Advancing Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in Africa’s Telecoms Sector
Africa’s telecoms industry has the potential to drive profound social and economic change. Yet, much of this potential remains untapped. In Sub-Saharan Africa, 27% of the population uses mobile internet services, leaving behind a 60% usage gap and a 13% coverage gap, according to the GSMA. The result is that millions remain disconnected, unable to access education, healthcare, or financial tools that could transform their lives.
Bridging these gaps requires more than simply building infrastructure—companies have to address deep, systemic challenges in affordability, access, and representation. Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) play a key role in solving these problems, offering telecoms companies a way to expand their markets whilst promoting social progress.
The Cost of Exclusion
The economic case for inclusion is undeniable. The GSMA estimates that bringing the unconnected online could add $3.5 trillion to the global economy between 2023 and 2030, with 90% of the benefits flowing to low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). Yet, achieving universal mobile internet access will require an estimated $418 billion in infrastructure investment, much of it in rural, sparsely populated areas where connectivity remains a challenge.
Device affordability and low levels of digital literacy are major barriers to adoption in LMICs. MTN has addressed these challenges through innovative handset financing models, offering six-month to one-year payment plans that reduce the cost of acquisition for underserved communities. These initiatives recognise that infrastructure deployment alone cannot solve the inclusion challenge.
For women, the hurdles are even higher. In Sub-Saharan Africa, women are 37% less likely than men to use mobile internet services. This gap not only excludes women from digital opportunities but also holds back economic progress.
Youth unemployment is another pressing issue. In 2023, the youth unemployment rate in Sub-Saharan Africa was 8.9%, with young women facing a significantly higher rate. As Africa’s population grows—60% of its people are under the age of 25—the urgency of creating jobs and skills training programmes cannot be overstated.
LISTEN: Nompilo Morafo (MTN Chief Sustainability and Corporate Affairs Officer) explains CHaSE, MTN’s strategic framework for digital inclusion – and how MTN is responding with the MTN Skills Academy
Expanding Access to Connectivity
Telecoms companies are uniquely positioned to address these challenges by embedding DEI into their operations. By extending connectivity, promoting digital literacy, and empowering underrepresented groups, they can contribute to a more inclusive digital economy.
In rural Africa, where the coverage gap is most pronounced, telecoms companies are investing in infrastructure to reach remote areas. MTN has partnered with Africa Mobile Network (AMN) to bring mobile coverage to underserved regions. These efforts not only provide basic communication services but also enable access to mobile money, healthcare, and educational tools.
However, connectivity alone is insufficient. Understanding community needs and stakeholder priorities has become central to MTN’s approach to inclusive development. The company employs comprehensive stakeholder engagement strategies to ensure its investments align with local priorities and deliver meaningful impact.
Building Skills for the Digital Economy
Skills training is another critical component of DEI in the telecoms sector. MTN’s Skills Academy provides young Africans with training in areas like coding, app development, and data analytics. By working with local businesses, the programme ensures that participants gain practical skills that lead to real employment opportunities.
The programme addresses a critical gap: whilst coverage may be available, many young people lack the digital literacy to use technology meaningfully for economic advancement. MTN’s approach recognises that digital inclusion requires both infrastructure and education.
In Ghana, MTN’s financial literacy programmes have further empowered youth and women. Mobile money has become a powerful tool for financial inclusion, enabling people to save, invest, and manage their finances without needing a traditional bank account.
Empowering Women in Technology
Women face unique barriers in accessing and benefiting from the digital economy. MTN’s approach to women’s empowerment extends beyond traditional programmes to comprehensive business support. In Ghana, the company offers customised bundle services specifically designed for women businesses, providing:
- Enhanced connectivity to help businesses stay connected
- Access to market opportunities through digital platforms
- Capital access through partnerships with financial institutions
- SME toolkits including website access and business development resources
These targeted interventions recognise that women entrepreneurs face distinct challenges and require tailored solutions to succeed in the digital economy.
MTN’s Women in Digital Business Challenge tackles broader systemic issues by offering financial support, mentorship, and training to female entrepreneurs. Participants receive R100,000 each to grow their businesses, along with access to networks and resources that help them succeed.
One participant in South Africa used the funding to expand her digital business and launch a community training programme, creating a ripple effect of empowerment.
Leadership representation has also become a priority. In 2022, MTN became the first African telecoms group to appoint women CEOs in multiple markets including Cameroon, Rwanda, and Uganda—a move that reflects its commitment to inclusion at the highest levels.
Breaking Barriers to Adoption
Despite these efforts, the usage gap remains the biggest challenge for telecoms in Africa. Device affordability, low digital literacy, and socio-cultural barriers continue to exclude large segments of the population. Women in particular face additional challenges due to household responsibilities and limited access to education.
For telecoms companies, addressing these issues is not just about expanding their customer base—it’s about ensuring that the benefits of digital transformation are shared equitably. The GSMA notes that simply closing the usage gap could unlock enormous economic and social benefits, particularly for LMICs.
The Business Case for DEI
Beyond its social impact, DEI is a powerful driver of innovation and profitability. Companies with diverse leadership teams are better equipped to solve complex problems and adapt to market changes. When leadership reflects the diversity of markets, organisations become more effective in meeting customer needs.
Telecoms companies also benefit from inclusive hiring practices, which expand their talent pools and foster creativity. For a sector grappling with rapid technological change, this adaptability is essential.
A Shared Responsibility
The road to universal connectivity and inclusivity is long, and telecoms companies cannot do it alone. Governments, regulators, and the private sector must collaborate to overcome barriers, whether by investing in infrastructure, subsidising devices, or promoting digital literacy.
Policymakers can play a crucial role by creating enabling environments for telecoms companies to operate. For example, harmonising regulatory frameworks across the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) could facilitate investment and cross-border connectivity, unlocking significant economic potential.
Conclusion
The digital divide in Africa is both a challenge and an opportunity. For telecoms companies, it represents a chance to drive growth whilst addressing some of the continent’s most pressing socio-economic issues. By prioritising DEI, companies like MTN are not just connecting people—they’re empowering them to participate in a global digital economy.
The future of Africa’s telecoms sector is inclusive, connected, and full of potential. The challenge is making that future a reality for everyone.
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