A high-level delegation from Nigeria’s National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS) is staying at MTN Group’s Johannesburg headquarters for a week.
The visit is a part of an NIPSS research trip to investigate the link between digital technology, youth empowerment, and long-term job creation in Nigeria. It is co-hosted by the SA-Nigeria Business Chamber, the Department of Trade, Industry, and Competition, and the Nigerian embassy.
The group is headed by the charge d’affaires of the Nigeria High Commission, Ambassador Alexander T. Ajayi. It consists of leaders from professional groups, law enforcement officers, military representatives, and government authorities.
MTN claims that in addition to offering substantial chances for learning and cooperation, the visit enhances bilateral connections between South Africa and Nigeria.
The week-long study tour to South Africa, with the theme “Digital Economy, Youth Empowerment, and Sustainable Job Creation in Nigeria: Issues, Challenges, and Opportunities,” according to MTN Group, promotes discussion and identifies fresh opportunities for cooperation to advance the aspirations of both nations to develop digital societies of the future.
“Strategic partnerships and collaboration are essential to achieving the full potential of digital technology for socioeconomic development,” said Ajayi. Together, we can create solid frameworks that empower our children, create jobs, and advance long-term goals.”
Following the trip, the team met with executives from MTN Group and MTN Nigeria, with the latter being headed by the executive for consumer business at MTN Group Enzo Scarcella. They also visited MTN’s Technology Innovation Lab, where they saw firsthand the latest advancements in technology.
“The visit highlights our commitment to supporting Nigeria’s digital transformation and economic growth,” said Scarcella. Together, we can realize the full potential of the digital economy and build a connected future for every Nigerian.
Chief digital officer of MTN Nigeria, A’isha Umar Mumuni, emphasized the company’s dedication to enhancing digital infrastructure, arguing that this would propel economic development in Nigeria.
She emphasized MTN’s dedication to advancing Nigeria’s digital landscape via investments in digital platforms, connectivity, and financial services expansion into rural regions, all of which she said show the company’s commitment to the nation’s digital future.
This year, MTN will commemorate its 30th anniversary. The company claims it is dedicated to leveraging its expertise and assets to empower young people in Nigeria, close the digital gap, promote sustainable development, and foster optimism for the future.
To stimulate greater capital investment in digital infrastructure—which is crucial to accelerating economic development—the Group has advised African countries to think about simplifying regulations, especially those about technology.
The MTN Group includes 18 activities, 17 of which are in Africa, having started operations in South Africa in 1994.
At the end of the first quarter of 2024, MTN Nigeria had around 78 million users, making it the Group’s biggest subsidiary in terms of subscriber count. In August 2001, MTN Nigeria commenced its commercial operations.