Category: Spotlight stories

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.

Sources:

1. GSMA — https://www.gsma.com/mobileeconomy/sub-saharan-africa
2. PHYS.org — https://phys.org/news/2024-08-africa-youthquake-huge-young-people.html
3. World Economic Forum — https://www.weforum.org/stories/2023/08/africa-youth-global-growth-digital-economy/

Published on Jeune Afrique 17 July 2025: Promoting diversity, equity and inclusion in the telecommunications sector in Africa

MTN Group has embarked on an exciting journey to leverage responsible Artificial Intelligence (AI) to reshape Africa at the leading edge of technology, igniting change, inspiring progress and creating a brighter future for generations to come.

“AI is no longer an enabler — it’s the engine reshaping businesses, redefining value creation and rewriting the rules of global innovation and competitiveness,” says MTN Group Digital Infrastructure CEO and GCTIO Mazen Mroué. “AI is not just about automation — it’s about boosting human potential, increasingly becoming seamlessly embedded into our daily activities, decisions and experiences, transforming how we live and work.”

He says AI is augmenting human intelligence like never before and “we at MTN are developing AI for Africa by Africans, unlocking sustainable value for all”.

According to PwC’s Global Artificial Intelligence Study, AI can transform global productivity and economic activity and is predicted to add US$15.7 trillion to the global economy by 2030.

Assuming Africa captures 10% of the global AI market, a recent SAP report projects that AI could add US$1.5 trillion to the continent’s economy by 2030. The SAP report also predicts that 230 million new digital jobs will be created in Africa by 2030. Statista projects that the AI market in Africa could reach US$4.51 billion in 2025 and grow to US$18.7 billion by 2030.

As AI adoption accelerates, the GSMA says it is crucial that it is designed, developed and deployed with ethical considerations in mind. As a result, the industry association collaborated with a group of operators and others to co-create a Responsible AI Maturity Roadmap, supporting the advancement of innovative and trustworthy AI applications.

MTN’s AI journey is designed around three key principles, in line with global best practice. These encompass a comprehensive governance structure aspiring to achieve ethical, effective and safe AI adoption; an agile and scalable operating model for measured AI implementation; and targeted use cases that deliver tangible value.

MTN has developed a world-class Responsible AI Policy to guide AI deployment and usage. It has also set up a special sub-committee of the Executive Committee to provide oversight, execution governance and impact management of the Group’s IT governance, with a special focus on AI.

As data quality, talent excellence, strategic partnerships and robust infrastructure are all essential to a successful AI implementation journey, MTN has designed an appropriate operating model and established an in-house AI Centre of Excellence (CoE) alongside a Cloud CoE to co-ordinate AI activities across the Group, supported by an internal Software Solutions team equipped with more than 300 engineers.

Driven to deliver tangible value for customers, communities and the business, MTN has identified numerous AI use cases across key business domains including Network, Finance, HR and Commercial functions.

“At MTN Group, under the group-wide transformation programme branded as ‘MTN Genova’, we are operationalising AI at scale to boost productivity, elevate customer experience, reduce costs and accelerate revenue generation,” says Mroué.

Through our strategic partnerships, we have adopted enterprise-grade Open AI and cloud-native services to implement AI and generative AI solutions powered by large and small language models (LLMs and SLMs). In parallel, we are promoting innovative collaborations with start-ups focused on local language LLMs to elevate customer experience solutions.

In the network domain, MTN is promoting interesting use cases like intelligent AI-enabled fuel consumption savings for data centres in South Africa; AI-driven cell site dynamic energy management in Benin; AI-driven fibre cut sensing in Côte d’Ivoire; and network traffic balancing and optimisation in Nigeria.

What happens when a continent connects? In Africa, where vast distances and varied landscapes often separate communities, telecom infrastructure becomes the common thread that connects economies, entrepreneurs and daily lives.

Over the past few decades, connectivity has evolved from luxury to necessity—quite literally the backbone of Africa’s growth. Consider this: By the end of 2023, mobile phone penetration in Sub-Saharan Africa stood at over 44% – half a billion people – according to the GSMA 2024 report. Mobile internet penetration reached 27%, highlighting significant progress in closing the digital divide through infrastructure investments.

Flashback to 1996-a transformative year for telecommunications globally and in South Africa. Companies like Microsoft and Amazon were laying the foundation of the internet economy, while email and GSM networks revolutionised communication. The 24-hour economy had arrived. That same year, MTN launched operations in South Africa, a step that would redefine connectivity in the country and catalyse economic transformation across the continent.

Nearly three decades later, MTN’s journey across Africa offers a compelling case study to assess how connectivity has reshaped South, Central, and West Africa. Through innovation, resilience, and partnerships, the company has played a starring role in this digital transformation story that continues to unfold.

The Economic Lifeline of Connectivity

Connectivity is more than a convenience; it’s an economic lifeline. Across South, East, Central, and West Africa, telecom networks have empowered entrepreneurs, expanded markets, and driven financial inclusion. These developments were forecast in the past by institutions such as the World Bank, which noted that innovative business models and expanding internet access would be key drivers for fostering economic growth and job creation in underserved regions.

MTN’s Beyond 2025 Ambition positions connectivity as a critical pillar to drive economic impact and support national agendas across Central and West Africa. The company’s connectivity strategy has enabled the build of 2G/3G/4G and 5G networks providing population coverage of more than 90% in most markets, establishing networks that contribute positively to sustainability initiatives through decarbonization efforts referred to as Project Zero.

In Ghana, mobile connectivity fuels small businesses and e-commerce. MTN’s extensive 4G network has turned informal markets into thriving digital ecosystems, linking sellers with buyers far beyond their communities. Stephen Blewett, MTN Ghana CEO, explains the company’s mission: “Everybody deserves the benefit of a modern connected life,” which places a responsibility on MTN Ghana to drive connectivity into rural and underserved areas.

Meanwhile, in Cameroon, network expansion projects have empowered rural farmers to access real-time market data, increasing productivity and earnings. By linking underserved communities to broader economic ecosystems, connectivity has become a tool for empowerment.

WATCH: Ebenezer Asante (SVP of Markets, MTN Group) reveals why MTN now collaborates with its competitors – and how this changes everything about African business.

Bridging the Gap: Challenges of Expanding Connectivity

Connectivity may be transformative, but building the networks that deliver it is no small feat. High infrastructure costs, regulatory hurdles, and physical barriers in remote regions have historically slowed progress. According to this datareportal.com report, as of early 2024, nearly 60% of Cameroon’s population resides in urban areas, while just over 40% live in rural regions. Internet penetration across the country is approximately 44%, indicating that more than half of the population still lacks access to online services.

Overcoming these barriers requires ingenuity and collaboration. Strategic partnerships using OpenRAN technology have enabled MTN to deploy cost-effective rural solutions, while the company’s Network as a Service strategy has facilitated collaboration with competitor operators to allow national roaming services, subsequently increasing network footprints across markets.

Beyond traditional vendor partnerships, MTN has joined forces with Africa’s leading telecommunications operators in an unprecedented industry alliance. This collaboration represents a shift from competitive isolation to collective problem-solving, addressing challenges that no single operator can tackle alone.

MTN has pioneered solutions like solar-powered base stations and innovative green solutions to manage power infrastructure challenges in rural areas. The company has also introduced handset financing models across markets, offering six-month to one-year payment plans to address device affordability barriers in rural communities.

Building infrastructure is only the first step, notes Mitwa Kaemba Ng’ambi, MTN Côte d’Ivoire CEO. While MTN has achieved significant coverage expansion, the real challenge lies in ensuring meaningful usage of these services. Public-private partnerships have proven essential, and collaborations with local governments have streamlined processes and reduced deployment timelines for tower installations. Says Africa Analysis senior analyst, Chris Ngwenya, “Connectivity must be treated as critical infrastructure, like roads and electricity, to ensure no one is excluded.”

WATCH: Mitwa Kaemba Ng’ambi reveals the reality of MTN’s customers – and why building networks isn’t the real challenge anymore.

Entrepreneurship and Digital Access: A Virtuous Cycle

Connectivity has sparked a wave of entrepreneurship across Africa, particularly in fintech, e-commerce, and agritech. If the GSMA is correct, the internet economy is projected to reach 5.2% of the GDP in Africa by 2025, where small and medium enterprises (SMEs) are the backbone of this growth, relying on robust telecom networks to scale their operations.

In Ghana, connectivity-powered digital tools have enabled SMEs to expand beyond their traditional markets. Farmers now use mobile apps to track crop prices, connect with buyers, and optimise supply chains. MTN’s massive drive to acquire the SME market includes customized bundle services for women businesses, helping them stay connected, gain access to markets, access capital through financial partners, and utilize SME toolkits including website access and business support tools.

And in Cameroon, similar initiatives have allowed small businesses to access online platforms, tapping into regional and global trade.

Affordable, reliable connectivity is central to sustaining this momentum. “For SMEs to thrive,” says Chris Ngwenya, “They need an ecosystem that supports scalability, education, and trust in the digital economy.”

The rise of digital platforms has also spurred innovation in education and healthcare. In Ghana, schools equipped with digital tools powered by MTN’s network have brought resources to underserved communities through partnerships like the GIFEC project, which has enabled connectivity to reach 2,016 rural locations. In Cameroon, MTN Foundation programs have improved healthcare delivery by connecting rural clinics to urban hospitals for diagnostics and telemedicine.

Looking Ahead: A Connectivity Revolution

The next phase of connectivity in Africa indicates it will be as transformative as the last. With 5G trials underway in Ghana and IoT applications on the rise, agriculture, healthcare, and education innovations are set to reshape the continent. But questions remain: how do we ensure these benefits reach rural and underserved areas? And who will bear the costs of deploying next-generation networks?

Mobile money services like MoMo as discussed in our previous article in this series—have already played a central role in bridging gaps in financial inclusion. By aligning its growth strategy with the growing needs of African economies, MTN can look forward to continuing to connect people to opportunity across the continent.

Additional Resources: Africa Analysis white paper: ‘Africa Broadband Outlook 2024’.

Published on Jeune Afrique 07 July 2025: Beyond the Cell Tower: What It Really Takes to Connect a Continent

In a continent where traditional banking has long struggled to reach rural and underserved areas, mobile money is rewriting the financial playbook. Led by pioneers like MTN’s MoMo platform, mobile money services are driving financial inclusion, fostering economic growth, and transforming how millions of Africans access and manage their money.

From urban centres to remote villages, mobile money has become greater than the transactional service it offers on paper. MTN’s MoMo platform now operates in 14 countries across Africa, connecting the unbanked to the formal economy, empowering entrepreneurs, and enabling governments to deliver subsidies and social payments at scale. But for the group, MoMo’s true impact lies deeper. It’s also about restoring dignity through financial independence, “to provide them with the ability to manage their lives in easy ways,” says Serigne Dioum, Group MTN Fintech CEO.

A Trillion-Dollar Milestone

The numbers tell a powerful story. Across Sub-Saharan Africa, mobile money platforms processed over $1.4 trillion in global transaction values in 2023, with the region contributing the lion’s share. This growth comes as mobile phone penetration continues to expand, bringing financial tools into the hands of those traditionally excluded from banking.

In Ghana, the transformation is particularly striking. Mobile money transactions in the country reached GH¢1.912 trillion in 2023, a staggering 78.7% increase from GH¢1.07 trillion in 2022. With 15.2 million active users and a network of 228 000 agents, Ghana demonstrates how mobile money has redefined financial access.

Shaibu Haruna, CEO of MTN Mobile Money Ghana, sees MoMo as central to this progress. “MoMo has scaled effectively to make a real difference—not just in Ghana but as a model for financial inclusion across Africa,” he says.

Cameroon tells a similar story. While recent figures are less robust, the Bank of Central African States (BEAC) reported in 2022 that mobile money remains the dominant financial tool in the CEMAC (Economic and Monetary Community of Central Africa) region. Cameroon leads in mobile money accounts and transaction volumes, underscoring its role as a regional hub.

Driving Innovation Through Necessity

The pandemic gave mobile money its moment. As COVID-19 forced countries into lockdowns and disrupted traditional banking services, contactless payments became essential. Mobile money platforms stepped up, providing a secure and accessible way for individuals to manage finances, pay bills, and receive government relief funds.

For MTN, the pandemic was a turning point. The company leveraged the opportunity to expand its offerings, moving beyond simple peer-to-peer (P2P) transfers. Today, MoMo supports bill payments, microloans, cross-border remittances — and increasingly, commerce.

Watch as Serigne Dioum, Group MTN Fintech CEO, explains how  MTN supports millions of merchants across Africa through its in-app marketplace.

A Regional Shift

While East Africa has long been the epicentre of mobile money innovation, driven by Kenya’s M-Pesa, the balance is shifting. West Africa is emerging as a new powerhouse, with Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire recording the fastest growth rates in 2023, outpacing East Africa by 12 percentage points.

In Côte d’Ivoire, MTN is making large-scale investments in both digital and financial inclusion. The shift highlights MTN’s strategic positioning in the region. With its expansive customer base and focus on financial inclusion, MTN is ensuring that even remote areas are connected. In Ghana, for instance, the company’s MoMo agents are present in villages far removed from traditional banking infrastructure, in an effort to secure as many customers as possible.

However, challenges persist. Interoperability between mobile money platforms remains limited, creating friction in cross-border transactions. In Cameroon, regulatory hurdles have slowed progress, but MTN is actively working to address these issues. “Building trust starts with security and partnerships,” says Alain Nono, CEO of MTN Cameroon Mobile Money. “We work closely with regulators to ensure that MoMo complies with local laws and protects our users from fraud.”

The Power of Financial Inclusion

At its core, mobile money is about access—access to funds, markets, and opportunities. For millions of Africans, MoMo has become the gateway to participating in the economy.

In rural Ghana, farmers use MoMo to receive payments for their produce without travelling to distant cities. Small businesses in Cameroon rely on mobile money to manage cash flow and pay suppliers. Across Africa, mobile money has slashed remittance costs, making it easier for migrant workers to support families back home.

Stephen Blewett, CEO of MTN Ghana, believes that digital access underpins both commercial and social progress. “Affordable devices are a gateway to the digital ecosystem,” he says. “Every user who comes online represents an opportunity — not just for revenue, but for innovation and inclusion.”

This transformation extends beyond individuals. A 2023 World Bank study found that regions with high mobile money adoption saw 12% higher local market activity compared to areas with low adoption. The economic ripple effect of mobile money is undeniable, fuelling growth from the ground up.

The Challenges Ahead

Despite its successes, mobile money faces hurdles. Cybersecurity is an ongoing concern, with mobile money providers reporting a 22% increase in fraud attempts in 2023.  Regulatory frameworks also need to evolve to keep pace with the sector’s growth, balancing innovation with user protection.

While governments grapple with how to tax digital services, the wrong policy choices risk slowing adoption and limiting access. MTN has taken a proactive stance in shaping a more inclusive environment.

Watch here for Serigne Dioum’s view on regulatory engagement and mobile money tax policies.

Characteristic of burgeoning economies, the mobile money landscape is evolving with new entrants introducing alternative models to cater to Africa’s growing demand for affordable digital financial services. FinTech companies are experimenting with lower fees and innovative service offerings, creating healthy competition and driving the industry toward greater affordability. These shifts, while challenging for traditional players, present an opportunity for market leaders like MTN to reaffirm their commitment to accessible and secure financial solutions across the continent.

MTN is rising to the challenge. By investing in advanced tech security measures and forging partnerships with regulators, MoMo remains a trusted platform. Interoperability is also high on the agenda, with MTN advocating for seamless transactions across borders.

Looking Forward

The potential for mobile money in Africa remains vast. The African Continental Free Trade Area agreement promises to unlock $80 billion in annual transaction values by 2025, creating new opportunities for growth.

For MTN, as it expands its footprint and deepens its offerings, the company positions itself as a leader in Africa’s financial revolution. “MoMo is not just about transactions,” says Dioum. “It’s about empowering people, creating opportunities, and driving economic growth.”

With its commitment to innovation and inclusion, the company is the continent’s bright spot, a clear leader of change.

Published on Jeune Afrique 30 June 2025: Mobile Money: A Structural Transformation of the African Economic Landscape

Accra, Ghana, June 22, 2025 – Demonstrating its commitment to advancing Africa’s development, MTN Group supported the 2025 Economic Governance School training for public officials from Ghana, South Africa and Kenya held in Accra last week.

The initiative, the result of collaboration between South Africa’s National School of Government (NSG), the Kenya School of Government (KSG) and the Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration (GIMPA), is designed to strengthen senior leadership in the public sector and promote inclusive economic governance across the continent. It brings together legislatures, politicians and senior officials from all levels of the public service for a week of peer learning, policy dialogue and institutional exchange. Consequently, the delegation took time to visit the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Secretariat, which is charged with coordinating the creation of a single continental market for goods and services across Africa.

“As a pan-African business, we understand that Africa’s growth depends not only on investment in infrastructure, but also in people and institutions,” said Nompilo Morafo, MTN Group Chief Sustainability and Corporate Affairs Officer.

Since the training took place during MTN Group’s flagship 21 Days of Y’ello Care, the delegation also visited the MTN Ghana supported Opportunities Industrialisation Centre (OICG), which provides vocational, digital and entrepreneurial skills training for young people to enable them to earn a decent and dignified living.

“At MTN, we believe that everyone deserves the benefits of a modern connected life; therefore, in our view, education, training and strong institutions form the foundation for sustained progress. Also, when civil servants, policymakers and administrators are equipped with high-quality training, their collective decisions shape a more equitable, innovative and resilient future for their nations.”

MTN’s involvement reflects its broader approach to driving Africa’s progress through investment in leadership and institutional capacity. In addition to sponsoring the NSG, KSG and GIMPA programme, the Group contributed to the discourse, with senior executives participating in sessions focused on telecommunications, digital transformation, artificial intelligence and infrastructure financing.

MTN Ghana CEO Stephen Blewett and CIO Bernard Acquah joined Morafo in engaging on panels that explored the intersection of technology and governance. Discussions focused on the digital transformation of public services and the role of AI and infrastructure investment in supporting state capacity and economic inclusion.

South Africa’s Deputy Minister of Public Service and Administration Ms. Pinky Kekana, described the initiative as a valuable platform for engagement on governance challenges, saying: “The Economic Governance School offers a unique platform for elected and appointed public leaders to engage in critical analysis and reflective dialogue on the complex challenges confronting governance.”

Director of GIMPA, Prof. Samuel Kwadwo Bonsu, welcomed MTN’s contribution and the cross-sector collaboration underpinning the programme: “We are proud as GIMPA to serve, not only as a centre of learning but as a convening ground for critical reflection and collaboration.”

MTN Group hosted Africa’s first TM Forum Open API Spec Jam, with active participation from across its digital ecosystem, including Chenosis and Bayobab. Over four days in Johannesburg, 130 technical professionals from 21 companies and three continents came together with a clear goal: to develop API specifications that reflect real-world integration challenges and support scalable digital services across African markets.

Participation was both technical and strategic. Attendees included architects, developers, platform specialists and ecosystem leads from telecommunications operators, fintech firms and digital service providers. The engagement reflected strong interest in using APIs to unlock cross-industry capabilities, particularly in areas such as identity verification, fraud detection, financial services integration and distributed ledger applications.

The result was a set of 11 Open API specifications, each co-developed with deployment in mind. These APIs were shaped by practical use cases, from fraud reduction and customer onboarding to data integrity and AI accessibility. Every specification was grounded in the operating realities of the continent and informed by the shared experience of those building and managing digital infrastructure across Africa.

“Africa’s digital future will be shaped by the standards we define today,” said Nikos Angelopoulos, MTN Group Chief Information Officer. “Hosting the first Open API Spec Jam on the continent is an important step in ensuring those standards reflect African realities and are built for scale. This Spec Jam has shown what becomes possible when regional expertise meets global collaboration. It affirms our belief that open standards are essential to building the digital infrastructure our markets need to grow, integrate and adapt.”

The APIs specified during the Spec Jam focused on key areas where consistency and interoperability are critical to enabling digital services. These included digital identity, where standardised approaches can support more secure access to financial services; location data, which plays a role in improving emergency response, logistics and city planning; and lightweight AI models, aimed at supporting greater inclusion on basic mobile devices. Other areas of focus included blockchain interfaces to strengthen data integrity and transactional trust, loyalty and engagement mechanisms to support more targeted customer experiences, and standards that could enhance the efficiency of 5G network management in diverse operating environments.

The event also served as a platform for collaboration across MTN Group’s technology ecosystem. Contributions from Chenosis, MTN’s API marketplace, and Bayobab, its digital infrastructure business, ensured the work remained grounded in real operating conditions. Their teams brought practical insights on developer enablement and infrastructure scalability, supporting the development of specifications shaped for real-world deployment.

“Thank you to MTN, and its teams from Bayobab and Chenosis for hosting the first-ever TM Forum Open API Spec Jam in Africa,” said Nik Willetts, CEO of TM Forum. “We achieved record-breaking participation and shone a spotlight on African innovation. The contributions made here will influence global API standards for years to come.”

The session also highlighted the importance of regional participation in shaping technical standards. By contributing directly to the specification process, African developers and ecosystem leaders are helping build tools that are both relevant and usable. This engagement strengthens the connection between standardisation and delivery and ensures that the solutions developed reflect both market needs and implementation realities.

This first Open API Spec Jam on African soil demonstrated what becomes possible when technical alignment meets contextual understanding. By working collectively to define shared digital building blocks, participants helped lay the groundwork for infrastructure that can scale with confidence, respond to local conditions and evolve as new services emerge. For MTN, it reflects a continued commitment to advancing open, inclusive digital ecosystems that support growth across the continent and beyond.

About 93% of the population in our markets — or 500-million people — are now covered by our broadband network. We facilitated digital literacy for 22-million people, promoting meaningful participation in the digital economy. Through our GSM network and MoMo businesses, we supported 3.5-million indirect jobs.

Since its inception in 2007, our group-wide employee volunteerism programme — 21 Days of Y’ello Care — sees MTNers roll up their sleeves to improve the lives of their communities. Over the years, we have impacted hundreds of thousands of people. The campaign is testament to the power of collective action, reminding us that even small acts of kindness can create a ripple effect of change.

Progress is never a solo effort. It requires collaboration across public and private sectors, across borders and disciplines. Whether it’s partnering with governments to expand coverage, working with innovators to extend digital finance, or engaging civil society to deepen inclusion, we know the best results come when we listen and co-create. 

Keeping consumer experiences safe is part of the responsibility we carry. We know that trust is earned and we remain focused on building resilience, protecting digital human rights, and responding transparently when challenges arise. We carry this responsibility with humility and determination. And it’s the lens through which we will continue to serve and invest.

Amid the current significant geopolitical shifts and technological developments, it’s clear that Africa needs to chart and champion its own growth and progress. If it doesn’t, there is a real risk that the continent gets left behind. Embracing technologies such as 5G, non-terrestrial networks and generative AI will be key drivers of future progress and socioeconomic development. 

At MTN, we believe that there are some foundational policy positions that will be critical for technology to meaningfully drive more inclusive growth. These include:

• A conducive policy and regulatory environment to accelerate investment in digital infrastructure.
• Sufficient spectrum resources to meet surging demand for data services. 
• A fair and transparent regulatory regime for terrestrial networks, non-terrestrial networks and OTT services.
• Competition policy to enable market consolidation given the sector’s significant investment requirements.
• Fiscal policy reforms to make further progress on digital and financial inclusion, such as the reduction in import duties on smartphones and the removal of levies on mobile money transactions.
• Investment in critical infrastructure, including reliable grid power.
• Digital skills development to advance the development of the digital economy.

These foundational policy positions, consistently adopted across the continent, have the power to drive structural growth of the digital economy of Africa, and realise the continent’s full potential as we look to achieve the goals of the AU Agenda 2063 and beyond.

By Ralph Mupita, MTN Group President & CEO

Global plastic production, exceeding 400 million tonnes annually, demonstrates that plastic pollution remains an urgent challenge. More than half of it is designed for single use. The message for World Environment Day 2025 is unequivocal, we need to beat plastic pollution, and we need to do it with urgency.

This issue touches every sector. Telecommunications is no exception. While mobile operators are typically associated with connectivity, the industry has a legacy plastics problem hiding in plain sight. In 2020 alone, approximately 4.5 billion plastic SIM cards were produced globally. These small plastic cards are widely used and rarely recycled. Many end up in landfills or as litter. Others are incinerated, contributing to emissions. They are not the most visible source of waste, but they are a meaningful one, and entirely avoidable.

At MTN, we have taken a deliberate step to reduce this form of plastic waste. In 2024, we introduced bioSIMs, SIM cards made from 100% biodegradable, FSC-certified paper. They perform exactly like plastic SIMs but break down naturally when discarded. No harmful residue. No microplastic. Just responsible design, built for a more sustainable future.

The rollout began in Rwanda and expanding across other markets. It is a practical innovation grounded in science, not sentiment. And while it won’t solve plastic pollution on its own, it is part of a larger, necessary shift in how telecoms, and business at large, approach environmental responsibility.

Africa has a central role in this conversation. The continent contributes just 3–4% of global greenhouse gas emissions, yet it faces some of the worst consequences of climate change. At the same time, Africa is grappling with an accelerating waste challenge. By 2060, annual plastic waste in sub-Saharan Africa is projected to reach 116 million tonnes, a sixfold increase from 2019. The region’s rapid urbanisation and insufficient waste infrastructure make it highly vulnerable to both climate and pollution shocks.

It’s essential. Every tonne of plastic avoided reduces long-term risk, for people, infrastructure, and the planet. Our bioSIMs are part of a broader commitment at MTN to embed sustainability across our operations. As the UNEP reminds us, the solutions are available. What we need now is implementation at scale. Scaling starts with design. The average SIM card may weigh just four grams, but multiplied across millions of users, the footprint grows quickly. A small change in design, if adopted broadly, can remove tonnes of plastic from the supply chain each year. That’s the logic behind our bioSIM. It is efficient, cost-effective, and fundamentally better for the environment.

We are also expanding eSIM adoption, which removes the need for a physical card altogether. Combined, these efforts enable our customers to reduce their impact through the choices they make every day. That is where real momentum lies, not just in corporate strategy, but in shifting consumer norms.

This World Environment Day, the message is clear. Plastic pollution is a problem that can be solved. But doing so will require collective action, practical innovation, and a willingness to change how we operate. MTN is committed to being part of that change, starting with how we connect the communities we serve.

MTN Group is pleased to announce the 2025 edition of 21 Days of Y’ello Care, our highly anticipated flagship employee volunteerism campaign, taking place from 1-21 June 2025.

Now in its 18th year, Y’ello Care continues to demonstrate the power of employee-led action to drive meaningful change across the communities we serve. Since its inception, the campaign has mobilised thousands of MTN employees to support impactful initiatives focused on education, health, youth development, and economic empowerment.

Each year, the campaign evolves to reflect the most pressing needs of society, while remaining grounded in our commitment to enable the benefits of a modern connected life for everyone. Over the past 6 years, we have reached the lives of 107,034 people across our communities through the impact of 14,376 MTN volunteers completing 56,306 cumulative hours of community engagement.

This year’s theme, “Connecting at the Roots – Connecting communities through the use of digital tools,” responds to the ongoing challenge of digital exclusion, particularly in rural, remote, and underserved areas. Across many parts of Africa, limited connectivity continues to constrain access to education, healthcare, financial services, and economic opportunity. Women, youth, persons with disabilities, and displaced populations are disproportionately affected.

Y’ello Care 2025 will see MTNers across our markets implement practical, community-led initiatives that leverage technology to unlock connectivity to bridge these gaps.

“Y’ello Care reflects our belief that real progress begins at the grassroots level. In 2025, we are focusing our efforts on the communities that remain on the margins of digital access and connectivity. By applying technology in ways that are practical, inclusive, and sustainable, we are working to ensure that no one is left behind,” said Nompilo Morafo, MTN Group Chief Sustainability and Corporate Affairs Officer. “Our people remain the driving force behind this campaign, and their continued commitment to serving with purpose is what makes Y’ello Care a true embodiment of MTN’s values.”

In line with MTN’s values, the campaign prioritises meaningful partnerships, responsible delivery, and inclusive engagement. Through trusted collaborations with community stakeholders, we aim to develop practical solutions that are responsive to local contexts, respectful of community aspirations, and inclusive of those most often excluded from digital progress.

Through Y’ello Care, MTN reaffirms its belief in the transformative power of technology and in the ability of our people to be agents of positive change. We look forward to working together with communities and partners to deliver meaningful, sustainable impact where it is needed most.

As part of our work to deepen stakeholder relations and partnerships for Africa’s progress, MTN Group is a platinum sponsor of the Africa CEO Forum, which brings together the continent’s most influential decision-makers for two days of meetings on the private sector’s key role in accelerating Africa’s development.

The 12^th edition of the annual summit is taking place in Abidjan on 12–13 May 2025. Some 2 000 business leaders, investors and policy makers are in attendance to shape practical strategies to expedite Africa’s economic transformation.

The theme for 2025 is ‘Africa in a transactional world: Can a new deal between state and private sector deliver the continent a winning hand?’. It recognises the need for governments to strike a new deal with the African private sector, anchored on three pillars: an improvement of governance and accountability; targeted public policies to address Africa’s structural challenges; and the accelerated implementation of the African Continent Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA).

“At part of our shared value priority to support Africa’s progress, we at MTN seek to align with the priorities of our continent and nation states and to actively engage governments and regulators to help shape industry dynamics,” said MTN Group Chief Sustainability and Corporate Affairs Officer Nompilo Morafo.

“MTN’s participation at the Africa CEO Forum reflects our nation states programme and our commitment to work together to enable inclusive growth,” she added, noting that escalating tensions in world geopolitics present headwinds to Africa’s budding economic recovery. “We believe the continent’s sustainable progress will come from trusted partnerships, coherent policy environments and shared investment in the systems that power Africa’s digital and economic future.”

As part of the Forum programme, MTN Group Senior Vice President: Markets, Ebenezer Asante, is participating in a panel discussion exploring tax policy and resource mobilisation. The session focuses on how public and private sector stakeholders can consult and collaborate to ensure fiscal environments that support both domestic priorities and the stability required for sustained investment.

MTN Côte d’Ivoire CEO Mitwa NG’ambi is contributing to a strategic roundtable on Africa’s digital transformation. This is looking at strategies to enhance network resilience and accelerate infrastructure deployment – particularly in underserved areas – and the role of policymakers in fostering an investment-friendly environment that accelerates digital transformation.

MTN Group’s sponsorship and participation at the Africa CEO Forum underscore our commitment to building a more connected, inclusive and prosperous Africa.