaili Muslims in the News, North America, United States.
trackback
Plenary 2: Thursday, May 28, 2009 8:15-9:35 am
The eHealth Blueprint: Building the Foundation for Integrated Health Systems
All builders know they are lost without an architect, and all architects realize they are only visionaries without a builder. Building stronger health systems – to increase access, affordability and quality in the most poorly resourced settings – requires both the architect and the builders to come up with a blueprint for success. In eHealth, these roles may be filled by the community health worker and the technology developer….
–snip–
Shainoor Khoja Director, Corporate Affairs Roshan, Afghanistan
Shainoor Khoja, Director of Corporate Affairs at Roshan, has established an award-winning Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Department and a comprehensive medical, dental and physiotherapy clinic with laboratory facilities, vaccination and health promotion units in Kabul, Afghanistan. Roshan’s CSR Department encompasses activities in commerce, health, social welfare and education. The focus is on developing innovative solutions using technology to address the needs of a developing country like Afghanistan. Solutions utilize the power of public-private sector partnerships in an effort to bring together unique expertise to create maximum impact. Examples include an initiative to develop a telemedicine solution to address shortcomings in Afghanistan’s health-care system, working to address transfer of money using mobile money, and using microfinance to create social enterprise for women. Shainoor studied in England, Canada and the United States and holds a Bachelors of Physiotherapy, a Masters in Health Management and Postgraduate Certificates from Cambridge University England and Harvard in Corporate Social Responsibility.
http://www.globalhealth.org/conference_ ... hp3?id=965
http://ismailimail.wordpress.com/2009/0 ... ington-dc/
http://sev.prnewswire.com/health-care-h ... 009-1.html
Roshan Announces Expansion of Afghanistan's First Telemedicine Project to Bamyan Region
Roshan Announces Expansion of Afghanistan's First Telemedicine Project to Bamyan Region
Roshan, Cisco, the Government of Afghanistan, The Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi, the French Medical Institute for Children, Aga Khan Health Services and the Bamyan Provincial Hospital Team up to Expand Healthcare Access by Linking Afghan Hospitals to International Medical Institutions
KABUL and BAMYAN, Afghanistan, June 1 /PRNewswire/ -- Roshan, the leading telecom operator in Afghanistan, today announced the expansion of its first-of-its-kind Telemedicine solution in Afghanistan beyond Kabul to include provincial hospitals. Bamyan Provincial Hospital will be the first provincial medical facility linked to the innovative Telemedicine project, which uses broadband technology, wireless video conferencing and digital image transfer, to provide hospitals in Afghanistan with real-time access to specialist healthcare diagnosis, treatment and training expertise from abroad.
Roshan has teamed with Cisco, the Government of Afghanistan, The Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi (AKUH), French Medical Institute for Children (FMIC), Aga Khan Health Services (AKHS), Bamyan Provincial Hospital (BPH) and other technology suppliers to undertake the project. Launched in 2007, the project already links FMIC in Kabul, Afghanistan to AKUH in Karachi, Pakistan, enabling access to a broad array of radiology expertise provided by AKUH. The second phase links BPH to the FMIC, which is being developed as an Afghan center of medical excellence. To date, more than 340 patients have benefitted from Telemedicine and more than 231 Afghan medical personnel have participated in diagnostic and training opportunities facilitated by the technology.
Telemedicine links will be extended to other provincial hospitals and eventually to medical institutions in Europe and North America. The Telemedicine project developed in Afghanistan is also seen as a model for addressing healthcare delivery shortcomings in other developing countries where access to medical diagnosis, treatment and training is limited.
"After the launch and initial success of Telemedicine in Kabul, we are delighted to begin extending Telemedicine links to provincial hospitals in Afghanistan, where the need for access to quality specialist diagnosis and training is even greater," said Karim Khoja, Chief Executive Officer of Roshan. "Telemedicine further demonstrates the power of wireless technology to improve people's lives and expand the healthcare resources available to the people of Afghanistan."
Since 2002, the Aga Khan University has been working with the Government of Afghanistan and donor agencies to strengthen human resource capacity in nursing, medicine and teacher education in Afghanistan. "The Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi has been responsible for the management of FMIC that provides high quality health care to the children of Afghanistan. We are proud to work with partners such as Roshan and CISCO to expand telemedicine in Afghanistan that broadens access to high quality health care to those in isolated communities," said Al-Karim Haji, Director General and Chief Financial Officer of AKU.
The Bamyan region in Afghanistan has some of the highest levels of maternal and child mortality in Afghanistan. For every 22,500 births, there are 382 maternal deaths and 3,937 infant deaths. The Bamyan Provincial Hospital was originally established in 2001 and in 2004, the Aga Khan Health Services (AKHS) assumed management as part of its wider endeavor to improve the living conditions and quality of life for the people of Bamyan. The hospital has since grown from 30 beds to its present capacity of 74 beds. There are an estimated 514,698 people served by the hospital on an annual basis.
Dr. Semira Manaseki-Holland, Regional Chief Executive Officer, AKHS, Central Asia, said, "The extension of the Telemedicine solution to the Bamyan Provincial Hospital is a major step in advancing our healthcare capabilities and access to top-quality specialists. Already, almost 100 patients in our care have benefited from Telemedicine."
His Excellency Amirzai Sangin, Minister of Communications and Information Technology, Islamic Republic of Afghanistan added, "Our Government is striving to improve the quality of life of our people and providing quality health care is one of our top priorities. This innovative use of technology and telecommunications to enhance healthcare delivery will support our efforts to meet the nation's other development challenges."
Telemedicine involves the use of broadband technology that provides real-time high speed access for the transfer of medical imaging, video, data and voice. Applications include the ability to send real-time X-ray, ultrasound and CAT Scans (Computerized Axial Tomography) for evaluation. The technology also enables e-learning and learning through video conferencing.
The initial service provided is teleradiology, the electronic transmission of radiological patient images. There are currently an average of 40 teleradiology cases evaluated monthly between FMIC and AKUH and ongoing training provided to medical professionals to build capacity. Telemedicine capabilities will gradually be expanded to other rural regions of Afghanistan, to include the use of smart-phone and PDAs, and to address different services and procedures including evaluation of tissue samples and the on-line performance of medical and surgical procedures.
Roshan has spearheaded development of the Telemedicine project from initial conceptualization through implementation through its Corporate Social Responsibility arm and is part of its ongoing commitment to serving as a catalyst for the reconstruction of Afghanistan. Over the next three to five years, Roshan will invest $1.5 million in the Telemedicine project. Roshan is part of the Aga Khan Fund for Economic Development (AKFED), which is one of nine Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) agencies that address a wide spectrum of development challenges.
Regarding the Telemedicine project, Aly Mawji, Resident Representative for AKDN, said, "The inauguration of Telemedicine services between Bamyan and Kabul is an example of the exciting progress being made in Afghanistan, showing how new innovations are bringing tangible improvement to people's lives. That this inauguration is happening at the same time as the opening of a new operating theatre block at the Bamyan Provincial Hospital and the beginning of the fourth session of the Bamyan community midwifery program bears testimony that progress is possible and is happening in Afghanistan in remote rural areas."
About the Aga Khan Development Network
The Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) is a group of nine international development agencies and institutions which implement programmes in rural development, education, health, culture, microfinance and business. The network, led by its founder, His Highness the Aga Khan, is dedicated to improving living conditions and opportunities for the poor, without regard to their faith, origin or gender. The AKDN agencies are private and non-denominational, working in some thirty countries, mainly in Asia and Africa.
About Roshan
Roshan (Telecom Development Company Afghanistan Ltd) is Afghanistan's leading telecom operator, with coverage in over 230 cities and towns and approximately 3.5 million active subscribers. Roshan directly employs more than 1,100 people and provides indirect employment to more than 25,000 people. Since its inception 5 years ago, Roshan has invested almost US $400 million in Afghanistan and is the country's single largest investor and tax payer. Roshan is deeply committed to Afghanistan's reconstruction and socio-economic development. The Aga Khan Fund for Economic Development (AKFED), part of the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN), is a major shareholder of Roshan and promotes private initiatives and building economically sound enterprises in the developing world. Also owned in part by Monaco Telecom International (MTI) and TeliaSonera, Roshan brings international expertise to Afghanistan and is committed to the highest standards of network quality and coverage for the people of Afghanistan.
About Aga Khan University
AKU was chartered in 1983 as Pakistan's first private university. Its objective is to promote human welfare in general, and the welfare of the people of Pakistan in particular, by disseminating knowledge and providing instruction, training, research and service in the health sciences, education and such other branches of learning as the University may determine. AKU also has programmes in Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, the United Kingdom, Afghanistan, Syria and Egypt.
About Aga Khan Health Services
The Aga Khan Health Services (AKHS) is one of the most comprehensive private not-for-profit health care systems in the developing world, with community health programmes in Central and South Asia and in East Africa. In Afghanistan, the AKHS is assisting the government to develop a national healthcare system by managing and staffing a network of health facilities, providing community health education and by training midwives and other women health professionals. The AKHS is one of nine international agencies and institutions which make up the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN), which is dedicated to improving living conditions and opportunities for the poor, without regard to their faith, origin or gender.
About the French Medical Institute for Children
The French Medical Institute for Children (FMIC) is a private, non-profit health institution founded in 2005 through a unique public-private partnership between the Governments of Afghanistan and France, a French NGO - La Chaine de L'Espoir/Enfants Afghans and the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) through the Aga Khan University Hospital Karachi (AKUH, Karachi) has risen to the challenge to assist in charting the course towards sustainable health care solutions for Afghanistan and advances have been made in both immediate service delivery and long-term policy planning. FMIC has served Afghans from all 34 provinces and has a policy of providing services to all in need regardless of their financial means, race or creed. The French Medical Institute for Children (FMIC) has become the only healthcare organization in Afghanistan to meet the standards for the International Organization for Standardization's (ISO) 9001:2008 quality management systems.
For further information, please contact:
Farah Kurji
Senior Public Relations Specialist
Roshan (Telecom Development Company Afghanistan)
House #13, Main Street, Wazir Akbar Khan, Kabul, Afghanistan
Office: +93 (0) 799 97 6813
Mobile: +93 (0) 799 99 6813
E-mail: [email protected]
Website: www.roshan.af
Jessica Anderson
Senior Account Supervisor
Hill & Knowlton
909 Third Avenue, New York, NY, 10022
Direct Line: 1-212-885-0492
[email protected]
Website: http://www.roshan.af/
Roshan Announces Expansion of Afghanistan's First Telemedicine Project to Bamyan Region
Roshan Announces Expansion of Afghanistan's First Telemedicine Project to Bamyan Region
Roshan, Cisco, the Government of Afghanistan, The Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi, the French Medical Institute for Children, Aga Khan Health Services and the Bamyan Provincial Hospital Team up to Expand Healthcare Access by Linking Afghan Hospitals to International Medical Institutions
KABUL and BAMYAN, Afghanistan, June 1 /PRNewswire/ -- Roshan, the leading telecom operator in Afghanistan, today announced the expansion of its first-of-its-kind Telemedicine solution in Afghanistan beyond Kabul to include provincial hospitals. Bamyan Provincial Hospital will be the first provincial medical facility linked to the innovative Telemedicine project, which uses broadband technology, wireless video conferencing and digital image transfer, to provide hospitals in Afghanistan with real-time access to specialist healthcare diagnosis, treatment and training expertise from abroad.
Roshan has teamed with Cisco, the Government of Afghanistan, The Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi (AKUH), French Medical Institute for Children (FMIC), Aga Khan Health Services (AKHS), Bamyan Provincial Hospital (BPH) and other technology suppliers to undertake the project. Launched in 2007, the project already links FMIC in Kabul, Afghanistan to AKUH in Karachi, Pakistan, enabling access to a broad array of radiology expertise provided by AKUH. The second phase links BPH to the FMIC, which is being developed as an Afghan center of medical excellence. To date, more than 340 patients have benefitted from Telemedicine and more than 231 Afghan medical personnel have participated in diagnostic and training opportunities facilitated by the technology.
Telemedicine links will be extended to other provincial hospitals and eventually to medical institutions in Europe and North America. The Telemedicine project developed in Afghanistan is also seen as a model for addressing healthcare delivery shortcomings in other developing countries where access to medical diagnosis, treatment and training is limited.
"After the launch and initial success of Telemedicine in Kabul, we are delighted to begin extending Telemedicine links to provincial hospitals in Afghanistan, where the need for access to quality specialist diagnosis and training is even greater," said Karim Khoja, Chief Executive Officer of Roshan. "Telemedicine further demonstrates the power of wireless technology to improve people's lives and expand the healthcare resources available to the people of Afghanistan."
Since 2002, the Aga Khan University has been working with the Government of Afghanistan and donor agencies to strengthen human resource capacity in nursing, medicine and teacher education in Afghanistan. "The Aga Khan University Hospital, Karachi has been responsible for the management of FMIC that provides high quality health care to the children of Afghanistan. We are proud to work with partners such as Roshan and CISCO to expand telemedicine in Afghanistan that broadens access to high quality health care to those in isolated communities," said Al-Karim Haji, Director General and Chief Financial Officer of AKU.
The Bamyan region in Afghanistan has some of the highest levels of maternal and child mortality in Afghanistan. For every 22,500 births, there are 382 maternal deaths and 3,937 infant deaths. The Bamyan Provincial Hospital was originally established in 2001 and in 2004, the Aga Khan Health Services (AKHS) assumed management as part of its wider endeavor to improve the living conditions and quality of life for the people of Bamyan. The hospital has since grown from 30 beds to its present capacity of 74 beds. There are an estimated 514,698 people served by the hospital on an annual basis.
Dr. Semira Manaseki-Holland, Regional Chief Executive Officer, AKHS, Central Asia, said, "The extension of the Telemedicine solution to the Bamyan Provincial Hospital is a major step in advancing our healthcare capabilities and access to top-quality specialists. Already, almost 100 patients in our care have benefited from Telemedicine."
His Excellency Amirzai Sangin, Minister of Communications and Information Technology, Islamic Republic of Afghanistan added, "Our Government is striving to improve the quality of life of our people and providing quality health care is one of our top priorities. This innovative use of technology and telecommunications to enhance healthcare delivery will support our efforts to meet the nation's other development challenges."
Telemedicine involves the use of broadband technology that provides real-time high speed access for the transfer of medical imaging, video, data and voice. Applications include the ability to send real-time X-ray, ultrasound and CAT Scans (Computerized Axial Tomography) for evaluation. The technology also enables e-learning and learning through video conferencing.
The initial service provided is teleradiology, the electronic transmission of radiological patient images. There are currently an average of 40 teleradiology cases evaluated monthly between FMIC and AKUH and ongoing training provided to medical professionals to build capacity. Telemedicine capabilities will gradually be expanded to other rural regions of Afghanistan, to include the use of smart-phone and PDAs, and to address different services and procedures including evaluation of tissue samples and the on-line performance of medical and surgical procedures.
Roshan has spearheaded development of the Telemedicine project from initial conceptualization through implementation through its Corporate Social Responsibility arm and is part of its ongoing commitment to serving as a catalyst for the reconstruction of Afghanistan. Over the next three to five years, Roshan will invest $1.5 million in the Telemedicine project. Roshan is part of the Aga Khan Fund for Economic Development (AKFED), which is one of nine Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) agencies that address a wide spectrum of development challenges.
Regarding the Telemedicine project, Aly Mawji, Resident Representative for AKDN, said, "The inauguration of Telemedicine services between Bamyan and Kabul is an example of the exciting progress being made in Afghanistan, showing how new innovations are bringing tangible improvement to people's lives. That this inauguration is happening at the same time as the opening of a new operating theatre block at the Bamyan Provincial Hospital and the beginning of the fourth session of the Bamyan community midwifery program bears testimony that progress is possible and is happening in Afghanistan in remote rural areas."
About the Aga Khan Development Network
The Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) is a group of nine international development agencies and institutions which implement programmes in rural development, education, health, culture, microfinance and business. The network, led by its founder, His Highness the Aga Khan, is dedicated to improving living conditions and opportunities for the poor, without regard to their faith, origin or gender. The AKDN agencies are private and non-denominational, working in some thirty countries, mainly in Asia and Africa.
About Roshan
Roshan (Telecom Development Company Afghanistan Ltd) is Afghanistan's leading telecom operator, with coverage in over 230 cities and towns and approximately 3.5 million active subscribers. Roshan directly employs more than 1,100 people and provides indirect employment to more than 25,000 people. Since its inception 5 years ago, Roshan has invested almost US $400 million in Afghanistan and is the country's single largest investor and tax payer. Roshan is deeply committed to Afghanistan's reconstruction and socio-economic development. The Aga Khan Fund for Economic Development (AKFED), part of the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN), is a major shareholder of Roshan and promotes private initiatives and building economically sound enterprises in the developing world. Also owned in part by Monaco Telecom International (MTI) and TeliaSonera, Roshan brings international expertise to Afghanistan and is committed to the highest standards of network quality and coverage for the people of Afghanistan.
About Aga Khan University
AKU was chartered in 1983 as Pakistan's first private university. Its objective is to promote human welfare in general, and the welfare of the people of Pakistan in particular, by disseminating knowledge and providing instruction, training, research and service in the health sciences, education and such other branches of learning as the University may determine. AKU also has programmes in Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, the United Kingdom, Afghanistan, Syria and Egypt.
About Aga Khan Health Services
The Aga Khan Health Services (AKHS) is one of the most comprehensive private not-for-profit health care systems in the developing world, with community health programmes in Central and South Asia and in East Africa. In Afghanistan, the AKHS is assisting the government to develop a national healthcare system by managing and staffing a network of health facilities, providing community health education and by training midwives and other women health professionals. The AKHS is one of nine international agencies and institutions which make up the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN), which is dedicated to improving living conditions and opportunities for the poor, without regard to their faith, origin or gender.
About the French Medical Institute for Children
The French Medical Institute for Children (FMIC) is a private, non-profit health institution founded in 2005 through a unique public-private partnership between the Governments of Afghanistan and France, a French NGO - La Chaine de L'Espoir/Enfants Afghans and the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) through the Aga Khan University Hospital Karachi (AKUH, Karachi) has risen to the challenge to assist in charting the course towards sustainable health care solutions for Afghanistan and advances have been made in both immediate service delivery and long-term policy planning. FMIC has served Afghans from all 34 provinces and has a policy of providing services to all in need regardless of their financial means, race or creed. The French Medical Institute for Children (FMIC) has become the only healthcare organization in Afghanistan to meet the standards for the International Organization for Standardization's (ISO) 9001:2008 quality management systems.
For further information, please contact:
Farah Kurji
Senior Public Relations Specialist
Roshan (Telecom Development Company Afghanistan)
House #13, Main Street, Wazir Akbar Khan, Kabul, Afghanistan
Office: +93 (0) 799 97 6813
Mobile: +93 (0) 799 99 6813
E-mail: [email protected]
Website: www.roshan.af
Jessica Anderson
Senior Account Supervisor
Hill & Knowlton
909 Third Avenue, New York, NY, 10022
Direct Line: 1-212-885-0492
[email protected]
Website: http://www.roshan.af/
2009 - Afghan Telecom and Roshan Agreement
http://sev.prnewswire.com/telecommunica ... 009-1.html
Afghan Telecom and Roshan Jointly Announce the Signing of the Agreement to Utilize National Optical Fiber Backbone Ring Network in Afghanistan
KABUL, July 6 /PRNewswire/ -- Afghan Telecom (AT) Afghanistan's first long distance domestic private leased circuit (DPLC) and international private leased circuit (IPLC) provider through Optical Fiber Cable (OFC), today announced a significant agreement with Roshan to sell the transmission capacity of its National OFC Backbone Ring Network. The OFC, constructed by AT, will complement Roshan's existing infrastructure, enabling Roshan to ensure the redundancy of its network and provide additional capacity for its growing number of subscribers. AT and Roshan intend to expand the areas of their partnership in the coming months as the OFC is extended throughout Afghanistan and connected to any part of the world through its international connectivity to Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Iran and Pakistan.
The Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MCIT) and AT commenced the construction of the OFC Backbone Project in April 2007. When completed, the OFC will revolutionize telecommunications services in Afghanistan, bringing high speed and high capacity telephony, internet and video services to cover 68 cities in 17 provinces of the country. The OFC project will not only improve telecommunications infrastructure in Afghanistan with provision of world class high speed voice and Internet services to rural areas, but will also generate significant direct and indirect employment in the country.
"This is an important milestone for the development of Afghanistan and the telecommunications industry. We are extremely pleased that Roshan is the first GSM operator to be entering into a commercial partnership with Afghan Telecom for fiber capacity," said His Excellency Amirzai Sangin, Minister of Communications and Information Technology.
Roshan is the first GSM operator in Afghanistan to utilize the OFC. The OFC will enable Roshan to better serve its growing subscriber base, which today includes 3.5 million subscribers across Afghanistan's 34 provinces. AT under its social obligation will ensure that OFC capacity and bandwidth is also available to other companies and organizations operating in Afghanistan.
"We declared our interest in, and support for, the OFC project over four years ago and we are proud to be able to express our long term commitment to Afghanistan by being Afghan Telecom's first major anchor tenant. We believe that this project can have a significant impact on the information and telecommunications sector in Afghanistan, ensuring the availability of competitively priced capacity and infrastructure to meet the growing needs of the industry. We look forward to strengthening our relationship and cooperation with AT in the years to come," said Karim Khoja, chief executive officer, Roshan.
About Roshan
Roshan (Telecom Development Company Afghanistan Ltd) is Afghanistan's leading telecommunications provider, with coverage in over 230 cities and towns and approximately 3.5 million active subscribers. Roshan directly employs more than 1,100 people and provides indirect employment to more than 25,000 people. Since its inception 5 years ago, Roshan has invested almost US $400 million in Afghanistan and is the country's single largest investor and tax payer. Roshan is deeply committed to Afghanistan's reconstruction and socio-economic development. The Aga Khan Fund for Economic Development (AKFED), part of the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN), is a major shareholder of Roshan and promotes private initiatives and building economically sound enterprises in the developing world. Also owned in part by Monaco Telecom International (MTI) and TeliaSonera, Roshan brings international expertise to Afghanistan and is committed to the highest standards of network quality and coverage for the people of Afghanistan.
About Afghan Telecom
* Afghan Telecom (AT) is the first company in Afghanistan under Ministry of Communication and Information Technology, Islamic Republic of Afghanistan to implement a nationwide OFC network project with international connectivity. The OFC project is designed to construct a fiber optic backbone linking the main road system in the country and cover the main ring from Kabul - Kandahar - Herat - Mazar - Kabul. Other major cities like Kunduz, Ghazni, Pul-e-Khumri and Charikar are already connected.
* OFC project will also benefits various ministries, universities, Internet Service Providers, GSM operators, the Afghan National Army, the Ministry of Interior, ISAF, Banks, and NGOs for efficient e-governance, e-Commerce, distance learning, etc.
* Afghan Telecom signed agreements with telecom operators in neighboring countries and many international carriers to cater high capacity IPLC requirements on the OFC of Afghanistan to any part of the globe.
Media Contact
Farah Kurji
Senior Public Relations Specialist
Roshan
Mobile: +93 (0) 799 99 6813
E-mail: [email protected]
Ajmal Ayan
Director (Planning & Policy)
Ministry of Communications
Phone: +93 (0) 202 101 107
E-mail : [email protected]
Afghan Telecom and Roshan Jointly Announce the Signing of the Agreement to Utilize National Optical Fiber Backbone Ring Network in Afghanistan
KABUL, July 6 /PRNewswire/ -- Afghan Telecom (AT) Afghanistan's first long distance domestic private leased circuit (DPLC) and international private leased circuit (IPLC) provider through Optical Fiber Cable (OFC), today announced a significant agreement with Roshan to sell the transmission capacity of its National OFC Backbone Ring Network. The OFC, constructed by AT, will complement Roshan's existing infrastructure, enabling Roshan to ensure the redundancy of its network and provide additional capacity for its growing number of subscribers. AT and Roshan intend to expand the areas of their partnership in the coming months as the OFC is extended throughout Afghanistan and connected to any part of the world through its international connectivity to Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Iran and Pakistan.
The Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MCIT) and AT commenced the construction of the OFC Backbone Project in April 2007. When completed, the OFC will revolutionize telecommunications services in Afghanistan, bringing high speed and high capacity telephony, internet and video services to cover 68 cities in 17 provinces of the country. The OFC project will not only improve telecommunications infrastructure in Afghanistan with provision of world class high speed voice and Internet services to rural areas, but will also generate significant direct and indirect employment in the country.
"This is an important milestone for the development of Afghanistan and the telecommunications industry. We are extremely pleased that Roshan is the first GSM operator to be entering into a commercial partnership with Afghan Telecom for fiber capacity," said His Excellency Amirzai Sangin, Minister of Communications and Information Technology.
Roshan is the first GSM operator in Afghanistan to utilize the OFC. The OFC will enable Roshan to better serve its growing subscriber base, which today includes 3.5 million subscribers across Afghanistan's 34 provinces. AT under its social obligation will ensure that OFC capacity and bandwidth is also available to other companies and organizations operating in Afghanistan.
"We declared our interest in, and support for, the OFC project over four years ago and we are proud to be able to express our long term commitment to Afghanistan by being Afghan Telecom's first major anchor tenant. We believe that this project can have a significant impact on the information and telecommunications sector in Afghanistan, ensuring the availability of competitively priced capacity and infrastructure to meet the growing needs of the industry. We look forward to strengthening our relationship and cooperation with AT in the years to come," said Karim Khoja, chief executive officer, Roshan.
About Roshan
Roshan (Telecom Development Company Afghanistan Ltd) is Afghanistan's leading telecommunications provider, with coverage in over 230 cities and towns and approximately 3.5 million active subscribers. Roshan directly employs more than 1,100 people and provides indirect employment to more than 25,000 people. Since its inception 5 years ago, Roshan has invested almost US $400 million in Afghanistan and is the country's single largest investor and tax payer. Roshan is deeply committed to Afghanistan's reconstruction and socio-economic development. The Aga Khan Fund for Economic Development (AKFED), part of the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN), is a major shareholder of Roshan and promotes private initiatives and building economically sound enterprises in the developing world. Also owned in part by Monaco Telecom International (MTI) and TeliaSonera, Roshan brings international expertise to Afghanistan and is committed to the highest standards of network quality and coverage for the people of Afghanistan.
About Afghan Telecom
* Afghan Telecom (AT) is the first company in Afghanistan under Ministry of Communication and Information Technology, Islamic Republic of Afghanistan to implement a nationwide OFC network project with international connectivity. The OFC project is designed to construct a fiber optic backbone linking the main road system in the country and cover the main ring from Kabul - Kandahar - Herat - Mazar - Kabul. Other major cities like Kunduz, Ghazni, Pul-e-Khumri and Charikar are already connected.
* OFC project will also benefits various ministries, universities, Internet Service Providers, GSM operators, the Afghan National Army, the Ministry of Interior, ISAF, Banks, and NGOs for efficient e-governance, e-Commerce, distance learning, etc.
* Afghan Telecom signed agreements with telecom operators in neighboring countries and many international carriers to cater high capacity IPLC requirements on the OFC of Afghanistan to any part of the globe.
Media Contact
Farah Kurji
Senior Public Relations Specialist
Roshan
Mobile: +93 (0) 799 99 6813
E-mail: [email protected]
Ajmal Ayan
Director (Planning & Policy)
Ministry of Communications
Phone: +93 (0) 202 101 107
E-mail : [email protected]
In Afghanistan, going where no bank has gone before
by Chris Bold:
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
Today we welcome Chris Bold as a new blogger for CGAP. Recently, Chris joined CGAP’s Technology Team on leave from the UK Department for International Development where he worked in their Financial Sector Team and, for the last year and a half, was based in Kabul managing DFID’s private sector development programs in Afghanistan. Chris will be providing additional support to CGAP’s portfolio of projects and exploring how large flows of money such as government payments and remittances can be harnessed to bring financial services to the unbanked.
It’s hard to think of a tougher environment in which to test the potential of mobile banking than Afghanistan. With a population of 30 million people, 36% of whom live below the government defined poverty line and 74% of whom are illiterate; Afghanistan is the poorest country in the world outside Africa. But bringing banking services to Afghanistan is exactly the challenge that Roshan, an MNO majority owned by the Aga Khan Fund for Economic Development, is taking on. We met with Zahir Khoja, Roshan’s Executive Director for M-Paisa, on a recent visit to Afghanistan to discuss the roll-out.
Roshan is using the same platform on which Safaricom built its now famous M-PESA service in Kenya. The product is branded M-Paisa in Afghanistan and was initially piloted to provide microloan disbursement and repayments for MFIs as well as a person-to-person money transfers. Today, the service has expanded to include salary disbursement, airtime purchase and bill payment.
After a difficult soft-launch in February 2008, which faced a number of challenges with the agent network and in creating awareness among potential customers, the service is now available in major towns and cities across Afghanistan. Interactive voice recognition services are being developed in three languages: Dari, Pashto and English to ensure that illiteracy is not a barrier to its use.
Over the last six months Roshan has experimented with using the service to pay the salaries of its own staff as well as a trial with around 50 members of the Afghan National Police in Wardak province. Zahir explained how the system works: “The officers in Wardak now visit an authorized M-Paisa agent to withdraw their salary or can immediately send it to their families using their mobile phone.”
The trial was a success, despite having to overcome some initial challenges such as a police commander who wanted the service shut down as he was no longer receiving his usual cut of the salaries. The police officers were initially surprised at how large the payments were when they received their full salary, which was a third higher than what they were used to receiving.
The trial in Afghanistan is on too small a scale to draw conclusions about whether salary payment over mobile is a viable strategy for building a branchless banking business, but it is an attractive business model and it will be interesting to see if it takes off. Roshan plans to continue to scale up salary disbursements to the Afghan National Police and offer the same service to the Afghan National Army in the coming year.
In a country like Afghanistan there may be good reasons to follow this strategy: commissions can be earned off a regular flow of payments that are guaranteed by the government rather than relying on irregular person-to-person transfers and given the government’s involvement in the program it may be less likely to run into the regulatory quagmire that has confounded operators in so many other markets. The idea of using Government to person (G2P) payments as a platform for expanding access to financial services is further explored in CGAP’s latest Focus Note: Banking the Poor via G2P Payments.
http://technology.cgap.org/2010/01/19/i ... ne-before/
by Chris Bold:
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
Today we welcome Chris Bold as a new blogger for CGAP. Recently, Chris joined CGAP’s Technology Team on leave from the UK Department for International Development where he worked in their Financial Sector Team and, for the last year and a half, was based in Kabul managing DFID’s private sector development programs in Afghanistan. Chris will be providing additional support to CGAP’s portfolio of projects and exploring how large flows of money such as government payments and remittances can be harnessed to bring financial services to the unbanked.
It’s hard to think of a tougher environment in which to test the potential of mobile banking than Afghanistan. With a population of 30 million people, 36% of whom live below the government defined poverty line and 74% of whom are illiterate; Afghanistan is the poorest country in the world outside Africa. But bringing banking services to Afghanistan is exactly the challenge that Roshan, an MNO majority owned by the Aga Khan Fund for Economic Development, is taking on. We met with Zahir Khoja, Roshan’s Executive Director for M-Paisa, on a recent visit to Afghanistan to discuss the roll-out.
Roshan is using the same platform on which Safaricom built its now famous M-PESA service in Kenya. The product is branded M-Paisa in Afghanistan and was initially piloted to provide microloan disbursement and repayments for MFIs as well as a person-to-person money transfers. Today, the service has expanded to include salary disbursement, airtime purchase and bill payment.
After a difficult soft-launch in February 2008, which faced a number of challenges with the agent network and in creating awareness among potential customers, the service is now available in major towns and cities across Afghanistan. Interactive voice recognition services are being developed in three languages: Dari, Pashto and English to ensure that illiteracy is not a barrier to its use.
Over the last six months Roshan has experimented with using the service to pay the salaries of its own staff as well as a trial with around 50 members of the Afghan National Police in Wardak province. Zahir explained how the system works: “The officers in Wardak now visit an authorized M-Paisa agent to withdraw their salary or can immediately send it to their families using their mobile phone.”
The trial was a success, despite having to overcome some initial challenges such as a police commander who wanted the service shut down as he was no longer receiving his usual cut of the salaries. The police officers were initially surprised at how large the payments were when they received their full salary, which was a third higher than what they were used to receiving.
The trial in Afghanistan is on too small a scale to draw conclusions about whether salary payment over mobile is a viable strategy for building a branchless banking business, but it is an attractive business model and it will be interesting to see if it takes off. Roshan plans to continue to scale up salary disbursements to the Afghan National Police and offer the same service to the Afghan National Army in the coming year.
In a country like Afghanistan there may be good reasons to follow this strategy: commissions can be earned off a regular flow of payments that are guaranteed by the government rather than relying on irregular person-to-person transfers and given the government’s involvement in the program it may be less likely to run into the regulatory quagmire that has confounded operators in so many other markets. The idea of using Government to person (G2P) payments as a platform for expanding access to financial services is further explored in CGAP’s latest Focus Note: Banking the Poor via G2P Payments.
http://technology.cgap.org/2010/01/19/i ... ne-before/
Roshan to expand in Afghanistan
David George-Cosh
Last Updated: May 17. 2010 8:01PM UAE / May 17. 2010 4:01PM GMT Roshan, the largest telecommunications operator in Afghanistan, plans to spend more than US$60 million (Dh220.3m) next year to expand its mobile presence and build a high-speed wireless internet service across the war-torn country.
The investment is planned to boost the operator’s subscription base to 5 million users from 3.8 million, and to provide the first steps in creating a reliable internet service in Afghanistan, said Karim Khoja, the chief executive of Roshan.
Mr Khoja said the operator would try to build a fibre-optic network across 20 cities in Afghanistan to increase its coverage across rural areas despite the continuing conflict.
“Our focus is on return on investment,” he said on the sidelines of a telecoms conference yesterday. “Before, we knew that there was a market that was going to grow but now we have to ask ourselves what kind of return on investment we get from everything we do.”
The operator’s largest shareholder is the Aga Khan Fund for Economic Development with a 51 per cent stake, while Monaco Telecom International and TeliaSonera hold the remaining stakes.
After starting operations in 2003, Roshan spent about $450m building its mobile and internet infrastructure and now covers 60 per cent of Afghanistan.
But building a telecoms company in one of the world’s most dangerous countries remains fraught with risk.
Despite the company’s socially responsible initiatives, such as building playgrounds and providing 50,000 free meals a day to children, threats of attack on Roshan’s infrastructure by the Taliban insurgency result in about 100 mobile tower stations being temporarily switched off each night.
Mr Khoja told of how Roshan started operations in the village of Bamiyan to illustrate its unique way of doing business in Afghanistan.
After beginning a mobile network in the village, farmers reopened a bazaar in that region, which in turn helped to open a medical centre, midwifery clinic and ultimately a hotel that attracted tourists.
“We’re inherently a development agency,” Mr Khoja said. “I can go to my board and say this base station will break even in five years and, by the way, will also bring in all these economic values to the population.”
But progress to move the Afghani telecoms market in line with the rest of the region’s capability remains slow, Mr Khoja said.
Plans to build a 3G network in Afghanistan remain stalled as not enough Afghanis can afford a mobile device capable of using the network.
“We don’t want to pay that much for a set of frequencies that will not provide return on investment,” Mr Khoja said.
http://www.thenational.ae/apps/pbcs.dll ... 79962/1005
****
Afghan telco Roshan eyes 30 pct subscribers boost
Mon May 17, 2010 4:28am
http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSLDE6 ... icesSector
David George-Cosh
Last Updated: May 17. 2010 8:01PM UAE / May 17. 2010 4:01PM GMT Roshan, the largest telecommunications operator in Afghanistan, plans to spend more than US$60 million (Dh220.3m) next year to expand its mobile presence and build a high-speed wireless internet service across the war-torn country.
The investment is planned to boost the operator’s subscription base to 5 million users from 3.8 million, and to provide the first steps in creating a reliable internet service in Afghanistan, said Karim Khoja, the chief executive of Roshan.
Mr Khoja said the operator would try to build a fibre-optic network across 20 cities in Afghanistan to increase its coverage across rural areas despite the continuing conflict.
“Our focus is on return on investment,” he said on the sidelines of a telecoms conference yesterday. “Before, we knew that there was a market that was going to grow but now we have to ask ourselves what kind of return on investment we get from everything we do.”
The operator’s largest shareholder is the Aga Khan Fund for Economic Development with a 51 per cent stake, while Monaco Telecom International and TeliaSonera hold the remaining stakes.
After starting operations in 2003, Roshan spent about $450m building its mobile and internet infrastructure and now covers 60 per cent of Afghanistan.
But building a telecoms company in one of the world’s most dangerous countries remains fraught with risk.
Despite the company’s socially responsible initiatives, such as building playgrounds and providing 50,000 free meals a day to children, threats of attack on Roshan’s infrastructure by the Taliban insurgency result in about 100 mobile tower stations being temporarily switched off each night.
Mr Khoja told of how Roshan started operations in the village of Bamiyan to illustrate its unique way of doing business in Afghanistan.
After beginning a mobile network in the village, farmers reopened a bazaar in that region, which in turn helped to open a medical centre, midwifery clinic and ultimately a hotel that attracted tourists.
“We’re inherently a development agency,” Mr Khoja said. “I can go to my board and say this base station will break even in five years and, by the way, will also bring in all these economic values to the population.”
But progress to move the Afghani telecoms market in line with the rest of the region’s capability remains slow, Mr Khoja said.
Plans to build a 3G network in Afghanistan remain stalled as not enough Afghanis can afford a mobile device capable of using the network.
“We don’t want to pay that much for a set of frequencies that will not provide return on investment,” Mr Khoja said.
http://www.thenational.ae/apps/pbcs.dll ... 79962/1005
****
Afghan telco Roshan eyes 30 pct subscribers boost
Mon May 17, 2010 4:28am
http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSLDE6 ... icesSector
VIDEO
http://ismailimail.wordpress.com/2010/0 ... ilimail%29
Roshan Community Afghanistan
Roshan Community is the dedicated corporate social responsibility arm of Roshan, Afghanistan’s leading telecommunications provider. Roshan Community aims to be a driver in the reconstruction of Afghanistan, investing in programs for children, women and communities to build human potential and capacity. Since beginning operations, Roshan Community has supported a wide range of programs including building schools, playgrounds and wells, helping women set-up their own businesses, sponsoring soup kitchens and supporting a Telemedicine project. Roshan’s commitment to the reconstruction of Afghanistan is an integral part of the company’s business mission. In line with the philosophy of the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN), Roshan seeks to demonstrate the role business can play in transforming society. By leveraging its expertise and partnering with like-minded businesses and organizations, Roshan Community works to strengthen and enhance the work of government and civil society to maximize impact and make a difference
http://ismailimail.wordpress.com/2010/0 ... ilimail%29
Roshan Community Afghanistan
Roshan Community is the dedicated corporate social responsibility arm of Roshan, Afghanistan’s leading telecommunications provider. Roshan Community aims to be a driver in the reconstruction of Afghanistan, investing in programs for children, women and communities to build human potential and capacity. Since beginning operations, Roshan Community has supported a wide range of programs including building schools, playgrounds and wells, helping women set-up their own businesses, sponsoring soup kitchens and supporting a Telemedicine project. Roshan’s commitment to the reconstruction of Afghanistan is an integral part of the company’s business mission. In line with the philosophy of the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN), Roshan seeks to demonstrate the role business can play in transforming society. By leveraging its expertise and partnering with like-minded businesses and organizations, Roshan Community works to strengthen and enhance the work of government and civil society to maximize impact and make a difference
Roshan and USG Partners Launch Malomat, National Commodity Information System in Afghanistan
KABUL, Afghanistan, Sept. 7 /PRNewswire/ -- Roshan, Afghanistan's leading telecommunications provider, in partnership with USAID's Incentives Driving Economic Alternatives--North, East and West (IDEA-NEW) and the Global Development Alliance (GDA) for Strengthening Grape and Pomegranate Market Chains, today announced the launch of Malomat.
Malomat is a national price information system providing farmers, input suppliers, traders, wholesalers and other stakeholders, access to commodity information in 11 provincial wholesale markets using mobile phones with Interactive Voice Response (IVR) technology and Short Message Service (SMS). Once developed further, the project will expand to other provinces and incorporate additional commodities, with a focus on reaching rural communities in remote areas of the country.
"Malomat provides farmers with access to real-time market prices, helping to ensure that farmers are able to secure the highest value possible for their crops while promoting commerce, the lifeblood of the nation's economy. Mobile technology is playing a significant role in enabling marginalized communities to engage in everyday commerce as a vehicle for sustainable growth. Services such as Malomat demonstrate Roshan's commitment to socio-economic development by leveraging its technology, human capital and emerging market expertise to bring innovative services and products to Afghanistan," said Karim Khoja, chief executive officer of Roshan.
The system gives anyone the ability to access price information for 25 commodities, either by calling and following IVR prompts, or by sending a SMS through the Roshan system. A total of 500 farmers and traders are participating in a pilot roll-out of the system in five provinces.
Prices are updated daily for 25 commodities, including wheat, rice, cashmere, numerous fruits such as almonds and pomegranates, several types of vegetables, fertilizer, live chickens and eggs. The cost of using the system is the same as sending a SMS, or calling a Roshan number.
The Malomat initiative builds on two existing projects: one between GDA and Roshan (Trade Net), and another run by USAID's IDEA-NEW project. The new system combines lessons learned from both projects, and capitalizes on the strengths of each. The Ministry of Agriculture, Irrigation and Livestock (MAIL) has also provided ongoing guidance and technical support to Malomat.
The commodity information is primarily envisioned as a tool for farmers to gain bargaining power at the farm gate, but will also give price visibility to traders, NGOs and others interested in following market price trends in Afghanistan. The system has the flexibility to add new commodities as demand warrants.
To find out the price of 25 commodities in the 11 markets (10 in Afghanistan and one in Peshawar, Pakistan), call +93 0797 000 700 and follow the voice prompts.
About Roshan
Roshan (Telecom Development Company Afghanistan Ltd) is Afghanistan's leading telecommunications provider, with coverage in over 230 cities and towns and approximately 3.8 million active subscribers. Roshan directly employs more than 1,100 people and provides indirect employment to more than 30,000 people. Since its inception seven years ago, Roshan has invested over $450 million in Afghanistan and is the country's single largest investor and tax payer. Roshan is deeply committed to Afghanistan's reconstruction and socio-economic development. The Aga Khan Fund for Economic Development (AKFED), part of the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN), is a major shareholder of Roshan and promotes private initiatives in building economically sound enterprises in the developing world. Also owned in part by Monaco Telecom International (MTI) and TeliaSonera, Roshan brings international expertise to Afghanistan and is committed to the highest standards of network quality and coverage for the people of Afghanistan.
About Global Development Alliance
Mercy Corps is implementing the three-year, USAID-funded GDA program that is increasing capacity, jobs, sales and production along the grape and pomegranate value chains in central and southern Afghanistan. Mercy Corps has been working in Afghanistan since 1986 partnering with communities to implement a wide range of relief and development activities. For more information, see mercycorps.org.
About IDEA-NEW
IDEA-NEW is a five-year, USAID-funded initiative that provides agricultural incentives and economic alternatives that strengthen rural economies, increasing jobs and sales across the northern, eastern and western regions of Afghanistan. Please see www.ideanew.af for more information.
http://newsblaze.com/story/201009070756 ... story.html
KABUL, Afghanistan, Sept. 7 /PRNewswire/ -- Roshan, Afghanistan's leading telecommunications provider, in partnership with USAID's Incentives Driving Economic Alternatives--North, East and West (IDEA-NEW) and the Global Development Alliance (GDA) for Strengthening Grape and Pomegranate Market Chains, today announced the launch of Malomat.
Malomat is a national price information system providing farmers, input suppliers, traders, wholesalers and other stakeholders, access to commodity information in 11 provincial wholesale markets using mobile phones with Interactive Voice Response (IVR) technology and Short Message Service (SMS). Once developed further, the project will expand to other provinces and incorporate additional commodities, with a focus on reaching rural communities in remote areas of the country.
"Malomat provides farmers with access to real-time market prices, helping to ensure that farmers are able to secure the highest value possible for their crops while promoting commerce, the lifeblood of the nation's economy. Mobile technology is playing a significant role in enabling marginalized communities to engage in everyday commerce as a vehicle for sustainable growth. Services such as Malomat demonstrate Roshan's commitment to socio-economic development by leveraging its technology, human capital and emerging market expertise to bring innovative services and products to Afghanistan," said Karim Khoja, chief executive officer of Roshan.
The system gives anyone the ability to access price information for 25 commodities, either by calling and following IVR prompts, or by sending a SMS through the Roshan system. A total of 500 farmers and traders are participating in a pilot roll-out of the system in five provinces.
Prices are updated daily for 25 commodities, including wheat, rice, cashmere, numerous fruits such as almonds and pomegranates, several types of vegetables, fertilizer, live chickens and eggs. The cost of using the system is the same as sending a SMS, or calling a Roshan number.
The Malomat initiative builds on two existing projects: one between GDA and Roshan (Trade Net), and another run by USAID's IDEA-NEW project. The new system combines lessons learned from both projects, and capitalizes on the strengths of each. The Ministry of Agriculture, Irrigation and Livestock (MAIL) has also provided ongoing guidance and technical support to Malomat.
The commodity information is primarily envisioned as a tool for farmers to gain bargaining power at the farm gate, but will also give price visibility to traders, NGOs and others interested in following market price trends in Afghanistan. The system has the flexibility to add new commodities as demand warrants.
To find out the price of 25 commodities in the 11 markets (10 in Afghanistan and one in Peshawar, Pakistan), call +93 0797 000 700 and follow the voice prompts.
About Roshan
Roshan (Telecom Development Company Afghanistan Ltd) is Afghanistan's leading telecommunications provider, with coverage in over 230 cities and towns and approximately 3.8 million active subscribers. Roshan directly employs more than 1,100 people and provides indirect employment to more than 30,000 people. Since its inception seven years ago, Roshan has invested over $450 million in Afghanistan and is the country's single largest investor and tax payer. Roshan is deeply committed to Afghanistan's reconstruction and socio-economic development. The Aga Khan Fund for Economic Development (AKFED), part of the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN), is a major shareholder of Roshan and promotes private initiatives in building economically sound enterprises in the developing world. Also owned in part by Monaco Telecom International (MTI) and TeliaSonera, Roshan brings international expertise to Afghanistan and is committed to the highest standards of network quality and coverage for the people of Afghanistan.
About Global Development Alliance
Mercy Corps is implementing the three-year, USAID-funded GDA program that is increasing capacity, jobs, sales and production along the grape and pomegranate value chains in central and southern Afghanistan. Mercy Corps has been working in Afghanistan since 1986 partnering with communities to implement a wide range of relief and development activities. For more information, see mercycorps.org.
About IDEA-NEW
IDEA-NEW is a five-year, USAID-funded initiative that provides agricultural incentives and economic alternatives that strengthen rural economies, increasing jobs and sales across the northern, eastern and western regions of Afghanistan. Please see www.ideanew.af for more information.
http://newsblaze.com/story/201009070756 ... story.html
Roshan Taps Into Twitter, Increasing Afghanistan's Voice 140 Characters at a Time, in Global Social Networking Community
Press Release Source: Roshan On Thursday January 6, 2011, 9:55 am EST
KABUL, Afghanistan, Jan. 6, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Roshan, Afghanistan's leading telecommunications provider, today announced that it is the first Afghan mobile operator to provide customers with direct access to Twitter, using SMS through their mobile phones. The addition of Twitter to Roshan's current social network service offerings will connect Afghans with Twitter's more than 175 million registered accounts worldwide.
With Twitter SMS, Roshan customers can now use their Twitter accounts on the go, to send and receive real time updates, known as "tweets," from other users of the service, giving them the ability to talk, share ideas, and reach out beyond Afghanistan.
"With the recent addition of Twitter service, Roshan continues not only to connect Afghans with their friends and loved ones, but is also expanding Afghanistan's voice in the global social networking community," said Altaf Ladak, chief operating officer. "Afghanistan's Ministry of Communications and Information Technology has found that half of Afghan Internet users utilize social networking sites. Now, they can do so from the convenience of their mobile phone wherever they are."
The introduction of Twitter service to Roshan's customers is primarily Targeted at the youth market, a demographic worldwide that is most heavily engaged with social networking and composes 60 percent of Afghanistan's population. Broadening access to Twitter through mobile phones will also provide Afghan businesses with increased opportunities to reach this audience.
Twitter is not the first service to which Roshan has introduced its mobile customers. The company was also the first telecom provider in Afghanistan to offer mobile access to Facebook, and hi5, and was the first company in Afghanistan to offer BlackBerry services.
To access Twitter, customers can simply add their phone to their Twitter account by sending an SMS with "START" to 40404; then they can send and receive "tweets" from Twitter. In order to open up a Twitter account, customers can visit: www.twitter.com/signup.
To learn more about Twitter, from Roshan, visit: http://www.roshan.af/Roshan/Personal/Pr ... Guide.aspx
About Roshan
Roshan (Telecom Development Company Afghanistan Ltd) is Afghanistan's leading telecommunications provider, with coverage in over 230 cities and towns and over 4.2 million active subscribers. Roshan directly employs more than 1,100 people and provides indirect employment to more than 30,000 people. Since its inception seven years ago, Roshan has invested approximately $450 million in Afghanistan and is the country's single largest investor and tax payer. Roshan is deeply committed to Afghanistan's reconstruction and socio-economic development. The Aga Khan Fund for Economic Development (AKFED), part of the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN), is a major shareholder of Roshan and promotes private initiatives and building economically sound enterprises in the developing world. Also owned in part by Monaco Telecom International (MTI) and TeliaSonera, Roshan brings international expertise to Afghanistan and is committed to the highest standards of network quality and coverage for the people of Afghanistan.
http://finance.yahoo.com/news/Roshan-Ta ... 5.html?x=0
Press Release Source: Roshan On Thursday January 6, 2011, 9:55 am EST
KABUL, Afghanistan, Jan. 6, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Roshan, Afghanistan's leading telecommunications provider, today announced that it is the first Afghan mobile operator to provide customers with direct access to Twitter, using SMS through their mobile phones. The addition of Twitter to Roshan's current social network service offerings will connect Afghans with Twitter's more than 175 million registered accounts worldwide.
With Twitter SMS, Roshan customers can now use their Twitter accounts on the go, to send and receive real time updates, known as "tweets," from other users of the service, giving them the ability to talk, share ideas, and reach out beyond Afghanistan.
"With the recent addition of Twitter service, Roshan continues not only to connect Afghans with their friends and loved ones, but is also expanding Afghanistan's voice in the global social networking community," said Altaf Ladak, chief operating officer. "Afghanistan's Ministry of Communications and Information Technology has found that half of Afghan Internet users utilize social networking sites. Now, they can do so from the convenience of their mobile phone wherever they are."
The introduction of Twitter service to Roshan's customers is primarily Targeted at the youth market, a demographic worldwide that is most heavily engaged with social networking and composes 60 percent of Afghanistan's population. Broadening access to Twitter through mobile phones will also provide Afghan businesses with increased opportunities to reach this audience.
Twitter is not the first service to which Roshan has introduced its mobile customers. The company was also the first telecom provider in Afghanistan to offer mobile access to Facebook, and hi5, and was the first company in Afghanistan to offer BlackBerry services.
To access Twitter, customers can simply add their phone to their Twitter account by sending an SMS with "START" to 40404; then they can send and receive "tweets" from Twitter. In order to open up a Twitter account, customers can visit: www.twitter.com/signup.
To learn more about Twitter, from Roshan, visit: http://www.roshan.af/Roshan/Personal/Pr ... Guide.aspx
About Roshan
Roshan (Telecom Development Company Afghanistan Ltd) is Afghanistan's leading telecommunications provider, with coverage in over 230 cities and towns and over 4.2 million active subscribers. Roshan directly employs more than 1,100 people and provides indirect employment to more than 30,000 people. Since its inception seven years ago, Roshan has invested approximately $450 million in Afghanistan and is the country's single largest investor and tax payer. Roshan is deeply committed to Afghanistan's reconstruction and socio-economic development. The Aga Khan Fund for Economic Development (AKFED), part of the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN), is a major shareholder of Roshan and promotes private initiatives and building economically sound enterprises in the developing world. Also owned in part by Monaco Telecom International (MTI) and TeliaSonera, Roshan brings international expertise to Afghanistan and is committed to the highest standards of network quality and coverage for the people of Afghanistan.
http://finance.yahoo.com/news/Roshan-Ta ... 5.html?x=0
http://www.flickr.com/photos/cccicentcom/5367023829/
photo
Youth Sports & Social Development Center
KABUL, Afghanistan (Jan. 16, 2011) -- A new, first of its kind, youth sports center opened today during an offical ceremony held in its gymnasium. The center will serve 800 teenagers and children, male and female, in the Kabul area. The Youth Sports & Social Development Center was sponsored and constructed by Roshan Community, in partnership with His Highness Prince Aga Khan Shia Imami Ismaili Council for Afghanistan, who will operate the center.
"This contribution will result in a more educated, socially aware, emotionally intelligent and empowered community, helping to build a stronger Afghanistan," said Shair Baz Hakemy, President, His Highness Prince Aga Khan Shia Islamii Council for Afghanistan.
*****
http://www.theismaili.org/cms/1158/New- ... -the-youth
New sport facility in Kabul cultivates the spirit of the youth
Also see the photo gallery of the opening of the Youth, Sports and Social Development Center.
Roshan CEO Karim Khoja presents the plaque marking the opening of the Youth, Sports and Social Development Center to Ismaili Council for Afghanistan President Shair Baz Hakemy in the presence of AKDN Resident Representative Aly Mawji. Photo: Courtesy of the Ismaili Council for Afghanistan
The Ismaili youth of Afghanistan have a new place where they can play, learn and socialise. The two-storey Youth, Sports and Social Development Center in Kabul, opened its doors on 16 December 2010.
The product of a partnership between the Ismaili Council for Afghanistan and Roshan Community (the social responsibility arm of the nation’s leading telecommunications provider), the centre is among the first of its kind in the country. The facility will house sports tournaments, classes, seminars and conferences for the physical, intellectual and social development of the youth. It will also provide practice space for the three most popular indoor sports — wrestling, taekwondo and boxing, in addition to indoor football (soccer), volleyball, ping-pong and basketball. A major differentiator from other facilities in Kabul is the partitioned area on the second floor reserved especially for girls and women.
Female athletes participating in the opening ceremony of the Youth, Sports and Social Development Center. The facility offers a partitioned area on the second floor reserved especially for girls and women. Photo: Courtesy of the Ismaili Council for Afghanistan
“It is so amazing that we girls get a place of our own,” remarked a female member of the Youth and Sports Committee. “We can pursue our passions and interests, but more importantly, all of the activities here are going to empower our young girls.” The private space ensures their ability to pursue their physical development, health and sports interests in a secure and dignified environment, while at the same time respecting the cultural values of the community.
The inauguration of the Youth, Sports and Social Development Center drew over 550 attendees, including government officials, representatives of the AKDN institutions, the leadership of the Ismaili community, and others from other civil society and development organisations. Upon their arrival, guests were welcomed by Ismaili youth volunteers, who lined the walkway dressed in elegant blue blazers and red and green ties.
“The spirit of volunteerism within the community is astounding,” noted one expatriate worker, who was impressed at seeing “all of these young men and women giving their time and behaving with such discipline.”
The entrance to the vividly-coloured building gives way to a multi-use court lined with pillars. More than 100 male and female volunteers stood alongside the pillars, surrounding some 600 chairs reserved for guests. Red Persian-style carpets covered the walkways and a stage was set up at the front of the hall. But the most stunning sight was above: over 200 uniformed athletes lined the second-floor wrap-around balcony.
Footballers make their entrance at the opening ceremony of the Youth, Sports and Social Development Center in Kabul. Photo: Courtesy of the Ismaili Council for Afghanistan
Overjoyed at the occasion, one athlete exclaimed: “I can’t wait for the first sports tournament. It will give us the chance to showcase our talent and really develop our skills.”
There are high expectations for the Youth, Sports and Social Development Center. It is seen as an important step towards fulfilling an obligation towards younger generations. The Ismaili Council regards it a keystone in cultivating the human spirit — through sports, the arts and education — and hopes it will empower the youth to become citizens, role models and leaders of society who can contribute toward a vision of a safe and prosperous Afghanistan.
A bird’s-eye view of the opening ceremony of the Youth, Sports and Social Development Center in Kabul. Photo: Courtesy of the Ismaili Council for Afghanistan
photo
Youth Sports & Social Development Center
KABUL, Afghanistan (Jan. 16, 2011) -- A new, first of its kind, youth sports center opened today during an offical ceremony held in its gymnasium. The center will serve 800 teenagers and children, male and female, in the Kabul area. The Youth Sports & Social Development Center was sponsored and constructed by Roshan Community, in partnership with His Highness Prince Aga Khan Shia Imami Ismaili Council for Afghanistan, who will operate the center.
"This contribution will result in a more educated, socially aware, emotionally intelligent and empowered community, helping to build a stronger Afghanistan," said Shair Baz Hakemy, President, His Highness Prince Aga Khan Shia Islamii Council for Afghanistan.
*****
http://www.theismaili.org/cms/1158/New- ... -the-youth
New sport facility in Kabul cultivates the spirit of the youth
Also see the photo gallery of the opening of the Youth, Sports and Social Development Center.
Roshan CEO Karim Khoja presents the plaque marking the opening of the Youth, Sports and Social Development Center to Ismaili Council for Afghanistan President Shair Baz Hakemy in the presence of AKDN Resident Representative Aly Mawji. Photo: Courtesy of the Ismaili Council for Afghanistan
The Ismaili youth of Afghanistan have a new place where they can play, learn and socialise. The two-storey Youth, Sports and Social Development Center in Kabul, opened its doors on 16 December 2010.
The product of a partnership between the Ismaili Council for Afghanistan and Roshan Community (the social responsibility arm of the nation’s leading telecommunications provider), the centre is among the first of its kind in the country. The facility will house sports tournaments, classes, seminars and conferences for the physical, intellectual and social development of the youth. It will also provide practice space for the three most popular indoor sports — wrestling, taekwondo and boxing, in addition to indoor football (soccer), volleyball, ping-pong and basketball. A major differentiator from other facilities in Kabul is the partitioned area on the second floor reserved especially for girls and women.
Female athletes participating in the opening ceremony of the Youth, Sports and Social Development Center. The facility offers a partitioned area on the second floor reserved especially for girls and women. Photo: Courtesy of the Ismaili Council for Afghanistan
“It is so amazing that we girls get a place of our own,” remarked a female member of the Youth and Sports Committee. “We can pursue our passions and interests, but more importantly, all of the activities here are going to empower our young girls.” The private space ensures their ability to pursue their physical development, health and sports interests in a secure and dignified environment, while at the same time respecting the cultural values of the community.
The inauguration of the Youth, Sports and Social Development Center drew over 550 attendees, including government officials, representatives of the AKDN institutions, the leadership of the Ismaili community, and others from other civil society and development organisations. Upon their arrival, guests were welcomed by Ismaili youth volunteers, who lined the walkway dressed in elegant blue blazers and red and green ties.
“The spirit of volunteerism within the community is astounding,” noted one expatriate worker, who was impressed at seeing “all of these young men and women giving their time and behaving with such discipline.”
The entrance to the vividly-coloured building gives way to a multi-use court lined with pillars. More than 100 male and female volunteers stood alongside the pillars, surrounding some 600 chairs reserved for guests. Red Persian-style carpets covered the walkways and a stage was set up at the front of the hall. But the most stunning sight was above: over 200 uniformed athletes lined the second-floor wrap-around balcony.
Footballers make their entrance at the opening ceremony of the Youth, Sports and Social Development Center in Kabul. Photo: Courtesy of the Ismaili Council for Afghanistan
Overjoyed at the occasion, one athlete exclaimed: “I can’t wait for the first sports tournament. It will give us the chance to showcase our talent and really develop our skills.”
There are high expectations for the Youth, Sports and Social Development Center. It is seen as an important step towards fulfilling an obligation towards younger generations. The Ismaili Council regards it a keystone in cultivating the human spirit — through sports, the arts and education — and hopes it will empower the youth to become citizens, role models and leaders of society who can contribute toward a vision of a safe and prosperous Afghanistan.
A bird’s-eye view of the opening ceremony of the Youth, Sports and Social Development Center in Kabul. Photo: Courtesy of the Ismaili Council for Afghanistan
Last edited by kmaherali on Sat Feb 26, 2011 3:47 pm, edited 1 time in total.
Positive comments about working with Roshan by University of Toronto Rotman MBA student
[Rotman] What country starts with "A", but doesn't end with "A"?
[Rotman Series: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5]
Arash is a old friend of mine back from my McMaster Engineering days. After pursuing his Masters of Engineering, he decided to come to Rotman to do his MBA and will be joining Booz & Co in the Middle East when he is finished here. We also went on the Latin America Study tour together in May of last year.
During my visit on the Middle East study tour, we visited the Aga Khan foundation. The Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) is a group of development agencies with mandates that include the environment, health, education, architecture, culture, microfinance, rural development, disaster reduction, the promotion of private-sector enterprise and the revitalisation of historic cities. AKDN agencies conduct their programmes without regard to faith, origin or gender.
One of their impressive projects was their work with Roshan, a unique telephone company that performed to the same standards of private enterprise with regards to profit generation, but also imposed high standards to their relationships with governments regarding transparancy. Arash had the opportunity to work with Roshan this recent summer and he's written a post about the experience which follows:
Little did I know what adventures awaited me upon starting my MBA at Rotman. Of course it would open new doors and new opportunities, but where exactly was still to be determined. However, I knew that I would have preferred an international experience, as a result of which I also signed up for the Latin America study tour for which we visited Brazil and Argentina. When summer recruiting came around, I applied to both domestic and international opportunities. Of the postings that came up, the one that stood out the most was the one by Roshan Telecom in Afghanistan. Having been born in Afghanistan, I jumped at this opportunity to go to back and work there. I was very young when I left Afghanistan so I never actually got to see the country, so this opportunity was ideal – international work experience in an extremely challenging work environment and the ability to see the country and my extended family.
Naturally, working there was not easy, and definitely not for the faint-hearted. The challenges were numerous – adapting to the local work culture, working with expats colleagues from 20+ countries, and learning about the telecom sector as well as the market in Afghanistan. Imagine doing business in a country where there is little to no rule of law, very little regulations and a largely illiterate population. In addition to this, security restrictions were extremely tight and violations were swiftly dealt with (one intern was sent home for breaking curfew rules). However, these restrictions were definitely necessary – while I was working there, there were numerous incidents in Kabul, including a suicide bombing, roadside bombing, rocket attack on the airport, riots and street fighting. The challenge was to try to reduce the possibility of being at the wrong place at the wrong time, and really, the wrong place could be anywhere, and the wrong time could be any time. Despite this, I did managed to connect with relatives there (they had seen me when I was born but I never met them), and made visits to a couple historic sites in Kabul as well as Herat. It was definitely interesting to see some of the places that my parents saw when they grew up, although things now were radically different. Over the last 30 years of war, the population of Kabul swelled from 400,000 to over 4 million and you could definitely feel it.
My project at the company was as interesting as it was challenging. I had no background in the telecom sector. More specifically, I was looking into a type of fraud that occurs in the sector, which made matters even more complex. My project was to analyze internal detection and treatment mechanisms as well as to come up with potential strategies for preventing this fraud from taking place. After spending days learning about this problem and gathering data, I spent the following weeks working on analyzing the information to develop actionable strategies that could be used to reduce the impact this fraud had on the company. I found it extremely interesting, and I found several areas of improvement that could positively impact the company by improving their fraud strategy.
After work we were shuttled back from the office in downtown Kabul to our guesthouse just on the outskirts of the city. Life was actually less complicated there than it is here – we had room service that cleaned our room every day, we had laundry service and buffet style breakfast, lunch and dinner. I absolutely loved the fruits there – the best grapes and cantaloupes I have ever had in my entire life. After dinner people hung out in their rooms or relaxed out in the courtyard, watched the Indians/Pakistanis play cricket, worked out, played basketball or played pool. All in all, not a bad life, if it weren’t for the volatility of the country.
Overall, it was a fantastic opportunity to work in a challenging environment and with an interesting company. I never thought that coming to Rotman would have enabled me to work in Afghanistan, but it did, and I am definitely grateful for that. In addition to this, the study tour was definitely very interesting and also helped solidify my interest in working abroad. Moving forward, I will be working full-time for a top tier management consulting firm in the middle-east, an opportunity which also came about through Rotman. Not only did my MBA at Rotman open new doors for me, but it opened up the entire world to me – the world truly is my oyster.
http://amgstr.blogspot.com/2011/01/rotm ... -with.html
[Rotman] What country starts with "A", but doesn't end with "A"?
[Rotman Series: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5]
Arash is a old friend of mine back from my McMaster Engineering days. After pursuing his Masters of Engineering, he decided to come to Rotman to do his MBA and will be joining Booz & Co in the Middle East when he is finished here. We also went on the Latin America Study tour together in May of last year.
During my visit on the Middle East study tour, we visited the Aga Khan foundation. The Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) is a group of development agencies with mandates that include the environment, health, education, architecture, culture, microfinance, rural development, disaster reduction, the promotion of private-sector enterprise and the revitalisation of historic cities. AKDN agencies conduct their programmes without regard to faith, origin or gender.
One of their impressive projects was their work with Roshan, a unique telephone company that performed to the same standards of private enterprise with regards to profit generation, but also imposed high standards to their relationships with governments regarding transparancy. Arash had the opportunity to work with Roshan this recent summer and he's written a post about the experience which follows:
Little did I know what adventures awaited me upon starting my MBA at Rotman. Of course it would open new doors and new opportunities, but where exactly was still to be determined. However, I knew that I would have preferred an international experience, as a result of which I also signed up for the Latin America study tour for which we visited Brazil and Argentina. When summer recruiting came around, I applied to both domestic and international opportunities. Of the postings that came up, the one that stood out the most was the one by Roshan Telecom in Afghanistan. Having been born in Afghanistan, I jumped at this opportunity to go to back and work there. I was very young when I left Afghanistan so I never actually got to see the country, so this opportunity was ideal – international work experience in an extremely challenging work environment and the ability to see the country and my extended family.
Naturally, working there was not easy, and definitely not for the faint-hearted. The challenges were numerous – adapting to the local work culture, working with expats colleagues from 20+ countries, and learning about the telecom sector as well as the market in Afghanistan. Imagine doing business in a country where there is little to no rule of law, very little regulations and a largely illiterate population. In addition to this, security restrictions were extremely tight and violations were swiftly dealt with (one intern was sent home for breaking curfew rules). However, these restrictions were definitely necessary – while I was working there, there were numerous incidents in Kabul, including a suicide bombing, roadside bombing, rocket attack on the airport, riots and street fighting. The challenge was to try to reduce the possibility of being at the wrong place at the wrong time, and really, the wrong place could be anywhere, and the wrong time could be any time. Despite this, I did managed to connect with relatives there (they had seen me when I was born but I never met them), and made visits to a couple historic sites in Kabul as well as Herat. It was definitely interesting to see some of the places that my parents saw when they grew up, although things now were radically different. Over the last 30 years of war, the population of Kabul swelled from 400,000 to over 4 million and you could definitely feel it.
My project at the company was as interesting as it was challenging. I had no background in the telecom sector. More specifically, I was looking into a type of fraud that occurs in the sector, which made matters even more complex. My project was to analyze internal detection and treatment mechanisms as well as to come up with potential strategies for preventing this fraud from taking place. After spending days learning about this problem and gathering data, I spent the following weeks working on analyzing the information to develop actionable strategies that could be used to reduce the impact this fraud had on the company. I found it extremely interesting, and I found several areas of improvement that could positively impact the company by improving their fraud strategy.
After work we were shuttled back from the office in downtown Kabul to our guesthouse just on the outskirts of the city. Life was actually less complicated there than it is here – we had room service that cleaned our room every day, we had laundry service and buffet style breakfast, lunch and dinner. I absolutely loved the fruits there – the best grapes and cantaloupes I have ever had in my entire life. After dinner people hung out in their rooms or relaxed out in the courtyard, watched the Indians/Pakistanis play cricket, worked out, played basketball or played pool. All in all, not a bad life, if it weren’t for the volatility of the country.
Overall, it was a fantastic opportunity to work in a challenging environment and with an interesting company. I never thought that coming to Rotman would have enabled me to work in Afghanistan, but it did, and I am definitely grateful for that. In addition to this, the study tour was definitely very interesting and also helped solidify my interest in working abroad. Moving forward, I will be working full-time for a top tier management consulting firm in the middle-east, an opportunity which also came about through Rotman. Not only did my MBA at Rotman open new doors for me, but it opened up the entire world to me – the world truly is my oyster.
http://amgstr.blogspot.com/2011/01/rotm ... -with.html
Afghan telco Roshan plans $100m spend in 2011: CEO
By REUTERS
Published: Apr 26, 2011 18:03 Updated: Apr 26, 2011 18:03
ABU DHABI: Afghan telecoms group Roshan plans to invest up to $100 million in its home market this year and expects subscriber numbers to grow to 5.75 million as it expands into new areas.
Chief Executive Karim Khoja also said the company planned to offer third-generation (3G) services in the war-battered country and the roll-out was expected to start in the next six to 12 months.
“We invest between $50 to $100 million annually and we will invest from retained earnings,” Khoja said in an interview at a telecoms conference in Abu Dhabi.
“We have sufficient cash flow now.”
The telecom company — 51 percent owned by the Aga Khan Fund for Economic Development, 36.75 percent by Cable & Wireless Communications and 12.25 percent by Swedish group TeliaSonera — is profitable, he said.
Roshan’s subscriber base in the year ended March 2011 stood at 5 million and it is the top-ranked mobile operator in Afghanistan with a market share of 38 percent, he said. Rivals include UAE operator Etisalat and South Africa’s MTN.
“Our subscribers are growing by an average 150,000 a month and our net active subscribers is expected to grow to 5.5 to 5.75 million by end of this year,” said Khoja.
Roshan also operates in Tajakistan, commanding a 35 percent market share with 1.5 million subscribers, he said. It has also invested in an undersea cable from Egypt to South Africa.
Afghanistan has a population of 30 million but the telephone penetration is only 35 percent.
“There is still a huge potential for us and we are working to increase our market share,” he said.
http://arabnews.com/economy/article373196.ece
By REUTERS
Published: Apr 26, 2011 18:03 Updated: Apr 26, 2011 18:03
ABU DHABI: Afghan telecoms group Roshan plans to invest up to $100 million in its home market this year and expects subscriber numbers to grow to 5.75 million as it expands into new areas.
Chief Executive Karim Khoja also said the company planned to offer third-generation (3G) services in the war-battered country and the roll-out was expected to start in the next six to 12 months.
“We invest between $50 to $100 million annually and we will invest from retained earnings,” Khoja said in an interview at a telecoms conference in Abu Dhabi.
“We have sufficient cash flow now.”
The telecom company — 51 percent owned by the Aga Khan Fund for Economic Development, 36.75 percent by Cable & Wireless Communications and 12.25 percent by Swedish group TeliaSonera — is profitable, he said.
Roshan’s subscriber base in the year ended March 2011 stood at 5 million and it is the top-ranked mobile operator in Afghanistan with a market share of 38 percent, he said. Rivals include UAE operator Etisalat and South Africa’s MTN.
“Our subscribers are growing by an average 150,000 a month and our net active subscribers is expected to grow to 5.5 to 5.75 million by end of this year,” said Khoja.
Roshan also operates in Tajakistan, commanding a 35 percent market share with 1.5 million subscribers, he said. It has also invested in an undersea cable from Egypt to South Africa.
Afghanistan has a population of 30 million but the telephone penetration is only 35 percent.
“There is still a huge potential for us and we are working to increase our market share,” he said.
http://arabnews.com/economy/article373196.ece
The Central Bank of Afghanistan Issues First Electronic Money Institution License to M-Paisa
http://www.roshan.af/Roshan/Media_Relat ... Paisa.aspx
April 25, 2011
Kabul, Afghanistan – The Central Bank of Afghanistan today announced it has issued Afghanistan’s first electronic money institution (EMI) license to M-Paisa, Afghanistan’s first mobile money transfer service. M-Paisa was introduced by Roshan, a telecommunications service provider in the country, to expand access to safe, secure and transparent financial services for the unbanked population of country.
“Today, we are pleased to extend Afghanistan’s first electronic money institution (EMI) license to M-Paisa, a pioneer in mobile money. The issuance of this license is an important step forward for the financial system in Afghanistan, and in providing transparent ways to conduct financial transactions,” said His Excellency Abdul Qadeer Fitrat, Governor of the Central Bank of Afghanistan.
M-Paisa has been operating under a Money Service Provider (MSP) license since introducing the service in 2008. The EMI licensing process was recently introduced to better serve the growing demand for mobile money services in Afghanistan. In effect, the EMI license will complement the existing MSP license in setting the standard for mobile money service providers in Afghanistan, and ensure that customers, agents and partners are further protected.
“Since inception, our vision has been to harness the power of mobile technology to complement and build Afghanistan’s infrastructure and provide innovative solutions to foster community development. Our view is that Roshan and M-Paisa will be an enabler to increase financial inclusion for all Afghans. This license is an important milestone for the financial system, and country as a whole” said Karim Khoja, Chief Executive Officer, Roshan.
M-Paisa was initially introduced by Roshan in November 2008, in partnership with Vodafone. Today, Vodafone’s M-Paisa/M-Pesa has over 22 million customers internationally. Through a salary disbursement program for the public and private sector, as well as an extensive agent network throughout the country, M-Paisa facilitates growth of an ecosystem for the transparent movement of money nationwide. Today, customers are also using M-Paisa to transfer funds, receive and repay microfinance loans and purchase airtime.
The service has already garnered international recognition through winning two international awards, the 2011 GSMA Global Mobile Awards for Best Mobile Money for the Unbanked Service, and the Best Community Telecom Project at the 2011 Telecom Asia Awards, earlier this year.
About M-Paisa
Introduced by Roshan in 2008 in partnership with Vodafone, M-Paisa is Afghanistan's first mobile money transfer product, providing service to 97% of the unbanked population in the country. M-Paisa offers safe, secure and fast access to a range of financial services including receipt and payment of microfinance loans, peer-to-peer fund transfer, salary disbursement, purchase of airtime and bill payments. The service facilitates the transfer of funds using a mobile phone through Short Message Service (SMS) and an Interactive Voice Response (IVR) system. The IVR based menu is available to customers in Dari, Pashto and English, an important feature in Afghanistan where 70% of the population is illiterate. M-Paisa relies on Roshan's robust mobile network which spans across 230 cities and towns in all of Afghanistan's 34 provinces. This allows for the extension of financial services to the mass unbanked population.
About Roshan
Roshan (Telecom Development Company Afghanistan Ltd) is Afghanistan's leading telecommunications provider, with coverage in over 230 districts and approximately 4.8 million active subscribers. Roshan directly employs more than 1,200 people and provides indirect employment to more than 30,000 people. Since its inception seven years ago, Roshan has invested over $450 million in Afghanistan and is the country's single largest investor and tax payer. Roshan is deeply committed to Afghanistan's reconstruction and socio-economic development. The Aga Khan Fund for Economic Development (AKFED), part of the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN), is a major shareholder of Roshan and promotes private initiatives in building economically sound enterprises in the developing world. Also owned in part by Monaco Telecom International (MTI) and TeliaSonera, Roshan brings international expertise to Afghanistan and is committed to the highest standards of network quality and coverage for the people of Afghanistan.
Media Contact
Farah Kurji Mr. Aimal Hashoor
Manager, Public Relations Chief Information Officer
Roshan Da Afghanistan Bank
Mobile: +93 (0) 799 99 6813 Mobile: +93 (0) 799 113 838
E-mail: [email protected] E-mail: [email protected]
http://www.roshan.af/Roshan/Media_Relat ... Paisa.aspx
April 25, 2011
Kabul, Afghanistan – The Central Bank of Afghanistan today announced it has issued Afghanistan’s first electronic money institution (EMI) license to M-Paisa, Afghanistan’s first mobile money transfer service. M-Paisa was introduced by Roshan, a telecommunications service provider in the country, to expand access to safe, secure and transparent financial services for the unbanked population of country.
“Today, we are pleased to extend Afghanistan’s first electronic money institution (EMI) license to M-Paisa, a pioneer in mobile money. The issuance of this license is an important step forward for the financial system in Afghanistan, and in providing transparent ways to conduct financial transactions,” said His Excellency Abdul Qadeer Fitrat, Governor of the Central Bank of Afghanistan.
M-Paisa has been operating under a Money Service Provider (MSP) license since introducing the service in 2008. The EMI licensing process was recently introduced to better serve the growing demand for mobile money services in Afghanistan. In effect, the EMI license will complement the existing MSP license in setting the standard for mobile money service providers in Afghanistan, and ensure that customers, agents and partners are further protected.
“Since inception, our vision has been to harness the power of mobile technology to complement and build Afghanistan’s infrastructure and provide innovative solutions to foster community development. Our view is that Roshan and M-Paisa will be an enabler to increase financial inclusion for all Afghans. This license is an important milestone for the financial system, and country as a whole” said Karim Khoja, Chief Executive Officer, Roshan.
M-Paisa was initially introduced by Roshan in November 2008, in partnership with Vodafone. Today, Vodafone’s M-Paisa/M-Pesa has over 22 million customers internationally. Through a salary disbursement program for the public and private sector, as well as an extensive agent network throughout the country, M-Paisa facilitates growth of an ecosystem for the transparent movement of money nationwide. Today, customers are also using M-Paisa to transfer funds, receive and repay microfinance loans and purchase airtime.
The service has already garnered international recognition through winning two international awards, the 2011 GSMA Global Mobile Awards for Best Mobile Money for the Unbanked Service, and the Best Community Telecom Project at the 2011 Telecom Asia Awards, earlier this year.
About M-Paisa
Introduced by Roshan in 2008 in partnership with Vodafone, M-Paisa is Afghanistan's first mobile money transfer product, providing service to 97% of the unbanked population in the country. M-Paisa offers safe, secure and fast access to a range of financial services including receipt and payment of microfinance loans, peer-to-peer fund transfer, salary disbursement, purchase of airtime and bill payments. The service facilitates the transfer of funds using a mobile phone through Short Message Service (SMS) and an Interactive Voice Response (IVR) system. The IVR based menu is available to customers in Dari, Pashto and English, an important feature in Afghanistan where 70% of the population is illiterate. M-Paisa relies on Roshan's robust mobile network which spans across 230 cities and towns in all of Afghanistan's 34 provinces. This allows for the extension of financial services to the mass unbanked population.
About Roshan
Roshan (Telecom Development Company Afghanistan Ltd) is Afghanistan's leading telecommunications provider, with coverage in over 230 districts and approximately 4.8 million active subscribers. Roshan directly employs more than 1,200 people and provides indirect employment to more than 30,000 people. Since its inception seven years ago, Roshan has invested over $450 million in Afghanistan and is the country's single largest investor and tax payer. Roshan is deeply committed to Afghanistan's reconstruction and socio-economic development. The Aga Khan Fund for Economic Development (AKFED), part of the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN), is a major shareholder of Roshan and promotes private initiatives in building economically sound enterprises in the developing world. Also owned in part by Monaco Telecom International (MTI) and TeliaSonera, Roshan brings international expertise to Afghanistan and is committed to the highest standards of network quality and coverage for the people of Afghanistan.
Media Contact
Farah Kurji Mr. Aimal Hashoor
Manager, Public Relations Chief Information Officer
Roshan Da Afghanistan Bank
Mobile: +93 (0) 799 99 6813 Mobile: +93 (0) 799 113 838
E-mail: [email protected] E-mail: [email protected]
Roshan's Customer Base Surpasses Five Million Mark
http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases ... 19944.html
Innovation drives growth and Roshan's market leadership position in Afghanistan
KABUL, Afghanistan, June 14, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Roshan, Afghanistan's leading telecommunications provider, today announced that it is the first mobile operator in Afghanistan to surpass five million active customers, up from 30,000 customers in 2003 when the pioneering company launched its network. The milestone reaffirms Roshan's position as the number one telecommunications provider in Afghanistan based on both number of customers and overall SIM cards sold.
Roshan attributed its rapid customer growth in Afghanistan to its focus on innovation and meeting the individual needs and aspirations of its diverse customer base through market and regional segmentation, an unmatched range of voice and data products and services, and superior network quality. Roshan's state-of-the-art and cutting-edge nationwide network now reaches over 230 cities and towns across all 34 provinces in Afghanistan, covering over 60 percent of the population.
"Reaching this milestone demonstrates how far we have come towards reaching our goal of connecting people and bringing Afghanistan into the 21st century. In 2003, when we started operations, less than 100,000 people had access to a phone. Afghanistan was truly landlocked. Since then, Roshan has been proud to play a leading role in using mobile phone technology as a critical tool in driving socio-economic development of the country," said Karim Khoja, chief executive officer.
In reaching five million customers, Roshan has also achieved many other 'firsts' along the way:
Market leader in data, including the first to introduce GPRS and BlackBerry.
First to offer mobile money services through its M-Paisa "mobile wallet," to support growth of a financial ecosystem.
Largest private sector job creator, creating over 30,000 legitimate jobs for Afghans, creating the future business leaders of the country.
First operator to introduce a Corporate Social Responsibility arm, Roshan Community, whose projects include, building 16 playgrounds to provide children with a safe place to play, 10 schools to provide educational opportunities, and 60 wells to provide access to clean drinking water for over 114,000 people.
Introduced an innovative Telemedicine project connecting medical centers in Karachi, Kabul, Bamyan and Faizabad for real-time diagnosis and training for health care practitioners.
Largest private investor in Afghanistan's infrastructure, with over $500 million invested to-date.
Khoja added, "Our vision is to ensure that within the next five years, every Afghan has access to a mobile phone and to serve as a catalyst for change, supporting Afghans as we build a brighter tomorrow for the country."
Roshan's customer base has increased by more than 30 percent in the last year, with the addition of more than one million active customers since October 2010. Afghanistan remains among the fastest growing mobile phone markets in the world, with some 15 million total customers, representing a mobile penetration rate of 35%.
About Roshan
Roshan (Telecom Development Company Afghanistan Ltd) is Afghanistan's leading telecommunications provider, with coverage in over 230 cities and towns and over 5 million active customers. Roshan directly employs more than 1,200 people and provides indirect employment to more than 30,000 people. Since its inception eight years ago, Roshan has invested over $500 million in Afghanistan and is the country's single largest investor and tax payer. Roshan is deeply committed to Afghanistan's reconstruction and socio-economic development. The Aga Khan Fund for Economic Development (AKFED), part of the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN), is a major shareholder of Roshan and promotes private initiatives in building economically sound enterprises in the developing world. Also owned in part by Monaco Telecom International (MTI) and TeliaSonera, Roshan brings international expertise to Afghanistan and is committed to the highest standards of network quality and coverage for the people of Afghanistan.
Media Contact
Farah Kurji
Jessica Anderson
Manager, Public Relations
Vice President, Corporate
Roshan
Hill & Knowlton
Mobile: +93 (0) 799 99 6813
Direct: +1 (212) 885-0492
E-mail: [email protected]
E-mail: [email protected]
Web: www.roshan.af
Web: www.hillandknowlton.com
http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases ... 19944.html
Innovation drives growth and Roshan's market leadership position in Afghanistan
KABUL, Afghanistan, June 14, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Roshan, Afghanistan's leading telecommunications provider, today announced that it is the first mobile operator in Afghanistan to surpass five million active customers, up from 30,000 customers in 2003 when the pioneering company launched its network. The milestone reaffirms Roshan's position as the number one telecommunications provider in Afghanistan based on both number of customers and overall SIM cards sold.
Roshan attributed its rapid customer growth in Afghanistan to its focus on innovation and meeting the individual needs and aspirations of its diverse customer base through market and regional segmentation, an unmatched range of voice and data products and services, and superior network quality. Roshan's state-of-the-art and cutting-edge nationwide network now reaches over 230 cities and towns across all 34 provinces in Afghanistan, covering over 60 percent of the population.
"Reaching this milestone demonstrates how far we have come towards reaching our goal of connecting people and bringing Afghanistan into the 21st century. In 2003, when we started operations, less than 100,000 people had access to a phone. Afghanistan was truly landlocked. Since then, Roshan has been proud to play a leading role in using mobile phone technology as a critical tool in driving socio-economic development of the country," said Karim Khoja, chief executive officer.
In reaching five million customers, Roshan has also achieved many other 'firsts' along the way:
Market leader in data, including the first to introduce GPRS and BlackBerry.
First to offer mobile money services through its M-Paisa "mobile wallet," to support growth of a financial ecosystem.
Largest private sector job creator, creating over 30,000 legitimate jobs for Afghans, creating the future business leaders of the country.
First operator to introduce a Corporate Social Responsibility arm, Roshan Community, whose projects include, building 16 playgrounds to provide children with a safe place to play, 10 schools to provide educational opportunities, and 60 wells to provide access to clean drinking water for over 114,000 people.
Introduced an innovative Telemedicine project connecting medical centers in Karachi, Kabul, Bamyan and Faizabad for real-time diagnosis and training for health care practitioners.
Largest private investor in Afghanistan's infrastructure, with over $500 million invested to-date.
Khoja added, "Our vision is to ensure that within the next five years, every Afghan has access to a mobile phone and to serve as a catalyst for change, supporting Afghans as we build a brighter tomorrow for the country."
Roshan's customer base has increased by more than 30 percent in the last year, with the addition of more than one million active customers since October 2010. Afghanistan remains among the fastest growing mobile phone markets in the world, with some 15 million total customers, representing a mobile penetration rate of 35%.
About Roshan
Roshan (Telecom Development Company Afghanistan Ltd) is Afghanistan's leading telecommunications provider, with coverage in over 230 cities and towns and over 5 million active customers. Roshan directly employs more than 1,200 people and provides indirect employment to more than 30,000 people. Since its inception eight years ago, Roshan has invested over $500 million in Afghanistan and is the country's single largest investor and tax payer. Roshan is deeply committed to Afghanistan's reconstruction and socio-economic development. The Aga Khan Fund for Economic Development (AKFED), part of the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN), is a major shareholder of Roshan and promotes private initiatives in building economically sound enterprises in the developing world. Also owned in part by Monaco Telecom International (MTI) and TeliaSonera, Roshan brings international expertise to Afghanistan and is committed to the highest standards of network quality and coverage for the people of Afghanistan.
Media Contact
Farah Kurji
Jessica Anderson
Manager, Public Relations
Vice President, Corporate
Roshan
Hill & Knowlton
Mobile: +93 (0) 799 99 6813
Direct: +1 (212) 885-0492
E-mail: [email protected]
E-mail: [email protected]
Web: www.roshan.af
Web: www.hillandknowlton.com
E-Health Case Study: Roshan Telemedicine
Afghanistan
According to Roshan, one of Afghanistan’s top three operators, 25 per cent of children in the country die before their fifth birthday, due to illnesses such as pneumonia, poor nutrition and diarrhoea. Appropriate healthcare is extremely limited with only one doctor for every 100,000 people, so there is a strong need for telemedicine in Afghanistan in order to allow for more efficient medical services in the rural communities.
Market leadership is a close fought thing —Roshan, Afghan Wireless and MTN Afghanistan all have similar market share in a country with a population of 29 million. The main driver behind the operator’s telemedicine service is the Aga Khan Fund for Economic Development (AKFED) which has a 51 per cent stake in Roshan and is part of the Aga Khan Development Network, a group of nine international development agencies and institutions that implement programs in rural development, education, health, culture, microfinance and business. The AKFED has partnered with the government of Afghanistan, the Aga Khan University hospital, Aga Khan Health Services, the French Medical Institute for Children and Cisco to roll out the telemedicine service in Afghanistan.
With the service being offered free of charge, Roshan is not looking to make direct profits from it but instead is looking to strengthen its brand in rural communities and improve living conditions and opportunities for the poor. The telemedicine service uses the operator’s network to transfer medical imaging such as X-Rays and CT scans from remote areas to the large hospitals in Kabul, Iraq and Pakistan to provide specialist remote medical diagnosis. It also provides videoconferencing for medical training which is 100 per cent subsidised and gives local doctors and nurses free university training. No costs are borne by the patients at any time.
So while Roshan does not make any profits directly from the service, it does have access to a platform from which it can develop a strong sense of trust within rural communities. This can indirectly reduce its churn levels, and give the operator more opportunities for subscription growth, as subscriber acquisition in the urban areas becomes more of a challenge.
The main feature of Roshan’s telemedicine service is to provide remote rural diagnostics and medical training. However, it also provides convenience to patients and medical professionals who would otherwise have to travel to the nearest city to gain access to higher levels of medical care or medical education.
The service has not been positioned by Roshan as a value-added service but as a medical service that acts as source of knowledge for both patients and healthcare professionals through the sharing of expertise internationally and within Afghanistan. Despite all four operators in the country implementing various community projects, Roshan is currently the only operator that is providing an m-health service.
The most measurable impact of the service is in the Bamyan region which is located in a remote valley where there is limited access to infrastructure. The region has the highest level of childbirth mortality rates in the country and no qualified radiologists who can take X-rays and ultrasounds.
The number of cases treated in Bamyan’s hospitals exceeded 350 in 2009, with the majority of the teleradiology being used for CT-scans. Over the two years to end-2009, the annual number of telemedicine cases grew by approximately 300 per cent.
Roshan has not tried to use its telemedicine service as a source of additional revenues but rather as a community service project that can establish its brandname in rural communities. The success of Roshan’s telemedicine service is mainly due to the fact that its main stakeholder is part of the Aga Khan Development Network which focuses on this type of activity. In a market where it is becoming increasingly difficult to retain subscribers due to the vast amount of low price-based promotions, a service of this type can allow the operator to build a sense of community and trust, which will increase brand loyalty and brand awareness in the remote rural areas.
No drastic changes have occurred in terms of Roshan’s overall subscription base, revenues or ARPU as a result of the launch of its telemedicine service. However, the operator has managed to hold onto its market leadership despite strong competition in the mobile market due to an increased customer loyalty.
http://www.telecoms.com/30254/e-health- ... emedicine/
Afghanistan
According to Roshan, one of Afghanistan’s top three operators, 25 per cent of children in the country die before their fifth birthday, due to illnesses such as pneumonia, poor nutrition and diarrhoea. Appropriate healthcare is extremely limited with only one doctor for every 100,000 people, so there is a strong need for telemedicine in Afghanistan in order to allow for more efficient medical services in the rural communities.
Market leadership is a close fought thing —Roshan, Afghan Wireless and MTN Afghanistan all have similar market share in a country with a population of 29 million. The main driver behind the operator’s telemedicine service is the Aga Khan Fund for Economic Development (AKFED) which has a 51 per cent stake in Roshan and is part of the Aga Khan Development Network, a group of nine international development agencies and institutions that implement programs in rural development, education, health, culture, microfinance and business. The AKFED has partnered with the government of Afghanistan, the Aga Khan University hospital, Aga Khan Health Services, the French Medical Institute for Children and Cisco to roll out the telemedicine service in Afghanistan.
With the service being offered free of charge, Roshan is not looking to make direct profits from it but instead is looking to strengthen its brand in rural communities and improve living conditions and opportunities for the poor. The telemedicine service uses the operator’s network to transfer medical imaging such as X-Rays and CT scans from remote areas to the large hospitals in Kabul, Iraq and Pakistan to provide specialist remote medical diagnosis. It also provides videoconferencing for medical training which is 100 per cent subsidised and gives local doctors and nurses free university training. No costs are borne by the patients at any time.
So while Roshan does not make any profits directly from the service, it does have access to a platform from which it can develop a strong sense of trust within rural communities. This can indirectly reduce its churn levels, and give the operator more opportunities for subscription growth, as subscriber acquisition in the urban areas becomes more of a challenge.
The main feature of Roshan’s telemedicine service is to provide remote rural diagnostics and medical training. However, it also provides convenience to patients and medical professionals who would otherwise have to travel to the nearest city to gain access to higher levels of medical care or medical education.
The service has not been positioned by Roshan as a value-added service but as a medical service that acts as source of knowledge for both patients and healthcare professionals through the sharing of expertise internationally and within Afghanistan. Despite all four operators in the country implementing various community projects, Roshan is currently the only operator that is providing an m-health service.
The most measurable impact of the service is in the Bamyan region which is located in a remote valley where there is limited access to infrastructure. The region has the highest level of childbirth mortality rates in the country and no qualified radiologists who can take X-rays and ultrasounds.
The number of cases treated in Bamyan’s hospitals exceeded 350 in 2009, with the majority of the teleradiology being used for CT-scans. Over the two years to end-2009, the annual number of telemedicine cases grew by approximately 300 per cent.
Roshan has not tried to use its telemedicine service as a source of additional revenues but rather as a community service project that can establish its brandname in rural communities. The success of Roshan’s telemedicine service is mainly due to the fact that its main stakeholder is part of the Aga Khan Development Network which focuses on this type of activity. In a market where it is becoming increasingly difficult to retain subscribers due to the vast amount of low price-based promotions, a service of this type can allow the operator to build a sense of community and trust, which will increase brand loyalty and brand awareness in the remote rural areas.
No drastic changes have occurred in terms of Roshan’s overall subscription base, revenues or ARPU as a result of the launch of its telemedicine service. However, the operator has managed to hold onto its market leadership despite strong competition in the mobile market due to an increased customer loyalty.
http://www.telecoms.com/30254/e-health- ... emedicine/
Help Us Make History
It takes a company to change a country.
In 2003, how many would have thought that Roshan could have played such an important role in developing Afghanistan and that today, we would have over 5 million customers?
Fast forward eight years later. The impact that Roshan has had is immeasurable:
All 34 provinces covered with the best quality nationwide.
New products and services introduced such as M-Paisa and BlackBerry.
Over 30,000 jobs created for Afghans.
Over $500 million invested as the country’s largest investor.
World class corporate social responsibility program, Roshan Community.
For a company to make such an impact, you need a strong leader with a vision, and the strength to inspire people and break down barriers. Today, Roshan continues to be at the forefront of leadership and change with the recent nomination of our Chief Executive Officer, Karim Khoja as CEO of the Year by Total Telecom. Over fifteen CEOs from the largest telecommunications companies in the world have also been nominated, including AT&T, Bharti Airtel and Etisalat.
This recognition is due to how successful Roshan has become, and represents the hard work and dedication of each and every one of our employees, customers, and partners, to rebuild a better tomorrow for the company, community and country.
Do you believe in the power of Roshan?
If you would like to see Roshan and Afghanistan on the world stage, please click here to vote today. Encourage your friends and family to do the same. Together, let’s make history!
http://www.roshan.af/Roshan/Media_Relat ... story.aspx
It takes a company to change a country.
In 2003, how many would have thought that Roshan could have played such an important role in developing Afghanistan and that today, we would have over 5 million customers?
Fast forward eight years later. The impact that Roshan has had is immeasurable:
All 34 provinces covered with the best quality nationwide.
New products and services introduced such as M-Paisa and BlackBerry.
Over 30,000 jobs created for Afghans.
Over $500 million invested as the country’s largest investor.
World class corporate social responsibility program, Roshan Community.
For a company to make such an impact, you need a strong leader with a vision, and the strength to inspire people and break down barriers. Today, Roshan continues to be at the forefront of leadership and change with the recent nomination of our Chief Executive Officer, Karim Khoja as CEO of the Year by Total Telecom. Over fifteen CEOs from the largest telecommunications companies in the world have also been nominated, including AT&T, Bharti Airtel and Etisalat.
This recognition is due to how successful Roshan has become, and represents the hard work and dedication of each and every one of our employees, customers, and partners, to rebuild a better tomorrow for the company, community and country.
Do you believe in the power of Roshan?
If you would like to see Roshan and Afghanistan on the world stage, please click here to vote today. Encourage your friends and family to do the same. Together, let’s make history!
http://www.roshan.af/Roshan/Media_Relat ... story.aspx
Roshan's Customer Care Division Awarded ISO-9001 Certification
Quality recognition reflects Roshan's leadership in innovation and customer service
Press Release Source: Roshan On Tuesday September 13, 2011, 8:29 am EDT
NEW YORK, Sept. 13, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Roshan, which continues to break new ground in innovation and customer service as Afghanistan's leading telecommunications provider, today announced that its Customer Care Division has been awarded ISO-9001:2008 certification, the highest level of quality management recognized by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). Roshan's Customer Care Division is the first in Afghanistan and one of only a handful of in-house customer service call centers in the world to achieve ISO-9001 certification.
"Roshan has consistently set the benchmark for customer service in Afghanistan, and in the region. The ISO-9001 certification demonstrates our commitment to ensuring the highest standards of innovation and quality in meeting the needs of our customers," said Altaf Ladak, chief operating officer. "Our market leadership position is the result of our focus on our customers and ensuring the best possible customer experience in a highly competitive marketplace."
http://finance.yahoo.com/news/Roshans-C ... l?x=0&.v=1
Quality recognition reflects Roshan's leadership in innovation and customer service
Press Release Source: Roshan On Tuesday September 13, 2011, 8:29 am EDT
NEW YORK, Sept. 13, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Roshan, which continues to break new ground in innovation and customer service as Afghanistan's leading telecommunications provider, today announced that its Customer Care Division has been awarded ISO-9001:2008 certification, the highest level of quality management recognized by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). Roshan's Customer Care Division is the first in Afghanistan and one of only a handful of in-house customer service call centers in the world to achieve ISO-9001 certification.
"Roshan has consistently set the benchmark for customer service in Afghanistan, and in the region. The ISO-9001 certification demonstrates our commitment to ensuring the highest standards of innovation and quality in meeting the needs of our customers," said Altaf Ladak, chief operating officer. "Our market leadership position is the result of our focus on our customers and ensuring the best possible customer experience in a highly competitive marketplace."
http://finance.yahoo.com/news/Roshans-C ... l?x=0&.v=1
Dear World: Messages of hope and inspiration from Afghanistan
Also see the related photo gallery.
http://www.theismaili.org/cms/1324/
The harsh taste of dust in the air, the whirring sound of helicopters circling above, armoured military convoys speeding past horse-drawn fruit carts. This is Kabul — a major waypoint along the old silk route; a crossroads between the Indian subcontinent, the Middle East, the former Soviet states and the Far East.
You don’t need to spend much time here to realise that in Afghanistan, everyone has a story to tell. Stories about the people, their hopes for the future of their country — for peace and development. Many are inspiring, but most go untold.
Enter Grace Chung, a postgraduate student at Harvard who spent a summer interning at Roshan, Afghanistan’s leading telecommunications provider. She had witnessed first-hand the positive impact of Roshan’s social welfare programmes on communities in Afghanistan, and she could see glimmers of hope and a level of determination among beneficiaries that had gone unnoticed by the rest of the world.
While at Roshan, Chung came up with an idea to help draw attention to the ordinary people in Kabul. She decided to implement a Dear World campaign.
Dear World: Sharing time and knowledge. Photo: Grace Chung
Dear World: Sharing time and knowledge. Photo: Grace Chung
Dear World is a global movement that gives voice to people’s messages through stark yet compelling photography. Having started in post-Katrina New Orleans, the movement’s distinct portraiture became a signpost for human inspiration.
On the face of it, Chung’s plan was simple enough — collate a selection of messages and share them with a global audience. However the logistics proved more complex, especially in a city like Kabul. The challenges included identifying participants, arranging to meet them and complying with the stringent security regulations in the region.
Fortunately the stars aligned and Chung was able to photograph a number of participants from various organisations. Roshan Community, the corporate social responsibility arm of Roshan, facilitated the gatherings as part of their commitment to support and empower communities.
Dear World: I like the environment to be clean. Photo: Grace Chung
Dear World: I like the environment to be clean. Photo: Grace Chung
At each photo-shoot, there was an air of excitement. Participants — some as young as nine years old — came up with their own messages without any help from others. Timidity gave way to boldness, as the initiative gave them a sense of empowerment.
Through the Dear World project, participants had opportunity to articulate their aspirations and share them with a wider audience. It also encouraged them to craft positive, inspirational messages and bond around common dreams, while feeling valued and satisfied that their voices could be heard.
Despite suffering the ravages of conflict, poverty and insecurity, participants looked to the future with optimism and determination. They envisaged something better, refusing to accept the status quo. Even young girls came forward to have their photos taken and share their messages with the world.
Glimpsing into people’s hopes and aspirations, Dear World Afghanistan revealed a common will to strive for a bigger and brighter future. Most importantly it gave voice to some of the many stories that the people of Afghanistan had been waiting to tell.
Also see the related photo gallery.
http://www.theismaili.org/cms/1324/
The harsh taste of dust in the air, the whirring sound of helicopters circling above, armoured military convoys speeding past horse-drawn fruit carts. This is Kabul — a major waypoint along the old silk route; a crossroads between the Indian subcontinent, the Middle East, the former Soviet states and the Far East.
You don’t need to spend much time here to realise that in Afghanistan, everyone has a story to tell. Stories about the people, their hopes for the future of their country — for peace and development. Many are inspiring, but most go untold.
Enter Grace Chung, a postgraduate student at Harvard who spent a summer interning at Roshan, Afghanistan’s leading telecommunications provider. She had witnessed first-hand the positive impact of Roshan’s social welfare programmes on communities in Afghanistan, and she could see glimmers of hope and a level of determination among beneficiaries that had gone unnoticed by the rest of the world.
While at Roshan, Chung came up with an idea to help draw attention to the ordinary people in Kabul. She decided to implement a Dear World campaign.
Dear World: Sharing time and knowledge. Photo: Grace Chung
Dear World: Sharing time and knowledge. Photo: Grace Chung
Dear World is a global movement that gives voice to people’s messages through stark yet compelling photography. Having started in post-Katrina New Orleans, the movement’s distinct portraiture became a signpost for human inspiration.
On the face of it, Chung’s plan was simple enough — collate a selection of messages and share them with a global audience. However the logistics proved more complex, especially in a city like Kabul. The challenges included identifying participants, arranging to meet them and complying with the stringent security regulations in the region.
Fortunately the stars aligned and Chung was able to photograph a number of participants from various organisations. Roshan Community, the corporate social responsibility arm of Roshan, facilitated the gatherings as part of their commitment to support and empower communities.
Dear World: I like the environment to be clean. Photo: Grace Chung
Dear World: I like the environment to be clean. Photo: Grace Chung
At each photo-shoot, there was an air of excitement. Participants — some as young as nine years old — came up with their own messages without any help from others. Timidity gave way to boldness, as the initiative gave them a sense of empowerment.
Through the Dear World project, participants had opportunity to articulate their aspirations and share them with a wider audience. It also encouraged them to craft positive, inspirational messages and bond around common dreams, while feeling valued and satisfied that their voices could be heard.
Despite suffering the ravages of conflict, poverty and insecurity, participants looked to the future with optimism and determination. They envisaged something better, refusing to accept the status quo. Even young girls came forward to have their photos taken and share their messages with the world.
Glimpsing into people’s hopes and aspirations, Dear World Afghanistan revealed a common will to strive for a bigger and brighter future. Most importantly it gave voice to some of the many stories that the people of Afghanistan had been waiting to tell.
Telco Roshan confident of continued growth
Market leader eyes double-digit expansion
Reuters
Published: 00:00 February 23, 2012
.Dubai Afghan tele-com group Roshan is confident of maintaining double-digit revenue growth for at least the next two years as demand for data among the country's young and increasingly urbanised population surges, a top executive told Reuters yesterday.
Roshan is the market leader in Afghanistan, with its 5.8 million mobile subscribers giving it 35 per cent market share, ahead of units of South Africa's MTN and the UAE's etisalat.
"We have been growing revenue in double-digits over the last couple of years," said Altaf Ladak, Roshan's chief operating officer (COO), adding the firm was confident it would maintain double-digit growth for at least two more years.
This bullish outlook is in part based on Afghanistan's untapped potential. The country has mobile penetration of about 45 to 50 per cent, among the lowest globally, while the actual number of unique customers is about half of that, Ladak said.
Article continues below
Many phone users have two or three SIM cards to use according to whichever operator offers the best promotions, so about three-quarters of the country's 30 million people are thought to still be without a phone.
Competition and cost
"Competition is very aggressive in terms of price and the cost of doing business in Afghanistan is high — you have security and fuel costs and you don't have the infrastructure that other countries provide," said Ladak.
"You need two generators on a site and fuel prices are high. We spend 10 per cent of our opex [operational expenditure] just on fuel."
About a fifth of Roshan's sites have grid power, with the rest relying on generators.
"You build a site and sometimes you build a road to get there," said Ladak.
Roshan — 51 per cent owned by the Aga Khan Fund for Economic Development, 36.75 per cent by Cable & Wireless Communications Plc and 12.25 per cent by Swedish group TeliaSonera — is profitable, he said, without giving figures. In the past two years, Roshan's non-voice earnings — including text — have grown from near zero to about 10 per cent of total revenue.
"I think we can double that within the next two to three years," said Ladak. "Data services are growing fast — you have two major groups of people who use data. One is the expatriate community and second the youth — it's a very young country and these people are hungry for social media."
Data revenue is rising despite operators using 2G networks, with the government in the process of tendering for 3G licences.
"We are looking at it," said Ladak.
Roshan is present in all Afghan provinces and covers about 60 per cent of the population.
"My view is that over the next three to five years we will get to about 80 per cent of the population," said Ladak.
"We're investing about $60 million (Dh220.3 million) a year in infrastructure, which doesn't include if we go into 3G. We're looking at an expansion of the network and providing additional capacity and services."
http://gulfnews.com/business/telecoms/t ... h-1.984935
Market leader eyes double-digit expansion
Reuters
Published: 00:00 February 23, 2012
.Dubai Afghan tele-com group Roshan is confident of maintaining double-digit revenue growth for at least the next two years as demand for data among the country's young and increasingly urbanised population surges, a top executive told Reuters yesterday.
Roshan is the market leader in Afghanistan, with its 5.8 million mobile subscribers giving it 35 per cent market share, ahead of units of South Africa's MTN and the UAE's etisalat.
"We have been growing revenue in double-digits over the last couple of years," said Altaf Ladak, Roshan's chief operating officer (COO), adding the firm was confident it would maintain double-digit growth for at least two more years.
This bullish outlook is in part based on Afghanistan's untapped potential. The country has mobile penetration of about 45 to 50 per cent, among the lowest globally, while the actual number of unique customers is about half of that, Ladak said.
Article continues below
Many phone users have two or three SIM cards to use according to whichever operator offers the best promotions, so about three-quarters of the country's 30 million people are thought to still be without a phone.
Competition and cost
"Competition is very aggressive in terms of price and the cost of doing business in Afghanistan is high — you have security and fuel costs and you don't have the infrastructure that other countries provide," said Ladak.
"You need two generators on a site and fuel prices are high. We spend 10 per cent of our opex [operational expenditure] just on fuel."
About a fifth of Roshan's sites have grid power, with the rest relying on generators.
"You build a site and sometimes you build a road to get there," said Ladak.
Roshan — 51 per cent owned by the Aga Khan Fund for Economic Development, 36.75 per cent by Cable & Wireless Communications Plc and 12.25 per cent by Swedish group TeliaSonera — is profitable, he said, without giving figures. In the past two years, Roshan's non-voice earnings — including text — have grown from near zero to about 10 per cent of total revenue.
"I think we can double that within the next two to three years," said Ladak. "Data services are growing fast — you have two major groups of people who use data. One is the expatriate community and second the youth — it's a very young country and these people are hungry for social media."
Data revenue is rising despite operators using 2G networks, with the government in the process of tendering for 3G licences.
"We are looking at it," said Ladak.
Roshan is present in all Afghan provinces and covers about 60 per cent of the population.
"My view is that over the next three to five years we will get to about 80 per cent of the population," said Ladak.
"We're investing about $60 million (Dh220.3 million) a year in infrastructure, which doesn't include if we go into 3G. We're looking at an expansion of the network and providing additional capacity and services."
http://gulfnews.com/business/telecoms/t ... h-1.984935
Western Union, Afghan Roshan eye mobile money transfer
DUBAI Feb 27 (Reuters) - Afghan telecoms operator Roshan has teamed up with Western Union Co to enable subscribers to receive remittances from abroad on their mobile phones, a joint statement said.
About 1.2 million of Roshan's 5.8 million mobile subscribers are already registered with its mobile payment portal, M-Paisa, which was developed by Vodafone.
Roshan - 51 percent owned by the Aga Khan Fund for Economic Development, 36.75 percent by Cable & Wireless Communications Plc and 12.25 percent by Swedish group TeliaSonera - estimates about 97 percent on Afghanistan's population do not have access to traditional financial services.
M-Paisa is a virtual bank account embedded into a SIM card that is accessed via a password and many users now receive their salary via SMS.
"It's like an ATM card," Altaf Ladak, Roshan chief operating officer, told Reuters.
"A lot of people, such as policemen, may be working in one area, but their family is somewhere else. Now they can transfer their money directly.
"What drove us to do M-Paisa was the social angle, helping the country, which had a lack of infrastructure, and people who don't trust the banking system who are now getting used to this for salaries and payments."
Last week, Roshan told Reuters it expects to maintain double-digit revenue growth for at least the next two years as demand for data among the country's young and increasingly urbanised population surges. (Reporting by Matt Smith; editing by Firouz Sedarat)
MediaFinancialsIndustrialsTelecommuncations Services
http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/02/ ... nnel=10109
DUBAI Feb 27 (Reuters) - Afghan telecoms operator Roshan has teamed up with Western Union Co to enable subscribers to receive remittances from abroad on their mobile phones, a joint statement said.
About 1.2 million of Roshan's 5.8 million mobile subscribers are already registered with its mobile payment portal, M-Paisa, which was developed by Vodafone.
Roshan - 51 percent owned by the Aga Khan Fund for Economic Development, 36.75 percent by Cable & Wireless Communications Plc and 12.25 percent by Swedish group TeliaSonera - estimates about 97 percent on Afghanistan's population do not have access to traditional financial services.
M-Paisa is a virtual bank account embedded into a SIM card that is accessed via a password and many users now receive their salary via SMS.
"It's like an ATM card," Altaf Ladak, Roshan chief operating officer, told Reuters.
"A lot of people, such as policemen, may be working in one area, but their family is somewhere else. Now they can transfer their money directly.
"What drove us to do M-Paisa was the social angle, helping the country, which had a lack of infrastructure, and people who don't trust the banking system who are now getting used to this for salaries and payments."
Last week, Roshan told Reuters it expects to maintain double-digit revenue growth for at least the next two years as demand for data among the country's young and increasingly urbanised population surges. (Reporting by Matt Smith; editing by Firouz Sedarat)
MediaFinancialsIndustrialsTelecommuncations Services
http://www.reuters.com/article/2012/02/ ... nnel=10109
Cashing Out of Corruption
Are 15 million mobile phones enough to wage war on graft in Afghanistan?
Monday, March 19, 2012
By Jessica Leber
Audio »
Jan Chipchase
See the rest of our Business Impact report on The Future of Money. When police officers in Afghanistan's mountainous Wardak province began receiving their $200-per-month salaries via their mobile phones in 2009, many wondered why they had gotten a raise. They hadn't. It turns out their superiors had been skimming from their salaries, which were previously paid in cash.
That anecdote appears in State Department cables describing M-Paisa, a mobile-phone payment system run by Afghanistan's largest telecom operator, Roshan, that now reaches 1.2 million Afghans and is described by U.S. officials as a potential "breakthrough technology" for the country.
Whether it's a few dollars under the table or thousands stuffed in a briefcase, cash is linked to corruption at all levels in Afghanistan. According to the United Nations, government corruption is the biggest day-to-day concern of Afghans, looming larger than even poverty or violence. The U.N. estimated that between 2008 and 2009, half of all Afghans paid at least one bribe to an official; the average amount was $160.
The idea now taking hold in Afghanistan is to avoid graft by paying people electronically, using the country's network of 15 million mobile phones. "Anywhere you have a middleman touching cash, you increase the opportunity for skimming," says Zahir Khoja, executive director for mobile money at Roshan, which is partly owned by the Aga Khan Fund for Economic Development.
As cell-phone use skyrockets in even the poorest countries, mobile money is seen as a way to extend banking services more broadly. The people with by far the most to gain are the impoverished 2.5 billion who don't have access to a bank account and can't reliably receive, send, save, or borrow money.
According to Afghanistan's banking authority, the country has only about 300 branches and a few dozen ATMs for 34 million people. Less than 5 percent of Afghans have bank accounts. The banks aren't trusted, either. The largest, Kabul Bank, is embroiled in perhaps the nation's worst public corruption scandal, which caused a run on deposits in 2010 after $900 million went missing.
"The mobile network is one of the only networks that knit the country back together," says Kathleen McGowan, senior policy analyst for in Afghanistan for the United States Agency for International Development. The mobile-phone companies, which got going only in the last decade, also constitute Afghanistan's largest industry and its biggest taxpayers.
M-Paisa ("paisa" means money in the Dari language) allows anyone with a cell phone to receive a payment by phone with just a text message or, because most Afghans are illiterate, a call to a voice-activated menu. The recipient can then obtain cash at an M-Paisa agent. There's no bank involved; under a special license issued last year to Roshan, subscribers' funds are kept in escrow-like accounts.
http://www.technologyreview.com/business/39828/
Are 15 million mobile phones enough to wage war on graft in Afghanistan?
Monday, March 19, 2012
By Jessica Leber
Audio »
Jan Chipchase
See the rest of our Business Impact report on The Future of Money. When police officers in Afghanistan's mountainous Wardak province began receiving their $200-per-month salaries via their mobile phones in 2009, many wondered why they had gotten a raise. They hadn't. It turns out their superiors had been skimming from their salaries, which were previously paid in cash.
That anecdote appears in State Department cables describing M-Paisa, a mobile-phone payment system run by Afghanistan's largest telecom operator, Roshan, that now reaches 1.2 million Afghans and is described by U.S. officials as a potential "breakthrough technology" for the country.
Whether it's a few dollars under the table or thousands stuffed in a briefcase, cash is linked to corruption at all levels in Afghanistan. According to the United Nations, government corruption is the biggest day-to-day concern of Afghans, looming larger than even poverty or violence. The U.N. estimated that between 2008 and 2009, half of all Afghans paid at least one bribe to an official; the average amount was $160.
The idea now taking hold in Afghanistan is to avoid graft by paying people electronically, using the country's network of 15 million mobile phones. "Anywhere you have a middleman touching cash, you increase the opportunity for skimming," says Zahir Khoja, executive director for mobile money at Roshan, which is partly owned by the Aga Khan Fund for Economic Development.
As cell-phone use skyrockets in even the poorest countries, mobile money is seen as a way to extend banking services more broadly. The people with by far the most to gain are the impoverished 2.5 billion who don't have access to a bank account and can't reliably receive, send, save, or borrow money.
According to Afghanistan's banking authority, the country has only about 300 branches and a few dozen ATMs for 34 million people. Less than 5 percent of Afghans have bank accounts. The banks aren't trusted, either. The largest, Kabul Bank, is embroiled in perhaps the nation's worst public corruption scandal, which caused a run on deposits in 2010 after $900 million went missing.
"The mobile network is one of the only networks that knit the country back together," says Kathleen McGowan, senior policy analyst for in Afghanistan for the United States Agency for International Development. The mobile-phone companies, which got going only in the last decade, also constitute Afghanistan's largest industry and its biggest taxpayers.
M-Paisa ("paisa" means money in the Dari language) allows anyone with a cell phone to receive a payment by phone with just a text message or, because most Afghans are illiterate, a call to a voice-activated menu. The recipient can then obtain cash at an M-Paisa agent. There's no bank involved; under a special license issued last year to Roshan, subscribers' funds are kept in escrow-like accounts.
http://www.technologyreview.com/business/39828/
press release
May 21, 2012, 9:00 a.m. EDT
Roshan and Western Union Launch International Mobile Money Transfer Service in Afghanistan
Service allows fast, easy and reliable remittances to Roshan Customers in Afghanistan
KABUL, Afghanistan, May 21, 2012 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ -- Roshan, Afghanistan's leading total communications provider, and Western Union, a leader in global payment services, have today jointly launched the Western Union Mobile Money Transfer service in Afghanistan that enables Roshan's M-Paisa customers to receive money from abroad. Roshan launched M-Paisa in 2008, and became the first company to bring mobile financial services to the people of Afghanistan.
Now, M-Paisa customers in Afghanistan can receive Western Union Mobile Money Transfer transactions from around the world directly into their mobile wallet accounts from families, in particular from countries with the largest population of Afghans living abroad, like UAE, Germany and Canada.
"To partner with such a recognized global brand such as Western Union is another example of innovation that Roshan brings to Afghanistan," said Karim Khoja, chief executive officer, Roshan. "Together, Roshan and Western Union are enabling distant families to be connected, and also offering peace of mind for those with relatives in Afghanistan, who have previously struggled to send money back home. The launch of this service is another step to making financial inclusion a reality for the almost 97 percent of Afghans who do not have access to traditional financial services, and is a continued demonstration of our mission to support economic development and empowerment throughout Afghanistan."
Roshan launched M-Paisa using technology from Vodafone, one of the world's leading international mobile communications groups. Today, since the launch of the mobile money service in November 2008, M-Paisa has over 1 million customers enabled to receive their salaries, pay bills, receive and repay microfinance loans, send and receive money and purchase airtime directly from their Roshan phone.
Western Union's Mobile Money Transfer service is available in Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Burkina Faso, Canada, Kenya, Madagascar, Malaysia, Paraguay, the Philippines, Tanzania, Uganda and the U.S. Western Union also has numerous agreements with other mobile operators and banks to introduce the service in the future.
About Roshan Roshan (Telecom Development Company Afghanistan Ltd) is Afghanistan's leading total communications provider with nearly 6 million active subscribers and a network that covers over 230 cities and towns in all of the country's 34 provinces.
Roshan is a true Afghanistan success story, serving as a catalyst for economic growth and actively contributing to the country's long-term development. Since its inception eight years ago, Roshan has invested over $500 million in Afghanistan and is the country's single largest investor and taxpayer, contributing approximately 5% of the Afghan government's overall domestic revenue. Roshan directly employs more than 1,200 people, 20% of whom are women, and provides indirect employment to more than 30,000 people.
Roshan is deeply committed to Afghanistan's reconstruction and development. The Aga Khan Fund for Economic Development (AKFED), part of the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN), is a major shareholder of Roshan and promotes private initiatives and building economically sound enterprises in the developing world. Also owned in part by Monaco Telecom International (MTI) and TeliaSonera, Roshan brings international expertise to the country and is committed to the highest standards of network quality and coverage for the people of Afghanistan.
Elizabeth Z. McElroyDirector, Marketing Communications and Public Relations RoshanOffice: +93 (0) 79 997 5477Email: [email protected] Web: www.roshan.af
Maggie EdingerAccount Executive, CorporateHill+Knowlton StrategiesOffice: +1 212 885 0370Email: [email protected] Web: www.hkstrategies.com
SOURCE Roshan
Copyright (C) 2012 PR Newswire. All rights reserved
http://www.marketwatch.com/story/roshan ... 2012-05-21
May 21, 2012, 9:00 a.m. EDT
Roshan and Western Union Launch International Mobile Money Transfer Service in Afghanistan
Service allows fast, easy and reliable remittances to Roshan Customers in Afghanistan
KABUL, Afghanistan, May 21, 2012 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ -- Roshan, Afghanistan's leading total communications provider, and Western Union, a leader in global payment services, have today jointly launched the Western Union Mobile Money Transfer service in Afghanistan that enables Roshan's M-Paisa customers to receive money from abroad. Roshan launched M-Paisa in 2008, and became the first company to bring mobile financial services to the people of Afghanistan.
Now, M-Paisa customers in Afghanistan can receive Western Union Mobile Money Transfer transactions from around the world directly into their mobile wallet accounts from families, in particular from countries with the largest population of Afghans living abroad, like UAE, Germany and Canada.
"To partner with such a recognized global brand such as Western Union is another example of innovation that Roshan brings to Afghanistan," said Karim Khoja, chief executive officer, Roshan. "Together, Roshan and Western Union are enabling distant families to be connected, and also offering peace of mind for those with relatives in Afghanistan, who have previously struggled to send money back home. The launch of this service is another step to making financial inclusion a reality for the almost 97 percent of Afghans who do not have access to traditional financial services, and is a continued demonstration of our mission to support economic development and empowerment throughout Afghanistan."
Roshan launched M-Paisa using technology from Vodafone, one of the world's leading international mobile communications groups. Today, since the launch of the mobile money service in November 2008, M-Paisa has over 1 million customers enabled to receive their salaries, pay bills, receive and repay microfinance loans, send and receive money and purchase airtime directly from their Roshan phone.
Western Union's Mobile Money Transfer service is available in Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Burkina Faso, Canada, Kenya, Madagascar, Malaysia, Paraguay, the Philippines, Tanzania, Uganda and the U.S. Western Union also has numerous agreements with other mobile operators and banks to introduce the service in the future.
About Roshan Roshan (Telecom Development Company Afghanistan Ltd) is Afghanistan's leading total communications provider with nearly 6 million active subscribers and a network that covers over 230 cities and towns in all of the country's 34 provinces.
Roshan is a true Afghanistan success story, serving as a catalyst for economic growth and actively contributing to the country's long-term development. Since its inception eight years ago, Roshan has invested over $500 million in Afghanistan and is the country's single largest investor and taxpayer, contributing approximately 5% of the Afghan government's overall domestic revenue. Roshan directly employs more than 1,200 people, 20% of whom are women, and provides indirect employment to more than 30,000 people.
Roshan is deeply committed to Afghanistan's reconstruction and development. The Aga Khan Fund for Economic Development (AKFED), part of the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN), is a major shareholder of Roshan and promotes private initiatives and building economically sound enterprises in the developing world. Also owned in part by Monaco Telecom International (MTI) and TeliaSonera, Roshan brings international expertise to the country and is committed to the highest standards of network quality and coverage for the people of Afghanistan.
Elizabeth Z. McElroyDirector, Marketing Communications and Public Relations RoshanOffice: +93 (0) 79 997 5477Email: [email protected] Web: www.roshan.af
Maggie EdingerAccount Executive, CorporateHill+Knowlton StrategiesOffice: +1 212 885 0370Email: [email protected] Web: www.hkstrategies.com
SOURCE Roshan
Copyright (C) 2012 PR Newswire. All rights reserved
http://www.marketwatch.com/story/roshan ... 2012-05-21
Roshan the First Operator to Reach 6 Million Customers in Afghanistan
Press Release: Roshan – Mon, Jun 11, 2012 2:33 PM EDT
....
Demand for data services enables market leader to surpass another significant milestone
KABUL , Afghanistan , June 11, 2012 /CNW/ - Roshan, Afghanistan's leading total communications provider, today announced it has surpassed six million active subscribers less than one year after the company became the country's first operator to cross the five million mark. Roshan attributes the rapid subscriber growth to its superior network quality, innovation and overall customer service and customer experience. Roshan has also experienced significant growth in non-voice services and, in particular, in providing leading data products to its customers.
http://finance.yahoo.com/news/roshan-fi ... 00699.html
Press Release: Roshan – Mon, Jun 11, 2012 2:33 PM EDT
....
Demand for data services enables market leader to surpass another significant milestone
KABUL , Afghanistan , June 11, 2012 /CNW/ - Roshan, Afghanistan's leading total communications provider, today announced it has surpassed six million active subscribers less than one year after the company became the country's first operator to cross the five million mark. Roshan attributes the rapid subscriber growth to its superior network quality, innovation and overall customer service and customer experience. Roshan has also experienced significant growth in non-voice services and, in particular, in providing leading data products to its customers.
http://finance.yahoo.com/news/roshan-fi ... 00699.html
press release
June 27, 2012, 10:33 a.m. EDT
Roshan Earns 'Best Private Company' at Third Annual Ethical Corporation Awards
KABUL, Afghanistan, June 27, 2012 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ -- Roshan, Afghanistan's leading total communications provider, today announced it has been named the "Best Private Company" by the Ethical Corporation for its transformative impact on the country and its people by implementing a myriad of sustainable corporate social responsibility programs. The award was announced Monday at the third annual Ethical Corporation Awards Ceremony, held in London, where many world brands competed for this prestigious award.
The award recognizes Roshan's demonstrated commitment to serve as a catalyst for economic growth and actively contribute to Afghanistan's long-term development through the company's commercial operations and dedicated corporate social responsibility arm, Roshan Community.
More....
http://www.marketwatch.com/story/roshan ... 2012-06-27
*****
http://events.ethicalcorp.com/awards/
June 27, 2012, 10:33 a.m. EDT
Roshan Earns 'Best Private Company' at Third Annual Ethical Corporation Awards
KABUL, Afghanistan, June 27, 2012 /PRNewswire via COMTEX/ -- Roshan, Afghanistan's leading total communications provider, today announced it has been named the "Best Private Company" by the Ethical Corporation for its transformative impact on the country and its people by implementing a myriad of sustainable corporate social responsibility programs. The award was announced Monday at the third annual Ethical Corporation Awards Ceremony, held in London, where many world brands competed for this prestigious award.
The award recognizes Roshan's demonstrated commitment to serve as a catalyst for economic growth and actively contribute to Afghanistan's long-term development through the company's commercial operations and dedicated corporate social responsibility arm, Roshan Community.
More....
http://www.marketwatch.com/story/roshan ... 2012-06-27
*****
http://events.ethicalcorp.com/awards/
Afghanistan's superhero: mobile phones fight crime, liberate women and enrich the poor
Posted on July 27, 2012 by Kate Van Brocklin
Topics: Agriculture, Culture, Globalization, Innovation, Microfinance, Technology and the Internet, Women
Countries: Afghanistan
Photo: RoshanAs Afghanistan’s leading telecommunications provider, Roshan’s mobile phone service is transforming security, information sharing and entrepreneurship in the world’s second most corrupt country.
In June, Shainoor Khoja spoke to an audience at Mercy Corps about Roshan’s long-term investment in poverty alleviation through technology. Khoja described Roshan's operations across Afghanistan’s 34 provinces, places most companies usually don’t wish to work.
As former managing director of Roshan Community, Khoja established one of the first corporate social responsibility departments in Kabul, Afghanistan. In one of the toughest places in the world, Roshan shows how the private sector's engagement in their customer's communities can advance socio-economic growth in developing areas.
Her arguments brought life to a 2005 study published by telecom provider Vodafone, which found that "a 10 percentage point increase to a country's mobile phone penetration equates to a 0.6 percent increase in GDP.” Not bad for a cell phone.
When Roshan began operations in Afghanistan in 2003, there was little telecommunications infrastructure. Basic services, like landline phones, were prohibitively expensive. Making an international phone call literally required walking to another country. Roshan has now built a network that provides over six million Afghans with ways to communicate, and securely send and receive money.
Roshan looks for ways to create self-funding commercial services that provide stability, which in turn act as catalysts for jobs and growth in the area. It’s a perfect mission for Roshan, an entrepreneurial arm of the Aga Khan Development Network, a group of mission-driven organizations that work to improve the living conditions of vulnerable Africans and Asians.
“If you just provide stability and aid, you create a dependency,” said Khoja, describing a three-legged stool. “If you invest and create jobs, but you don’t have that stability, you’re not going to be successful in your economic development.” Roshan paves the way for other businesses to enter areas with fragile infrastructure by introducing and modeling best practices, and even turning down long-term exclusive contracts.
In Afghanistan, Roshan decided that one way to improve stability is through electronic money transfers.
“The typical Afghan bank looks like a [freight train] container with Wi-Fi and a lot of cash on the floor,” said Khoja. Roshan's mobile money component provides security and reliability—one of the most pressing concerns for families.
Having launched M-Paisa, Afghanistan’s first mobile money transfer service in 2008, Roshan lets people deposit and withdraw money, pay back a microfinance loan, pay bills, buy airtime and pay salaries. In a country of 45 million where there are only 17 commercial banks and 45 ATMs, Afghans need secure ways to access and deposit money. With text messages and numbered codes, Roshan allows money to be transferred securely. Khoja estimates that the system should reclaim up to $60 million a year that had been lost to corruption.
Roshan also engages unreachable communities in rural areas by lending shopkeepers money for branding, training and cabinetry so that they can set up their own shops and use Roshan's mobile services. “Their success became part of our success,” said Khoja.
Roshan wanted women to be an integral part of Afghanistan’s technological revolution, and it's working. Of the company's 1,200 employees, 20 percent are women. “We speak to the elders, explain what a second income could mean to the family and why it’s important for women to be engaged,” said Khoja. A recent study shows that 20 percent of women in Afghanistan own their own phone, exemplifying how Roshan’s penetration is challenging gender roles in the country.
Roshan also provides a service that gives farmers and agricultural traders daily, real-time market prices for a wide variety of goods by mobile phone. This information service, called Malomat, was launched by Roshan, Mercy Corps and USAID to help ensure that they are securing the highest value possible for their crops. Farmers and traders have two options: the user can either send an SMS and then receive information from Roshan with the pricing, or they can call the Malomat dedicated number and a guide will tell them the price of the commodity. Malomat is open to Roshan customers and non-customers alike.
Many of Roshan’s programs improve employees’ incomes and local businesses in the communities where they live while simultaneously promoting commerce for Afghanistan’s economy. In a country where communication was once difficult, the mobile phone is proving to be both an advisor and bank to millions.
RELATED: Western Union and Roshan launch a beautiful partnership in Afghanistan
RELATED: Five poverty-fighting women to watch
http://www.globalenvision.org/2012/07/2 ... nrich-poor
Posted on July 27, 2012 by Kate Van Brocklin
Topics: Agriculture, Culture, Globalization, Innovation, Microfinance, Technology and the Internet, Women
Countries: Afghanistan
Photo: RoshanAs Afghanistan’s leading telecommunications provider, Roshan’s mobile phone service is transforming security, information sharing and entrepreneurship in the world’s second most corrupt country.
In June, Shainoor Khoja spoke to an audience at Mercy Corps about Roshan’s long-term investment in poverty alleviation through technology. Khoja described Roshan's operations across Afghanistan’s 34 provinces, places most companies usually don’t wish to work.
As former managing director of Roshan Community, Khoja established one of the first corporate social responsibility departments in Kabul, Afghanistan. In one of the toughest places in the world, Roshan shows how the private sector's engagement in their customer's communities can advance socio-economic growth in developing areas.
Her arguments brought life to a 2005 study published by telecom provider Vodafone, which found that "a 10 percentage point increase to a country's mobile phone penetration equates to a 0.6 percent increase in GDP.” Not bad for a cell phone.
When Roshan began operations in Afghanistan in 2003, there was little telecommunications infrastructure. Basic services, like landline phones, were prohibitively expensive. Making an international phone call literally required walking to another country. Roshan has now built a network that provides over six million Afghans with ways to communicate, and securely send and receive money.
Roshan looks for ways to create self-funding commercial services that provide stability, which in turn act as catalysts for jobs and growth in the area. It’s a perfect mission for Roshan, an entrepreneurial arm of the Aga Khan Development Network, a group of mission-driven organizations that work to improve the living conditions of vulnerable Africans and Asians.
“If you just provide stability and aid, you create a dependency,” said Khoja, describing a three-legged stool. “If you invest and create jobs, but you don’t have that stability, you’re not going to be successful in your economic development.” Roshan paves the way for other businesses to enter areas with fragile infrastructure by introducing and modeling best practices, and even turning down long-term exclusive contracts.
In Afghanistan, Roshan decided that one way to improve stability is through electronic money transfers.
“The typical Afghan bank looks like a [freight train] container with Wi-Fi and a lot of cash on the floor,” said Khoja. Roshan's mobile money component provides security and reliability—one of the most pressing concerns for families.
Having launched M-Paisa, Afghanistan’s first mobile money transfer service in 2008, Roshan lets people deposit and withdraw money, pay back a microfinance loan, pay bills, buy airtime and pay salaries. In a country of 45 million where there are only 17 commercial banks and 45 ATMs, Afghans need secure ways to access and deposit money. With text messages and numbered codes, Roshan allows money to be transferred securely. Khoja estimates that the system should reclaim up to $60 million a year that had been lost to corruption.
Roshan also engages unreachable communities in rural areas by lending shopkeepers money for branding, training and cabinetry so that they can set up their own shops and use Roshan's mobile services. “Their success became part of our success,” said Khoja.
Roshan wanted women to be an integral part of Afghanistan’s technological revolution, and it's working. Of the company's 1,200 employees, 20 percent are women. “We speak to the elders, explain what a second income could mean to the family and why it’s important for women to be engaged,” said Khoja. A recent study shows that 20 percent of women in Afghanistan own their own phone, exemplifying how Roshan’s penetration is challenging gender roles in the country.
Roshan also provides a service that gives farmers and agricultural traders daily, real-time market prices for a wide variety of goods by mobile phone. This information service, called Malomat, was launched by Roshan, Mercy Corps and USAID to help ensure that they are securing the highest value possible for their crops. Farmers and traders have two options: the user can either send an SMS and then receive information from Roshan with the pricing, or they can call the Malomat dedicated number and a guide will tell them the price of the commodity. Malomat is open to Roshan customers and non-customers alike.
Many of Roshan’s programs improve employees’ incomes and local businesses in the communities where they live while simultaneously promoting commerce for Afghanistan’s economy. In a country where communication was once difficult, the mobile phone is proving to be both an advisor and bank to millions.
RELATED: Western Union and Roshan launch a beautiful partnership in Afghanistan
RELATED: Five poverty-fighting women to watch
http://www.globalenvision.org/2012/07/2 ... nrich-poor
Roshan Secures 3G License for Afghanistan
September 22, 2012
Roshan Secures 3G License for Afghanistan
Kabul, Afghanistan – Roshan, Afghanistan’s leading total communications provider, today announced that the Ministry of Telecommunications and Information Technology (MCIT) has issued the company with a license that will enable Roshan to further expand and develop its already market-leading, innovative data packages via the 3G platform. Roshan celebrated the issuance of the license in a signing ceremony presided by His Excellency, Minister Amir Zai Sangin and other honorable ministerial dignitaries at the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology in Kabul. Roshan is aiming for a commercial roll out of its 3G service later in the year.
Roshan has brought to market a range of robust data platforms for Afghan individuals and business. Most recently, Roshan launched “Kahkashaan,” an innovative galaxy of web portal services that allows customers to access rich content on their mobile phones, including ringtones, pictures, games and applications. The company was also the first to bring Blackberry and M-Paisa mobile money services to Afghanistan.
“We are delighted to introduce 3G technology to Roshan’s six million and counting customers, expanding access to data-rich products and converged solutions to meet their needs,” said Karim Khoja, chief executive officer of Roshan at the ceremony. “Not only does the license further bolster Roshan’s robust and high-performing data services, but it also complements our existing state-of-the-art network that currently offers the widest, most reliable and highest quality coverage across all of Afghanistan’s 34 provinces,” added Khoja.
“3G technology is vital for the economic growth and development of Afghanistan in a host of different sectors – from education to health to commerce,” said His Excellency, Minister Sangin. “In awarding this license to Roshan, we are embracing the mobile broadband revolution, expanding the country’s data services and enhancing capacity, aimed at improving the lives of Afghans as they connect with each other and the rest of the world,” added Sangin.
About Roshan
Roshan (Telecom Development Company Afghanistan Ltd) is Afghanistan's leading total communications provider with over 6 million active subscribers and a network that covers over 230 cities and towns in all of the country's 34 provinces. Roshan is a true Afghanistan success story, serving as a catalyst for economic growth and actively contributing to the country's long-term development. Since its inception eight years ago, Roshan has invested over $550 million in Afghanistan and is the country's single largest investor and taxpayer, contributing approximately 5 percent of the Afghan government's overall domestic revenue. Roshan directly employs more than 1,300 people, 19 percent of whom are women, and provides indirect employment to more than 30,000 people. Roshan is deeply committed to Afghanistan's reconstruction and development. The Aga Khan Fund for Economic Development (AKFED), part of the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN), is a major shareholder of Roshan and promotes private initiatives and building economically sound enterprises in the developing world. Also owned in part by Monaco Telecom International (MTI) and TeliaSonera, Roshan brings international expertise to the country and is committed to the highest standards of network quality and coverage for the people of Afghanistan.
Media Contacts:
Shaheen Shivji
Manager, Public Relations
Roshan
Office: +93 (0) 79 997 4845
E-mail: [email protected]
Website: www.roshan.af
Daniel Dean
Hill+Knowlton Strategies
Office: +1 212 885 0477
E-mail: [email protected]
Website: www.hkstrategies.com
http://roshan.af/Roshan/Media_Relations ... istan.aspx
September 22, 2012
Roshan Secures 3G License for Afghanistan
Kabul, Afghanistan – Roshan, Afghanistan’s leading total communications provider, today announced that the Ministry of Telecommunications and Information Technology (MCIT) has issued the company with a license that will enable Roshan to further expand and develop its already market-leading, innovative data packages via the 3G platform. Roshan celebrated the issuance of the license in a signing ceremony presided by His Excellency, Minister Amir Zai Sangin and other honorable ministerial dignitaries at the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology in Kabul. Roshan is aiming for a commercial roll out of its 3G service later in the year.
Roshan has brought to market a range of robust data platforms for Afghan individuals and business. Most recently, Roshan launched “Kahkashaan,” an innovative galaxy of web portal services that allows customers to access rich content on their mobile phones, including ringtones, pictures, games and applications. The company was also the first to bring Blackberry and M-Paisa mobile money services to Afghanistan.
“We are delighted to introduce 3G technology to Roshan’s six million and counting customers, expanding access to data-rich products and converged solutions to meet their needs,” said Karim Khoja, chief executive officer of Roshan at the ceremony. “Not only does the license further bolster Roshan’s robust and high-performing data services, but it also complements our existing state-of-the-art network that currently offers the widest, most reliable and highest quality coverage across all of Afghanistan’s 34 provinces,” added Khoja.
“3G technology is vital for the economic growth and development of Afghanistan in a host of different sectors – from education to health to commerce,” said His Excellency, Minister Sangin. “In awarding this license to Roshan, we are embracing the mobile broadband revolution, expanding the country’s data services and enhancing capacity, aimed at improving the lives of Afghans as they connect with each other and the rest of the world,” added Sangin.
About Roshan
Roshan (Telecom Development Company Afghanistan Ltd) is Afghanistan's leading total communications provider with over 6 million active subscribers and a network that covers over 230 cities and towns in all of the country's 34 provinces. Roshan is a true Afghanistan success story, serving as a catalyst for economic growth and actively contributing to the country's long-term development. Since its inception eight years ago, Roshan has invested over $550 million in Afghanistan and is the country's single largest investor and taxpayer, contributing approximately 5 percent of the Afghan government's overall domestic revenue. Roshan directly employs more than 1,300 people, 19 percent of whom are women, and provides indirect employment to more than 30,000 people. Roshan is deeply committed to Afghanistan's reconstruction and development. The Aga Khan Fund for Economic Development (AKFED), part of the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN), is a major shareholder of Roshan and promotes private initiatives and building economically sound enterprises in the developing world. Also owned in part by Monaco Telecom International (MTI) and TeliaSonera, Roshan brings international expertise to the country and is committed to the highest standards of network quality and coverage for the people of Afghanistan.
Media Contacts:
Shaheen Shivji
Manager, Public Relations
Roshan
Office: +93 (0) 79 997 4845
E-mail: [email protected]
Website: www.roshan.af
Daniel Dean
Hill+Knowlton Strategies
Office: +1 212 885 0477
E-mail: [email protected]
Website: www.hkstrategies.com
http://roshan.af/Roshan/Media_Relations ... istan.aspx
Roshan Brings Home to Afghanistan Three Prestigious Stevie International Business Awards
http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases ... 48621.html
KABUL, Afghanistan, Oct. 15, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Roshan, Afghanistan's leading total communications provider, today announced it was the recipient of three awards at the Ninth Annual International Business Awards in Seoul, South Korea. More than 3,200 entries from organizations and individuals across the world vied for the prestigious Stevie awards.
Roshan Chief Executive Officer Karim Khoja was awarded the Silver Stevie, winning the title of 'Executive of the Year' for the telecommunications category. Roshan Community, Roshan's Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) arm, received the Silver Stevie for 'CSR Program of the Year in the Middle East and Africa.' A Bronze Stevie was awarded to Roshan's Customer Care Division in the category of 'Customer Service Department of the Year' for the telecommunications industry.
http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases ... 48621.html
KABUL, Afghanistan, Oct. 15, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Roshan, Afghanistan's leading total communications provider, today announced it was the recipient of three awards at the Ninth Annual International Business Awards in Seoul, South Korea. More than 3,200 entries from organizations and individuals across the world vied for the prestigious Stevie awards.
Roshan Chief Executive Officer Karim Khoja was awarded the Silver Stevie, winning the title of 'Executive of the Year' for the telecommunications category. Roshan Community, Roshan's Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) arm, received the Silver Stevie for 'CSR Program of the Year in the Middle East and Africa.' A Bronze Stevie was awarded to Roshan's Customer Care Division in the category of 'Customer Service Department of the Year' for the telecommunications industry.