Ralph Mupita, President and CEO of MTN Group, on stage during the 2025 GSMA Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, Spain.

As the key players in the mobile technology ecosystem gathered yesterday at the GSMA Mobile World Congress (MWC25) in Barcelona, Spain in 2025, Africa's largest telecom operator, MTN Group, announced its intention to transform into a tech-enabled platform business.

The message was delivered by Group President and CEO Ralph Mupita, who joined industry experts Hatem Dowidar from e& and Makoto Takahashi from KDDI Corporation for the keynote "Beyond Connectivity: The Telco to Techco Transformation," moderated by Lara Dewar, GSMA chief marketing officer.

The discussion centred on how AI, Cloud, and 5G Standalone are transforming the telecom industry, increasing digital and financial inclusion, and enabling new business models in industries such as healthcare, education, agriculture, and mining.

For MTN, as a 30-year pan-African digital operator with 290 million mobile customers and a fiber network exceeding 114,000 km, the telco said it is committed to transforming the continent.

In a statement, it said: “Our three-platform strategy—Connectivity, Fintech, and Digital Infrastructure—positions us to enhance home connectivity, empower small medium-sized businesses, and build Africa’s digital highways.”

It continued: “We showcased ten impactful AI use cases and emphasised our dedication to strategic partnerships and policy reforms to drive digital progress. Our vision is to evolve into a tech-enabled platform business, delivering dignity, hope, and opportunity for all Africans.”

Meanwhile, the GSMA announced the introduction of a new skills training initiative to combat digital poverty and close the digital gap.

GSMA Advance, the mobile industry association's skills and training branch, will work with the N50 Project to give at least 100 fully financed scholarships to individuals and communities globally, providing access to specialised digital training tools and educational courses.

Through the scholarships, applicants will be able to further their knowledge through GSMA Advance’s curriculum into the latest advancements in mobile technology.

The organisation said: “These scholarships represent a vital component of the GSMA’s and the N50 Project’s wider shared strategy to connect billions of people currently excluded from digital opportunities, enabling underserved communities to thrive in an increasingly connected world.”

Speaking at MWC25 Barcelona, Dr Drew MacFarlane, head of GSMA Advance, said: “Digital connectivity is no longer a privilege - it’s crucial for future societal development.

“Our partnership with the N50 Project marks a significant step in strengthening skills and professional development within the mobile and telecoms industry.

“By equipping individuals and communities with industry-specific knowledge and tools, we are practically taking steps to close the digital divide whilst also driving innovation, economic growth, and long-term sustainability within the mobile ecosystem.”

Daniel Gutwein, CEO N50 Project, added: “Through this collaboration with GSMA, we are not only expanding access but also equipping individuals with critical workforce development skills. This partnership exemplifies the transformative impact of digital access, creating pathways to economic opportunity and a better future for all.”

The two organisation went on to say currently, 3.45 billion people are not connected to mobile internet services, the overwhelming majority (90%) of whom live in areas with available coverage they are not making use of.

The two added in statement: “These people fall into what is called the ‘usage gap’ and is the product of a number of barriers including affordability issues, a lack of digital skills and literacy, and concerns around security or the lack of relevant or localised content.

“This initiative embodies the GSMA’s commitment to unlock the full power of connectivity by promoting collaboration across industries, governments, and local communities.

“Greater connectivity in underprivileged areas can yield transformative benefits, from better healthcare access to high-quality educational opportunities, and improved agricultural practices to greater financial inclusion.”