Reinforcing MTN’s
commitment to accelerating digital transformation across the African continent,
MTN Group Chairman Mcebisi Jonas and President & Chief Executive Officer
Ralph Mupita engaged with the leaders of a number of countries on the sidelines
of the annual Africa CEO Forum in Kigali, Rwanda last week.
"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, adding that these included regulatory and policy harmonization; investment in digital infrastructure; broadband access; and skills development.
MTN
is urging governments to streamline regulations and policies to support the
increased investment in digital infrastructure required to accelerate the
continent’s economic development.
Africa’s
largest digital operator is also working with 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, adding that they also align with MTN's strategic intent of 'leading digital solutions for Africa's progress'. Among those leaders with whom the MTN Group leadership duo met were Rwandan President HE Paul Kagame, Kenyan President HE William Ruto and Cote d'Ivoire Prime Minister HE Robert Beugre Mamber.
“Digitalisation
and the Fourth Industrial Revolution are changing Africa’s prospects,” Jonas
said, adding that this was provided that the continent takes a number of steps,
including strengthening governance, sustaining policy reforms, investing in
infrastructure and skills, and navigating geopolitics.
“We
should have a special focus on entrepreneurship and innovation in order to
shift towards higher productivity growth,” he said.
Partnerships and clear rules and transparency to protect them were also key.
MTN
Group subsidiary MTN Côte d’Ivoire is the market leader in the West Africa
country, with 16.2 million subscribers. MTN Rwanda also leads the market,
with 7.4 million subscribers. Although MTN Group does not have a GSM
operation in Kenya, MTN wholesale fibre business Bayobab operates in the East
African country, where an MTN internet service provider business also operates.
MTN Group has mobile operations in 17 countries in Africa and is working to
extend digital inclusion in line with UN goals for universal broadband access.
By: Nana Appiah Acquaye
