South Africa’s MTN Group says it remains committed to advancing Nigeria’s digital future through investments across several segments including connectivity and expansion of financial services to rural areas across the country.
A’isha Umar Mumuni, Chief Digital Officer (CDO) at MTN Nigeria, the local mobile business of MTN Group, said this on Thursday when the continent’s largest telecoms group hosted a delegation from Nigeria’s National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS) at its Johannesburg headquarters.
Mumuni, the MTN Nigeria CDO, reaffirms the company’s pledge to boost digital infrastructure, driving Nigeria’s economic growth, the telecoms group says in a statement.
South Africa’s MTN Group says MTN Nigeria, which launched commercial operation in August 2001, is the telecoms group’s largest subsidiary by subscriber count counting nearly 78 million subscribers by Q1 2024.
MTN Group.
According to Mumuni, MTN is committed “to advancing Nigeria’s digital landscape through investments in connectivity, digital platforms, and expanded financial services to rural areas, solidifying the company’s dedication to the country’s digital future.”
South Africa’s MTN Group says MTN Nigeria, which launched commercial operation in August 2001, is the telecoms group’s largest subsidiary by subscriber base counting nearly 78 million subscribers by Q1 2024.
MTN Group, which hosted NIPSS delegation at its Johannesburg headquarters says the visit co-hosted by the SA-Nigeria Business Chamber, the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition, and the Nigerian Embassy, is part of a NIPSS study tour aimed at exploring the intersection of digital technology, youth empowerment, and sustainable job creation in Nigeria.
Led by Ambassador Alexander T. Ajayi, Chargé d’Affaires of the Nigeria High Commission, the delegation included prominent government officials, military representatives, law enforcement personnel, and leaders from professional associations. The visit, MTN says, not only strengthened bilateral relations between Nigeria and South Africa but also presented significant opportunities for learning and collaboration.
“On behalf of the Nigerian government and the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies, I extend our heartfelt gratitude to MTN for hosting our delegation,” Ambassador Alexander Ajayi says. “Collaboration and strategic partnerships are crucial in harnessing the full potential of digital technology for socio-economic development. By integrating efforts, we can create robust frameworks that empower our youth, drive job creation, and foster sustainable growth.”
During the visit, the delegation engaged with MTN Group and MTN Nigeria executives, led by MTN Group Executive for Consumer Business Enzo Scarcella, and toured MTN’s Technology Innovation Lab to witness cutting-edge advancements firsthand, according to the telecoms group.
“We are honoured to host this esteemed delegation,” Scarcella says. “The visit underscores our commitment to supporting Nigeria’s digital transformation and economic growth. By working together, we can unlock the digital economy’s full potential and create a connected future for all Nigerians.”
MTN said that the week-long study tour, themed “Digital Economy, Youth Empowerment, and Sustainable Job Creation in Nigeria: Issues, Challenges, and Opportunities,” encourages dialogue and identifies new areas for collaboration to further both nations’ objectives to build digital societies for tomorrow.
Marking its 30th anniversary in 2024, MTN Group said it is committed to leveraging its expertise and resources to empower Nigerian youth, bridge the digital divide, and accelerate sustainable development, fostering hope and optimism for the future. The Group has called on African governments to harmonise regulations, particularly in the tech sector, to support the increased capital investment in digital infrastructure required to accelerate economic development.
About MTN Group
MTN Group, established in South Africa in 1994, operates in 18 regions, with 17 of those being in Africa. MTN Nigeria, the Group’s largest subsidiary by subscriber count, boasted nearly 78 million subscribers by the end of the first quarter of 2024. The Nigerian branch has been in commercial operation since August 2001.
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