By: Nana
Appiah Acquaye
Microsoft South Africa CEO,
Vukani Mngxati has called for greater investment in trusted digital
infrastructure as Africa’s financial technology sector expands, highlighting
cloud computing, data and artificial intelligence as foundational components of
modern economies.
Mngxati made the remarks
during a panel discussion at the MTN Fintech Summit 2026, where industry
leaders examined how Africa can build digital infrastructure capable of
supporting innovation, resilience, financial inclusion and long-term economic
growth.
He said cloud, data and
artificial intelligence are no longer simply technology considerations but have
become essential infrastructure for modern economies, particularly as digital
financial services continue to evolve across Africa.
According to Mngxati, trust,
security, regulatory confidence and collaboration will be critical to unlocking
the full potential of digital financial services and ensuring that
technology-driven growth is sustainable.
He also shared Microsoft’s
perspective on how cloud and AI technologies can accelerate digital inclusion
at scale while ensuring that sovereign control, accountability and resilience
remain central to Africa’s digital transformation.
The discussion brought
together Mngxati, Isimhanze Peter and Artemij D. Demidczyk, with Mosa Mkhize
serving as moderator.
Mngxati thanked MoMo from
MTN for convening the summit and creating a platform for discussions on the
future of financial technology and digital infrastructure in Africa.
He said the continent has an
opportunity not only to adopt global standards for trusted digital
infrastructure but also to play a role in shaping those standards.
