MTN Backs Efforts to Strengthen Nigeria–South Africa Trade and Investment Ties
Held under the theme “Driving Sustainable Investment, Innovation and Inclusive Trade,” the dialogue brought together ministers, governors, South African CEOs and investors to explore new ways of deepening collaboration between two of Africa’s most influential economies.
MTN was privileged to support the Nigeria–South Africa Presidential Trade and Investment Breakfast Dialogue, convened by the Nigerian High Commission in South Africa on 21 November 2025, ahead of the G20 Summit.
Held under the theme “Driving Sustainable Investment, Innovation and Inclusive Trade,” the dialogue brought together ministers, governors, South African CEOs and investors to explore new ways of deepening collaboration between two of Africa’s most influential economies.
As a proudly African company, MTN recognises the importance of strong regional partnerships in strengthening the continent’s economic foundations. Nigeria and South Africa share a long-standing relationship that is central to advancing trade, investment and innovation across Africa.
In his welcome remarks, MTN Group President and CEO Ralph Mupita reaffirmed the company’s commitment to supporting efforts that strengthen economic cooperation.
“Strengthening the economic ties between Nigeria and South Africa is essential for boosting intra-African trade, attracting quality investment and accelerating industrial development. Infrastructure, both digital and physical, will continue to be the engine of this progress. Today’s engagement underscores our shared belief that by working together we can create an Africa that is more resilient, more competitive and better positioned to seize global opportunities.”
– Ralph Mupita, Group President and CEO, MTN Group
MTN’s support for the dialogue reflects its wider commitment to enabling Africa’s progress. Through our Ambition 2025 strategy and our ongoing work to drive digital and financial inclusion across the continent, we remain focused on enabling environments where businesses can thrive, investment can grow, and technology can accelerate development for millions.
Hon. Adebayo Olawale Edun, Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, addressed the gathering and reaffirmed that Nigeria remains firmly open to investment. As he put it, “Nigeria is open for business, safe for investment.”
Sanyade Okoli, Special Adviser to the President on Finance and the Economy, highlighted Nigeria’s ambition to grow its GDP by 7% by 2027 and to expand employment opportunities across the country.
She noted that achieving this requires a coordinated focus on four key pillars: strengthening macroeconomic fundamentals, advancing sound governance and regulatory reforms, expanding critical infrastructure, and improving access to capital.
Her remarks underscored why platforms such as this dialogue are essential as they bring together the partners, investors and policy leaders needed to drive this collective progress.
The Investment session was addressed by the following Executive Governors of the Federal Republic of Nigeria: H.E. Senator Uba Sani (Kaduna), H.E. Alh. Dauda Lawal (Zamfara), H.E. Engr. Abdullahi Sule (Nasarawa); Senator Ademola Adeleke (Osun); H.E. Caleb Mutfwang (Plateau); H.E. Mohammed Umaru Bago (Niger); H.E. Peter Ndubuisi Mbah (Enugu); H.E. Muhammad Inuwa Yahaya (Gombe); and H.E. Dikko Umar Radda (Katsina).
