MTN Group senior executives criss-crossed the continent this week, advocating for consistent policy frameworks and shared investment in the systems that drive Africa's digital and economic growth.
Africa's largest telco had delegations in East and West Africa advocating for connectivity and policies to boost the digital economy.
In East Africa, a high-level MTN delegation led by Group chairman Mcebisi Hubert Jonas and Group president and CEO Ralph Mupita convened in Uganda for a strategic meeting of chairpersons from all the telco's operating markets in Africa.
The stated goal of the strategic meeting was to shape Africa's connectivity future.
The MTN delegation also met with Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni and senior members of his government.
Last month, Mupita told journalists in Johannesburg, South Africa, that the MTN Group sees Uganda as the potential crown jewel.
At the time, he said that the telco had picked Uganda as a possible golden goose, citing the growing data, fintech, and digital infrastructure markets as opportunities for MTN.
Commenting on the Uganda focus Jonas said: "MTN is not here for the short term — we are here for the long haul."
In his speech to the MTN Group delegation, president Museveni said: “I am glad that MTN has grown. I remember when it had just started; Mzee Mandela called me on a small phone. I do not remember who brought it, but that was the beginning.”
President Museveni emphasised the importance of investing in sectors that generate jobs and raise incomes, noting that income growth directly boosts demand for communication services.
“If people have jobs and incomes, they will buy more phones and use them more," President Museveni said.
"That’s why we must invest in the four key sectors of wealth and job creation: commercial agriculture, manufacturing, services, and ICT.
"The purchasing power per capita in Africa is still low, and to raise it, we must expand our economic base, not just operate in a narrow business sector.”
In West Africa, another MTN Group delegation attended the Africa CEO Forum in Côte d'Ivoire, where the continent's most powerful decision-makers met for two days to discuss the private sector's critical role in driving Africa's development.
“As part of our shared value priority to support Africa’s progress, we at MTN seek to align with the priorities of our continent and nation states,” said Group chief sustainability and corporate affairs officer Nompilo Morafo.
She said MTN was actively engaging governments and regulators to help shape industry dynamics.
Morafo shared that MTN’s participation at the Africa CEO Forum reflects its nation-states programme and commitment to work together to enable inclusive growth.
“We believe the continent’s sustainable progress will come from trusted partnerships, coherent policy environments and shared investment in the systems that power Africa’s digital and economic future,” Morafo said.
MTN Group senior vice president: markets, Ebenezer Asante, participated in a panel that discussed exploring tax policy and resource mobilisation.
The session focused on how public and private sector stakeholders can consult and collaborate to ensure fiscal environments that support domestic priorities and the stability required for sustained investment.
MTN Côte d’Ivoire CEO Mitwa Ng’ambi contributed to a strategic roundtable on Africa’s digital transformation.
This session looked at strategies to enhance network resilience and accelerate infrastructure deployment, particularly in underserved areas, and the role of policymakers in fostering an investment-friendly environment that accelerates digital transformation.
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