MTN Group Chairman Mcebisi Jonas and President and CEO Officer Ralph Mupita engaged with the leaders of a number of countries on the side-lines of the annual Africa CEO Forum in Rwanda last week.

MTN Group has committed to advancing digital transformation across Africa, but it is seeking legislative support to streamline rules that would allow for additional investment in digital infrastructure, which is essential to drive the continent's economic growth.

The Group Chairman Mcebisi Jonas and President and CEO Officer Ralph Mupita engaged with the leaders of a number of countries on the side-lines of the annual Africa CEO Forum in Kigali, Rwanda last week.

Africa’s largest telecom provider says it is also working with other partners to ensure that the continent has the quality broadband access required to enable a thriving digital economy.

“We also support the skilling and re-skilling of people across Africa to meet the demands of the digital age. These initiatives are crucial to foster an environment conducive to innovation, economic growth and sustainable development across Africa,” Mupita said.

Jonas added: “Digitalisation and the Fourth Industrial Revolution are changing Africa’s prospects.” 

He noted that the continent must take a range of steps to make this happen, including strengthening governance, sustaining policy reforms, investing in infrastructure and skills, and handling geopolitics.

“Discussions with national leaders centred on those topics that support the national development goals of our host nations and of Africa as a whole,” Jonas said.

Among those leaders with whom the MTN Group leadership duo met was Rwandan President Paul Kagame, Kenyan President William Ruto and Côte d’Ivoire’s and Prime Minister Robert Beugré Mambé.