Africa needs US$100bn to reach 2030 universal broadband target
MTN Group President and CEO Ralph Mupita has called for the modernisation and harmonisation of regulatory frameworks across Africa as well as the collective effort of all stakeholders to ensure that the continent can deliver universal broadband coverage by 2030.
Speaking at the Africa Prosperity Dialogue held in Peduase, Eastern Ghana, Mupita said: “The regulatory frameworks for Africa’s telecommunications industry do not reflect our current advancement. They are still positioned for the era of voice.”
In his address Moving from Ambition to Action: The Role of Telecommunications in Deepening Intra-African Trade, Challenges and Opportunity, Mupita added: “As the world continues to undergo major digital transformation and disruption, our regulatory frameworks need to evolve to reflect these technological advancements.”
He spoke of the need for a robust regulatory framework which is relevant and future fit. There was also a need for all participants in the sector to contribute to building and investing in infrastructure: “A fair share contribution by both local and international players including mobile network operators and OTTs”.
Mupita said Africa would need around US$100-billion in capital investment to reach its goal of universal broadband for all Africans by 2030.
The Africa Prosperity Dialogue is organised by the Africa Prosperity Network and is aimed at achieving deeper economic integration between African states in outlining its industrialisation priorities.
Among topics under discussion were the policies that will ensure the successful implementation of the Africa Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
Several business and government leaders attended the event, including the President of Ghana, Nana Akufo-Addo, former President of Niger Mohamadou Issofou, Minister of Finance Ken Ofori-Atta, CEO of the Ghana Investment Promotion Center (GIPC) Yofi Grant, MTN Group Senior Vice President for Emerging Markets Ebenezer Twum Asante, MTN Group Chief Sustainability & Corporate Affairs Officer Nompilo Morafo, CEO of MTN Ghana Selorm Adadevoh.