By: Nana Appiah Acquaye
The Group Chief Executive Officer and President of MTN Group, Ralph Mupita, has expressed confidence in Africa’s ability to shape the future of global finance, stating that the continent is well positioned to lead the next phase of digital financial transformation.
Speaking during a fireside chat with broadcaster Bernard Avle at the 3i Africa Summit 2026 held at the Destiny Arena in Accra, Mupita said Africa’s progress in mobile money and digital financial services has laid a strong foundation for the evolution of a more advanced and integrated digital finance ecosystem.
According to him, the continent is transitioning from basic mobile money services to broader digital finance solutions driven by applications and emerging technologies. He noted that the next phase of growth will include digital credit, remittances, embedded finance, artificial intelligence, and blockchain-enabled financial services.
Mupita stated that Africa is no longer merely adapting to global financial trends but is increasingly influencing the direction of financial innovation globally due to rapid adoption rates, expanding fintech ecosystems, and unique market dynamics across the continent.
He also highlighted the role telecommunications companies have played in expanding financial inclusion, particularly among underserved populations. According to him, telecom-led financial platforms have enabled broader access to financial services at scale and at lower operational costs compared to traditional financial models.
The MTN Group CEO further emphasized the importance of regulatory certainty, consumer protection, and policies that support innovation while ensuring responsible growth within the digital finance ecosystem.
Now in its third year, the 3i Africa Summit is focused on Innovation, Investment, and Impact, bringing together policymakers, regulators, fintech leaders, investors, and industry stakeholders to discuss emerging trends in digital finance.
The 2026 edition of the summit was organized by the Bank of Ghana, Ghana Interbank Payment and Settlement Systems and Global Finance & Technology Network with support from MobileMoney LTD under the theme “The Next Frontier: Shaping Africa’s Integrated FinTech Future.”
