At the 2023 Businessday held at Lagos, CEO Forum, Ralph Mupita, the president and CEO of MTN Group, delivered a keynote address to Nigeria’s business leaders
His focus was not on his company’s achievements, but on Nigeria and its potential to become a significant player in the global digital economy. Other keynote speakers at the Forum included Dr Akinwunmi Adesina, president of the African Development Bank, and Osagie Okunbor, CEO of Shell Nigeria.
Commending the new administration under president Bola Ahmed Tinubu, who has indicated his commitment to promote the growth of ICT and the digital economy for the shared prosperity of all Nigerians, Mupita called on the government and business leaders to promote policies that facilitate inclusive growth. He urged for a spectrum roadmap that ensures sufficient resources to meet the surging demand for mobile services. He advocated for speedy access to mid-band spectrum, crucial for the future of low latency 5G, and access to sub-1 GHz spectrum to provide widespread rural mobile broadband services.
He also highlighted the digital skills gap in Nigeria and across the African continent, especially in advanced skills such as AI & cloud computing. With an estimated 230 mn “digital jobs” in Sub-Saharan Africa alone by 2030, Mupita emphasised the need for digital skills development to advance the digital economy.
“In the face of global economic shifts and technological advancements, Nigeria stands at the precipice of a digital revolution. The country’s digital economy is poised to drive economic growth, create jobs, and foster innovation,” he added.
This vision for Nigeria’s digital future is not just a dream; it’s a feasible reality. With the right policies, strategic partnerships, and a commitment to digital inclusion, Nigeria can leverage its digital economy to drive sustainable growth and development. This is the future that Mupita sees for Nigeria, and it’s a future that is within our grasp, stated Mupita.
The role of Nigeria’s business leaders in this transformation cannot be overstated. As key drivers of the economy, they have the power to shape the digital landscape of Nigeria. By investing in digital infrastructure, promoting digital literacy, and fostering a culture of innovation, they can help build a digital economy that is robust, inclusive, and sustainable.
In conclusion, Mupita’s presentation at the 2023 Businessday CEO forum was more than a corporate update; it was a vision of a brighter future for Nigeria. A future where digital technology drives economic growth, fosters innovation, and improves the lives of all Nigerians. It’s a future that we can all look forward to.
