From Ernest Best Anane Kumasi
MTN Group President and CEO, Ralph Mupita, emphasizes the importance of digital inclusion in driving Africa’s socioeconomic growth. According to him, connectivity is more than just technology; it’s about creating opportunities for people to improve their lives.
MTN’s Impact.
In 2024, MTN invested nearly R30 billion in infrastructure and technology and paid over R10 billion in income taxes.
The company’s efforts enabled digital connectivity for 291 million people, including internet access for 158 million users and financial services for 63 million through its mobile money platform, MoMo.
– About 93% of the population in MTN’s markets, or 500 million people, are now covered by its broadband network.
Empowering Communities.
MTN facilitated digital literacy for 22 million people, promoting meaningful participation in the digital economy.
– The company’s GSM network and MoMo businesses supported 3.5 million indirect jobs.
MTN’s group-wide employee volunteerism program, 21 Days of Y’ello Care, has impacted hundreds of thousands of people through various community development initiatives.
Collaboration and Responsibility
Mupita stresses the importance of collaboration across public and private sectors, borders, and disciplines to drive progress.
He emphasizes the need for a conducive policy and regulatory environment to accelerate investment in digital infrastructure.
MTN prioritizes building resilience, protecting digital human rights, and responding transparently to challenges.
Key Policy Positions for Growth
Conducive Policy and Regulatory Environment: Accelerate investment in digital infrastructure.
Sufficient Spectrum Resources: Meet surging demand for data services.
Fair and Transparent Regulatory Regime: Ensure a level playing field for terrestrial networks, non-terrestrial networks, and OTT services.
Competition Policy: Enable market consolidation given significant investment requirements.
Fiscal Policy Reforms: Reduce import duties on smartphones and remove levies on mobile money transactions.
Investment in Critical Infrastructure: Reliable grid power is essential.
Digital Skills Development: Advance the development of the digital economy.
By adopting these foundational policy positions, Africa can drive structural growth of its digital economy and realize its full potential. MTN Group is committed to leading the delivery of a bold new digital world to its customers and contributing to the continent’s progress.
