The Group
President and CEO of MTN Group, Ralph Mupit has joined industry leaders Hatem
Dowida from e& and Makoto Takahashi from KDDI Corporation at the Mobile
World Congress (MWC) 2025 for a groundbreaking keynote session titled “Beyond
Connectivity: The Telco to Techco Transformation”. Facilitated by Lara Dewar,
Chief Marketing Officer of the GSMA, the discussion explored how cutting-edge
technologies like AI, Clou, and G Standalone are revolutionizing the telecom
industry, driving digital and financial inclusion, and unlocking new business
models across critical sectors such as healthcare, education, agriculture, and
mining.
As a 30-year
pan-African digital operator with 290 million mobile customers and a fiber
network exceeding 114,000 kilometers, MTN is at the forefront of Africa’s
digital transformation. The company’s three-platform strategy—focused on Connectivity,
Fintech, and Digital Infrastructure positions it to enhance home connectivity,
empower small and medium enterprises (SMEs), and build Africa’s digital
highways. During the session, MTN showcased ten impactful AI use cases and
reaffirmed its commitment to strategic partnerships and policy reforms to drive
digital progress across the continent.
The keynote
session highlighted the transformative potential of AI, Cloud, and 5G
Standalone in reshaping the telecom industry. These technologies are not only
enhancing connectivity but also enabling telecom operators to evolve into tech-enabled
platform businesses that deliver value beyond traditional services. Ralph
Mupita emphasized MTN’s vision of becoming a Techco—a technology company that
leverages its infrastructure, expertise, and partnerships to drive innovation
and create opportunities for millions of Africans.
“The telecom
industry is at a pivotal moment,” said Mupita. “By
embracing AI, Cloud, and 5G Standalone, we are not just improving connectivity;
we are transforming lives. Our three-platform strategy is designed to empower
individuals, businesses, and communities, ensuring that no one is left behind
in the digital revolution.”
MTN’s
commitment to digital and financial inclusion was a central theme of the
discussion. The company’s Fintech platfor, powered by its mobile money service MoMo,
has already transformed the lives of millions of Africans by providing access
to financial services. With over 60 million active MoMo users, MTN is driving
financial inclusion and enabling SMEs to thrive in the digital economy.
He also
highlighted the role of 5G Standalone in unlocking new opportunities across
sectors. From enabling precision agriculture to improving healthcare delivery
and enhancing education through e-learning platforms, 5G Standalone is set to
revolutionize industries and create new business models. MTN’s extensive fiber
network, which spans over 114,000 kilometers, is a critical enabler of these
advancements, providing the backbone for Africa’s digital transformation.
During the
session, MTN showcased ten impactful AI use cases that demonstrate the
company’s commitment to leveraging technology for social and economic
development.
MTN’s
transformation into a Techco is underpinned by its focus on strategic
partnerships and policy reforms. The company is collaborating with governments,
regulators, and industry stakeholders to create an enabling environment for
digital innovation. Mr. Mupita emphasized the importance of public-private
partnerships in driving digital progress and ensuring that the benefits of
technology reach all Africans.
“We cannot
achieve our vision alone,” said Mupita. “Strategic
partnerships and policy reforms are essential to unlocking the full potential
of digital transformation. By working together, we can build a more inclusive
and prosperous future for Africa.”
By: Nana Appiah Acquaye
