MTN Chairman Calls for Continental Unity to Drive Africa’s Digital Growth

The Chairman of MTN Group, Mcebisi Jonas, has urged African countries to strengthen continental integration and harness their collective resources to accelerate digital and economic growth across the continent.

Jonas made the call while speaking to Fellows of the fifth cohort of the MTN Media Innovation Programme (MTN MIP) during a session titled “Geopolitical Outlook and the Imperative for an Integrated Africa” as part of their ongoing study trip to South Africa.

He said Africa’s ability to compete in a changing global geopolitical environment would depend on how effectively it harnesses its collective economic and human resources.

“Before you are Nigerian, you are an African. Before you are South African, you are an African,” Jonas said.

According to him, Africa’s abundance of critical minerals and its growing youthful population are major strategic advantages that could strengthen the continent’s position in the global economy.

“Africa has two major leverages. We have the highest concentration of minerals in the world, particularly critical minerals, and we have a very growing young population,” he said.

Jonas said African countries would have greater bargaining power if they negotiated collectively instead of approaching global economic issues individually.

He urged African leaders to recognise the benefits of collective action, particularly in negotiations involving strategic resources and other areas of global economic interest.

“Leaders who understand that, actually, if we are to be effective, we have to act as a collective. If we can use that collective strength effectively, it will take us somewhere,” he said.

The MTN chairman also called for greater investment in Africa’s intellectual and human capital, stressing the need for thinkers capable of developing solutions to challenges facing the continent.

He also highlighted the role of the media in promoting African integration, urging journalists to protect the integrity of the profession and maintain its public-interest function.

Jonas warned that journalism could undermine democratic processes when captured by political and economic interests.

“We must liberate journalism from the shackles of the political and economic elites in our countries and in the continent,” he said.

He said the media had a responsibility to provide informed coverage of issues affecting Africa and contribute to conversations around development, governance and integration.

Speaking on MTN’s position in Africa, Jonas said the telecommunications group’s extensive presence across the continent makes its growth closely connected to Africa’s economic and social progress.

“MTN cannot thrive if Africa doesn’t thrive. We are so embedded in the continent; our DNA is Africa,” he said.

He added that MTN would continue to advocate cooperation whenever divisions emerged across the continent.

The engagement formed part of the activities of the fifth cohort of the MTN Media Innovation Programme during its study trip to South Africa, where the Fellows are being exposed to key institutions and stakeholders shaping Africa’s geopolitical, economic and developmental landscape.