MTN Group President and CEO Ralph Mupita has called for the modernization and harmonization of regulatory frameworks across Africa as well as the collective effort of all stakeholders to ensure that the continent can deliver universal broadband coverage by 2030. “The regulatory frameworks for Africa’s telecommunications industry do not reflect our current advancement. They are still positioned for the era of voice,” said Mupita at the Africa Prosperity Dialogue held at Peduase in the Eastern Region of Ghana.
The event was attended by several distinguished African leaders, including the President of Ghana, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, and the former President of Niger and AfCFTA Champion, H.E. Issofou Mohamadou.
“As the world continues to undergo major digital transformation and disruption, our regulatory frameworks need to evolve to reflect these technological advancements,” Mupita added in his address titled “Moving from Ambition to Action: The Role of Telecommunications in Deepening Intra-African Trade, Challenges and Opportunity.”
Mupita spoke of the need for a robust regulatory framework that is relevant and future-fit. There is also a need for all participants in the sector to contribute to building and investing in infrastructure, he noted, saying that Africa would need around $100 billion in capital investment to reach its goal of universal broadband for all Africans by 2030.
The Africa Prosperity Dialogue was attended by representatives of governments and business leaders in Africa, including the Minister of Finance Ken Ofori-Atta and the CEO of the Ghana Investment Promotion Center (GIPC), Yofi Grant; MTN Group Senior Vice President for Emerging Markets, Ebenezer Twum Asante; MTN Group Chief Sustainability and Corporate Affairs Officer, Nompilo Morafo; and the CEO of MTN Ghana, Selorm Adadevoh. Ghana’s President Nana Akufo-Addo commended the organizers and the delegates for their participation.
