MTN chief urges stable policies to boost Africa’s investment

MTN Group President and CEO Ralph Mupita is urging African governments to establish stable and predictable policy and regulatory frameworks to attract investment and unlock the continent's economic potential. Speaking at the Kgalema Motlanthe Foundation Winter Seminar, Mupita argued that Africa's future prosperity hinges on expanding economic opportunities and strengthening regional integration, rather than solely on migration.

“

The future of Africa will not be determined by the borders that separate us, but by the economic opportunities that connect us. Governments must set predictable policies and regulations. Businesses will follow and allocate resources and capital. Together, we can build a continent where opportunity is more evenly shared and prosperity is more widely created.

He stressed that governments must create an enabling environment for businesses by ensuring clear and consistent policies. "The future of Africa will not be determined by the borders that separate us, but by the economic opportunities that connect us," Mupita stated. He believes that predictable regulations will encourage businesses to allocate resources and capital, fostering shared prosperity across the continent.

Mupita also addressed migration, suggesting it is a consequence of uneven economic development. He posited that the critical question for Africa is whether economies can be built where mobility is matched by opportunity. He highlighted that Africa's growing population can become an economic advantage if countries invest in skills development, infrastructure, financial systems, markets, and strong institutions. Digital infrastructure, he noted, is crucial for economic participation, connecting people to education, entrepreneurship, financial services, and markets.

“

If our discussion ends with the language of crisis around migration, we will have treated the symptom and missed the deeper challenge. People move because opportunity is unevenly distributed. The defining question is whether we can build economies in which mobility is matched by opportunity.

MTN, which originated in South Africa, sees its prosperity as intertwined with Africa's. The telecommunications group plans to continue supporting initiatives that promote evidence-based discussions on Africa's future development challenges. The company believes Africa's strength lies in its connectivity, encompassing not just networks but also people, ideas, and shared knowledge.

“

MTN was born in South Africa and has grown alongside the continent. Our prosperity is inseparable from Africa’s prosperity.