- Zain, a Kuwaiti telecom firm founded in 1983, operates in seven Middle Eastern countries with 52 million customers. Major stakeholders include the Kuwait Investment Authority and Omantel. The company is valued at US$3 billion.
- Zain partnered with Nile Valley University to offer training courses for youth in managing small enterprises and startups, addressing increased needs post-war due to rising poverty and lost income.
Zain and Nile Valley University boost youth entrepreneurship
The Sudanese Mobile Telephone company (Zain) has partnered with Nile Valley University in River Nile State to offer training courses aimed at enhancing young people’s skills in establishing and managing small and medium enterprises and startups. This initiative responds to the increased need for such skills in the post-war period, marked by worsening poverty and loss of income sources. Professor Mohamed Hashim Abdullah, Zain’s regional director, and Dr. Hassan Al-Haj Hamad Al-Saem of Nile Valley University signed the agreement, with university officials present. Abdullah noted Zain’s commitment to community support during the war, despite its own challenges. The project’s first phase includes three key training courses—one on emerging businesses and small project management, and two on skill development like handicrafts. These courses, held in Manasir village, aim to spur small business creation and reduce unemployment.
Our commitment to creating a wonderful world involves removing barriers to innovation by introducing digital services and cutting-edge technologies. This approach empowers individuals, businesses, and governments in our operating areas to improve their livelihoods, expand their digital presence, and streamline their operations, enabling them to achieve greater levels of success.
Bader Al Kharafi, Vice-Chairman & Group CEO, Zain
About Zain
Mobile Telecommunications Company K.S.C.P., known as Zain, is a Kuwaiti mobile telecommunications firm established in 1983 in Kuwait under the name MTC (Mobile Telecommunications Company). It rebranded as Zain in 2007. As of 31 September 2023, Zain operates in seven countries across the Middle East and serves 52 million active customers. The Vice Chairman and Group CEO is Bader Nasser Al-Kharafi, who has held the position since March 2017.
As of 2024, the major stakeholders in Zain are the Kuwait Investment Authority with a 24.22% stake and Omantel with a 21.9% stake. The Zain brand is highly recognised across the MENA region, boasting a brand value of US$3 billion.
