At the Mobile World Congress 2025, we connected, discussed, showcased our digital services that empower our customers across all our markets. From Ukraine to Bangladesh, our group leaders spoke on multiple panels about how AI is augmenting customer intelligence, enabling them to become better teachers, doctors, or lawyers. Discussions have also highlighted the critical role of digital financial inclusion in fostering the growth of emerging economies and how VEON is expanding access to digital services across the dynamic markets we serve.
We also discussed the digital resilience of Ukraine and how we are keeping the country connected by our unwavering commitment to the country’s digital economy. We concluded MWC25 by looking forward to our next stop: M360 in Taskhkent, Uzbekistan – a thriving hub for digital growth and investment.
IN FOCUS
Augmented Intelligence 1440
VEON AI1440, our vision for AI, puts human at the center: We seek to empower our customers with AI-based solutions that augment human capabilities in the frontier markets that we proudly serve. In MWC25, we showcased why local language LLMs matter, why we need to make AI inclusive and how AI can become an engine for equitable growth when deployed with a clear vision.
Making of KazLLM
Hear from VEON Group CEO Kaan Terzioglu as he shares the inspiring journey of KazLLM, a groundbreaking large language model developed in Kazakhstan. What began as with discussions a year ago in Barcelona has now become a reality, empowering millions of Kazakh speakers. Discover how KazLLM is driving inclusion and innovation in emerging economies, showcasing the transformative potential of AI to shape a more connected and equitable future.
Moving AI1440 Forward
Across panels and discussions, VEON showcased its AI1440 strategy, emphasizing how its operators deploy augmented intelligence to drive growth in emerging markets. The strategy highlighted a commitment to cutting-edge AI services with significant societal impact, focusing on innovation to enhance human capabilities and drive growth rather than solely on cost savings. VEON’s dedication to responsible AI was reinforced through alignment with the GSMA Responsible AI framework.
Keeping Ukraine Connected
Supporting the resilience and accelerating the digital transformation of Ukraine through investments is central to our mission in Ukraine. Through our subsidiary Kyivstar, we support the uninterrupted connectivity of the country, invest in expanding services to all through the power of digitalization, embark on exciting global collaborations that ensure the digital connectivity of Ukraine – including our direct-to-cell collaboration with Starlink – and create opportunities for global investors to invest in Ukraine.
Best Network in Ukraine
The Kyivstar team received the Ookla awards for Best Mobile Coverage, Fastest Mobile Network, and Best Mobile Network in Ukraine.
With a Speed Score of 35.65 and the highest coverage rating in the country, Kyivstar continues to lead the way in connectivity in Ukraine. These achievements are a testament to our team’s dedication, as well as our ongoing investments in infrastructure, spectrum, and network resilience to ensure reliable, high-quality service for Ukraine.
Digital Financial Inclusion
Digital financial inclusion is a key focus for VEON as we invest in technology to provide access to affordable financial services for underserved communities. By leveraging digital platforms like mobile banking and fintech solutions, we aim to promote economic growth, reduce poverty, and empower individuals who are traditionally excluded from the financial system. Our commitment to digital inclusion is driving us to innovate and expand our reach, ensuring that no one is left behind in the digital economy.
Transformational potential of digitization
At MWC25, the focus on digital financial inclusion highlighted the transformative potential of digitalization for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and underserved communities. Discussions emphasized the "three B's"—Broadband, Banking, and Business tools—as key drivers of growth, particularly for Pakistan's SME sector, with the potential to significantly boost job creation. Innovations like JazzCash and Mobilink Microfinance Bank have already disbursed over $1 billion in digital loans, supporting women entrepreneurs and fostering financial inclusion. Additionally, initiatives such as Garaj Cloud Services and Quantica Analytics are enabling SMEs to enhance efficiency and make data-driven decisions, illustrating the Group's commitment to empowering communities and expanding opportunities.
Taking home a GLOMO Award
At MWC25, Mobilink Bank’s “Invisible Heirs” campaign took home the prestigious GLOMO award in the ‘CMO Marketing Campaign’ category. This powerful initiative addresses a critical issue faced by women in Pakistan and beyond: the intricate challenges of understanding, recognizing, and claiming their rightful inheritance. It raises awareness about the issue while also offering a solution in the form of an inheritance calculator that is built into the Mobilink Bank mobile app.
JazzCash was shortlisted for GLOMOs in the ‘Best Fintech Innovation’ category for its “Tap Pay for Business” offering, that transforms mobile devices into Point-of-Sale machines, empowering businesses with real-time access to funds, improving cash flow, and making it a game-changer for business owners.
Counting down to M360 Eurasia in Tashkent
Carrying the buzz of the Mobile World Congress 2025 in Barcelona, we will be gearing up for the next big event of the year: M360 Eurasia, which will take place in our capital city of Tashkent on 21-22 May 2025. Partnering with the GSMA and the Ministry of Digital Technologies of the Republic of Uzbekistan as the host sponsor of the event, Beeline Uzbekistan looks forward to welcoming participants to the first M360 event of the year.
Next Stop: Tashkent
Uzbekistan is at the cultural and economic crossroads of Central Asia, strategically positioned between Europe and Asia. It is emerging as one of the fastest-growing markets in VEON Group and is widely recognized as a digital transformation leader in the region. With a strong government commitment to digitalization, an expanding tech sector and increasing foreign investment, Uzbekistan is driving the future of connectivity and innovation in Eurasia.
Hear from Beeline Uzbekistan CEO Andrey Pyatakhin on why M360 Eurasia is not one to miss!