MTN CEO Emphasizes Digital Connectivity as Key to Africa’s Economic Development

MTN Ghana CEO Stephen Blewett highlighted the crucial role of digital connectivity in realizing Africa’s vision of a single market during the Africa Prosperity Dialogue (APD) 2025.

Blewett stressed that discussions surrounding Africa’s economic integration would be meaningless without significant investment in digital infrastructure and connectivity. He emphasized MTN’s commitment to playing a pivotal role in advancing digital access, integration, and economic inclusion as Africa’s leading telecommunications provider.

“At MTN Ghana and the MTN family, we are particularly excited about these important conversations and are proud to play a pivotal role as Africa’s leading telecommunication provider,” Blewett stated. “This is because all the discussions of delivering Africa’s single market will come to naught without investing in connectivity and integration.”

Blewett noted that MTN’s Ambition 2025 strategy aligns with this vision, aiming to accelerate economic and social progress through cutting-edge telecommunications solutions. By investing in digital infrastructure, MTN seeks to enhance cross-border trade, financial inclusion, and access to technology for African businesses and individuals.

Addressing policymakers, industry leaders, and key stakeholders, Blewett underscored the importance of overcoming Africa’s historical challenges and shifting the narrative towards innovation, youth empowerment, and economic resilience.

“For many years, Africa has suffered a poor image as the world’s poster child with negative stereotypes such as war, disease, famine, and many others,” Blewett said. “Whilst the continent does have its challenges, the continent is a vibrant one with a youthful population that can be harnessed for productivity with the right skill set.”

He urged leaders across various sectors to work together in the spirit of Pan-African cooperation to shape the continent’s narrative and seize emerging opportunities. “When I think of these things, I am always reminded that our time is now. It’s a time of action, and we need to remember that we need to move forward with that mindset. Together, in the true spirit of Pan-African cooperation, we can control and shape our narrative, and I’m confident that we will seize the opportunities for our continent,” he stated.

The APD provides a platform for African leaders from both the public and private sectors to engage, forge partnerships, and accelerate the creation of a single market as enshrined in the AfCFTA agreement.