MTN Group Chairman Mcebisi Jonas and MTN Ghana Chairman Ishmael Yamson have called for stronger regional cooperation, regulatory harmonisation and improved energy infrastructure to unlock Africa’s economic and digital growth.
Speaking on MTN’s The Y’ello Chair vodcast, the two leaders highlighted the enormous opportunities that could emerge from creating a more connected African market. Yamson noted that harmonising laws and regulations across major African economies would make it easier for businesses to expand across borders, while strengthening regional bodies such as ECOWAS, SADC and the EAC could provide a foundation for deeper continental integration.
Jonas also stressed the importance of stronger trade relationships between Africa’s major economies, including South Africa and Nigeria. He argued that countries with complementary resources and capabilities have significant potential to grow through increased commercial cooperation.
Energy was identified as another important enabler of Africa’s digital transformation. Jonas emphasised that reliable and sustainable power will be critical to supporting digitalisation, artificial intelligence and the development of sovereign data centres across the continent.
Yamson further encouraged closer collaboration between African governments and home-grown multinationals, noting that stronger public-private engagement can help create an environment where African businesses can expand and compete globally.
With Africa’s population expected to reach around 1.4 to 1.6 billion by 2050, the MTN leaders see the continent’s scale as a major economic opportunity. They believe that deeper integration, stronger infrastructure and greater cooperation can help transform Africa’s large population and growing digital economy into greater innovation, investment and shared prosperity.
Source : www. newsghana.com.gh
