By: Nana
Appiah Acquaye
MTN Group has hosted
ambassadors from across Africa at its Ambassadors' Appreciation Dinner to
recognise governments, diplomatic missions and partners supporting the
company's investments and operations across the continent, while discussing
connectivity, digital and financial inclusion, and investment.
The event brought together
diplomatic representatives and business leaders to discuss partnerships aimed
at expanding digital access and supporting Africa's development in an
increasingly technology-driven world.
According to Dominic K.,
Chief of Staff in the Office of the MTN Group Chairman, the dinner recognises
the role of partnerships in enabling the company to invest, operate and grow
across Africa.
“Africa's future is not
built by one company, one government or one entity. It is built by
partnerships,” he said.
The evening was moderated by
MTN Eswatini Chief Executive Officer Jerry J. Soko, with contributions from MTN
Group President and Chief Executive Officer Ralph Mupita, Dean of the African
Diplomatic Corps Ambassador André Nzapayeke, and South Africa's Minister of
Communications and Digital Technologies, Solly Malatsi.
Mupita addressed Africa's
current position and the need for collective action to close the digital divide
and ensure the continent does not become an underclass in the artificial
intelligence era.
Ambassador Nzapayeke raised
questions about Africa's next development dividend, highlighting connectivity,
mobility, inclusion and opportunity, while Malatsi spoke about the continent's
digital future in a changing world and the importance of partnership in
achieving it.
Sindi Mabaso-Koyana,
chairperson of MTN South Africa, delivered a toast on behalf of MTN Group
Chairman Mcebisi Jonas, emphasising the importance of collaboration in
navigating uncertainty.
“Resilience helps you
survive uncertainty, but partnership is how you move forward,” she said.
The programme also featured
a performance by the Ndlovu Youth Choir before the presentation of the Y'ello
Care Awards, which recognise MTN teams across its markets for their community
impact.
MTN Group Chief
Sustainability and Corporate Affairs Officer Nompilo Morafo introduced the
awards, joined by Senior Vice President Ebenezer Twum Asante and Group Chief
People and Culture Officer Mitwa Kaemba Ng'ambi.
Y'ello Care is MTN's
employee-led community impact programme, through which employees volunteer
their time to improve the communities where they live and work. The awards
recognise teams across the company's markets for their contributions.
