Africa needs modern, harmonised regulations for universal broadband: MTN

MTN Group President and CEO Ralph Mupita has called for the modernisation and harmonisation 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,” he said at the Africa Prosperity Dialogue held at Peduase in the Eastern Region of Ghana over the weekend. 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,” he added in his address on ‘Moving from Ambition to Action: The Role of Telecommunications in Deepening Intra-African Trade, Challenges and Opportunity’.

He spoke of the need for a robust regulatory framework which is relevant and future fit. There was also a need for all participants in the sector to contribute to building and investing in infrastructure: “A fair share contribution by both local and international players including mobile network operators and OTTs”.

Mupita said 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. Ghana’s President Nana Akufo-Addo commended the organisers and the delegates for their participation.

The Africa Prosperity Dialogue is organised by the Africa Prosperity Network and is aimed at achieving deeper economic integration between African states in outlining its industrialisation priorities. Among topics under discussion were the policies that will ensure the successful implementation of the Africa Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

The event brought together many Government and business leaders including the Minister of Finance Ken Ofori-Atta and the CEO of the Ghana Investment Promotion Center (GIPC) Mr Yofi Grant. MTN Group Senior Vice President for Emerging Markets Ebenezer Twum Asante, MTN Group Chief Sustainability & Corporate Affairs Officer Nompilo Morafo and the CEO of MTN Ghana Selorm Adadevoh were also in attendance.