Airtel launches program to train franchise owners in basic business skills

Telecom giants, Airtel Uganda have launched a nationwide program named Franchise Partner Development Training aimed at giving various skills to the company franchise owners across the country.

Speaking about the program, the Airtel Uganda Chief Commercial Officer Amit Kapur said the program will help empower Ugandans to create jobs and subsequent sustainable livelihoods.

“Through this training, franchise partners will be equipped with business skill sets that will see them become efficient, improve their individual performance and hence become more profitable. This will replicate into a sustained value chain creating jobs for agents and Sim Selling Outlets.”

The Airtel Uganda Regional Business Manager, Christian Ongecu confirmed Airtel’s commitment towards offering partners the requisite support they require as they do business with the company.

“Through engagements like the Franchise Partner Development Program, we are reaffirming our position as a committed and dedicated business partner. Avenues such as these enable us to bring our services closer to the communities, and in turn increase our footprint across the country and beyond,” Ongecu said.

The training will cover topics including; personal money management, basic business skills and tax compliance among others.

According to officials from the telecom company, a hybrid of both theory and practical aspects will be handled and facilitators from within the company, the Uganda Revenue Authority and National Social Security Fund will help train franchise owners.

Joseph Musoke, the Business Manager for Airtel Uganda said the move will subsequently have a multiplier effect on other Ugandans.

"It will skill our franchise partners to get skills but ultimately the customer will benefit through enhanced services. After getting this knowledge, the same will be passed onto other members of the public," Musoke said.