Empowering a Digital-First Africa: MTN’s Ralph Mupita on AI, 5G, and Investment Priorities

Bridging the Coverage and Usage Gap

Mupita emphasized that connectivity alone does not guarantee digital adoption. While coverage has improved dramatically, with only about 9% of Africans outside mobile network areas, the usage gap remains a pressing challenge. “Handsets and devices remain too expensive for most of our customers,” he explained. MTN is targeting smartphones priced at $20–$30, ensuring that data-capable devices are accessible to broader segments of the population.

Relevant Content and Language Inclusivity

Beyond devices, content remains a barrier. Much of the existing digital content is Anglophone or Francophone, leaving millions of Africans underserved. Mupita stressed that AI can play a critical role in bridging this gap. MTN’s AI chatbot, Ms. Baza, allows users on basic feature phones to access digital services in multiple languages through voice prompts. “We can start with the largest languages in each country and move systematically to ensure that Africans’ voices are represented digitally,” he noted.

A Young, Digital-First Continent

Africa’s median age of 19 provides a unique advantage. “Half of the continent has been born digital,” Mupita observed. While challenges such as electricity access, device affordability, and relevant content remain, he highlighted that foundational networks are in place. Fiber and 5G deployment are critical next steps to enable low-latency applications, enhance connectivity, and support the continent’s digital-first aspirations.

Investment, Regulation, and Public-Private Partnership

Mupita underlined that Africa’s digital transformation requires multi-year investment and a predictable regulatory environment. “Capital is available globally, but the environment must allow investors to achieve a fair return,” he said. Market consolidation, clear national digital strategies, and fiscal policies aligned with digital priorities are essential. Partnerships between government, private sector, and civil society are necessary to create the enabling environment for Africa to fully realize its digital potential. 

“I think the winds of change are blowing very strongly across the world from a regulatory perspective. The regulatory frameworks we have today were set up in a much more voice-centric world of communication. A data-centric world, which is far more capital-intensive, is very different. One of the areas we highlight is that nation-states need to be very thoughtful about developing national digital strategies. From there, they must consider fiscal policies for the digital sector, including taxation, pricing frameworks, and related measures. There is still significant work to be done in this area.” 

– Ralph Mupita, President and CEO, MTN Group 

 

Inclusive Technology and Economic Opportunity

Technology must be inclusive to avoid creating a digital divide. Mupita stressed that 5G, AI, and fintech should benefit urban, peri-urban, and rural communities alike. He highlighted sectors where technology can drive significant impact, including agriculture, healthcare, and education. Smart farming, weather information systems, telemedicine, and digital education can empower communities, improve productivity, and create new economic opportunities. 

MTN’s Milestone and Future Outlook

Celebrating MTN’s milestone of 300 million subscribers, Mupita reflected on the scale of Africa’s opportunity. “The journey is just beginning. Two-thirds of Africans are not regularly engaging the internet, which is both a challenge and an opportunity,” he said. Expanding access through devices, content, satellites, and energy infrastructure will accelerate adoption. “If we attract investment and resolve energy deficits, Africa’s GDP could grow tremendously. The next 100 million users should come faster than the last.”