Afrique

Cameroon: New tariffs for MTN Mobile Money transfers

Published

2 weeks ago

November 15, 2023

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One of Cameroon’s leading mobile telecommunications company, MTN has announced a new tariff plan for its mobile money services and transfers across the country. Set to take effect on November 20, the company aims to streamline and optimize charges across all transaction levels.

Unlike the existing fee system, MTN has decided to eliminate charges for both light and heavy transactions, a move that has garnered attention a few weeks back.

Under the revised tariff structure, withdrawals for transactions ranging from 3,000frs to 233,000frs will incur fees ranging from 10frs to 750frs. This marks a significant reduction compared to the current range of 30frs to 3600frs, as reported at the time of this article.

The decision has been met with a mix of anticipation and scepticism. Paul Tsafack, an MTN subscriber expressed hope in the implementation of the new charges, citing concerns about excessive charges from mobile operators. “It will be a good thing if they really implement it because the scam we have been going through in the hands of these operators is too much,” he remarked, emphasizing the need for genuine execution.

Concerns about the previous high charges are echoed by others, with Paul stating, “MTN transfer charges are enormous, and if they do not implement their so-called new charges coming up, then there will be trouble.”

Noteworthy is the observation that MTN’s charges traditionally fluctuate based on the transaction amount. The existing system requires users to spend up to 1,000frs for a 50,000frs withdrawal and up to 2,000frs for a 100,000frs withdrawal, a point of contention for many users who find these fees excessive.

Marcelina Tchinda criticized the high fees, stating, “Imagine spending 2,000frs to withdraw 100,000frs? That money you can use for a meal for at least 4 people. MTN are scammers operating freely in Cameroon with the government saying nothing about it.”

The prevalence of high charges across various mobile money services in Cameroon has left consumers with limited alternatives. Orange Money, another prominent service, imposes similar charges, and other money transfer agencies are often perceived as complicated due to issues like name discrepancies and unreliable network connectivity.

In the midst of these developments, there are reports that Cameroon’s national operator, CAMTEL, is preparing to introduce its mobile banking system, “Blue Money,” in the near future. However, details about its fee structure remain unclear.

Sending money without charges is considered a significant concern, especially when users have already expended a substantial amount on transactions or during withdrawals. The duration of the new tariffs remains uncertain, leaving users and industry observers pondering whether this adjustment is a long-term strategy or merely an end-of-year marketing initiative from MTN Cameroon.

In April this year, Cameroonian celebrities and influencers took to social media to denounce the poor quality of services provided by major telecom companies in Cameroon. Dozens of them championed a campaign called ‘airplane mode’. They deprived themselves of MTN services for several days to call for reforms.

Their nationwide campaigns followed series of complaints from users who accused MTN of extortion. Could this be some of the company’s reforms to appease customers?

Mimi Mefo Info

Afrique

Canada Boosts Cameroon’s Health Information Management with Equipment Donation

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1 hour ago

November 29, 2023

Thomas Mbida

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The Canadian government has provided a valuable consignment of medical equipment in a move aimed at enhancing health information management in Cameroon. The Canadian High Commissioner to Cameroon, Her Excellency Lorraine Anderson, delivered the equipment on November 22 during an audience with the Minister of Public Health, Dr. Manaouda Malachie.

The donation, part of the Canadian Global Initiative and Vaccine Equity (CanGive) project, includes 1,900 electronic blood pressure monitors, 1,900 glucometers, 150 boxes of 50 strips, 270 tablets, and 310 smartphones. The equipment, estimated to be worth hundreds of millions of FCFA, is specifically aimed at strengthening health information management and improving decision-making in health districts.

Her Excellency Lorraine Anderson emphasised that the equipment would play a crucial role in supporting the delivery of COVID-19 vaccine services, particularly for at-risk groups in the East, Far North, North West, and South West regions of Cameroon. Canada is actively partnering to enhance routine immunisation, focusing on zero-dose and undervaccinated children and unreached communities.

“As part of the #CanGIVE project, Canada is proud to have contributed $3 million, and to deliver medical and monitoring equipment, in collaboration with #WHO, to Cameroon’s Minister of Health public,” a tweet from the High Commission read.

The donation also addresses the need to reinforce immunisation services’ quality in the targeted regions, along with enhanced screening for chronic Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) such as diabetes and hypertension.

Expressing gratitude, Minister Manaouda Malachie thanked the Canadian government and the World Health Organization (WHO) for their continuous support in Cameroon’s health challenges. The minister highlighted that the provided equipment, including vaccination monitoring and prevention tools, aligns with the country’s new epidemiological monitoring tool.

While acknowledging Cameroon’s satisfactory response to the COVID-19 health crisis, Dr. Manaouda stressed the ongoing need for vigilance. The collaborative efforts between Canada and Cameroon aim to fortify the healthcare system and contribute to the nation’s public health goals.

Mimi Mefo Info

Afrique

Tubah Mayor Urges Calm Amidst Bambili-Nkwen Land Dispute

Published

5 hours ago

November 28, 2023

Thomas Mbida

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In the wake of heightened tension and street protests in Bambili, Mayor Tanjong Martin of Tubah Council has appealed for calm among the residents. The unrest stems from a longstanding land dispute between Bambili and Nkwen villages.

Speaking on Thursday, November 23, in Bambili, Mayor Tanjong addressed a crowd of agitated women and youth, urging restraint and emphasising the need to await the intervention of the state to address the complex land issue.

“I have called for calm. We cannot sacrifice life for land. In the 21st century, we are still fighting, killing, and destroying properties for land. I have called on my people to be calm. Let’s follow the law; we in Tubah believe in law and not aggression,” Mayor Tanjong stated.

Accompanied by the Divisional Officer (DO) of Tubah, Massango Metouge Narcisse, the Mayor stressed the importance of a final solution from the state to enable people to live peacefully. He appealed for swift action to bring an end to the conflict so that residents could resume their daily lives.

Mayor Tanjong also called for a halt to the burning of houses and the destruction of properties at the scene, addressing those involved in these activities. “If it is non-Bambili people burning these houses, we are calling for an immediate stop to this ill activity,” he asserted.

The recent unrest saw houses in Bambili reportedly set ablaze at the borderland with Nkwen on Thursday, November 23. In response, angered residents of Bambili mobilized, attributing the act to individuals hired to commit atrocities. Some accused the people of Nkwen of pushing them out to sell their lands.

The disputed land is situated around the Bamenda industrial zone, bordering Bambili, Bambui, and Nkwen. The conflict, with roots stretching back several years, has yet to receive comments from other authorities at the time of this report.

Mimi Mefo Info

Afrique

Car crash leaves 8 dead, 11 injured in West Region

Published

9 hours ago

November 28, 2023

Thomas Mbida

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By Tata Mbunwe

Eight people have died and 11 others sustained injuries in a ghastly car accident that occurred 10am today along the Bafoussam-Foumbot road in the West Region.

The tragic collision involved a heavy-duty truck and a Hiace bus belonging to the Avenir du Noun travel agency.

According to a press release from the West Regional Governor, Awa Fonka Augustine, the accident unfolded around Banefo in Bafoussam I Subdivision.

Preliminary investigations suggest that the collision was the result of “a bad overtaking”.

The vehicles involved were identified as a truck transporting goods, registered SW 013 AA, traveling from Bafoussam to Foumbot, and a Hiace car from the Avenir du Noun travel agency, registered LT 768 LN, en route from Foumbot to Bafoussam.

The force of the impact left a trail of destruction, claiming the lives of eight individuals and causing injuries to 11 others.

“The Governor of the West Region extends his sincere condolences to the families of the deceased and wishes a speedy recovery to the injured,” Govenor Awa Fonka wrote in the release.

The aftermath of the accident saw emergency response teams rushing to the scene to provide assistance and transport the injured to the Kouékong Regional Hospital.

The incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of adhering to traffic regulations and exercising caution on the roads to prevent such tragic accidents.

Mimi Mefo Info