Awarenessinfohub has gathered the telecommunications sector has emerged as a critical driver of economic development and regional integration in Africa, according to Ernest Ndukwe, chairman of MTN Nigeria.
Speaking at the 31st Nigerian Economic Summit in Abuja, Ndukwe described telecoms as the “invisible infrastructure” that underpins trade, innovation, and financial inclusion across the continent.
Ndukwe emphasized that the sector’s impact on economic growth and access to opportunities is comparable to that of roads and power. “Telecoms is the invisible infrastructure that sustains our economies,” he said. “It underpins trade, innovation, and financial inclusion across the continent.” The COVID-19 pandemic demonstrated the importance of telecoms services, with businesses, institutions, and governments relying heavily on mobile and digital platforms to continue operating.
Ndukwe highlighted the significance of telecoms in enabling inclusion, particularly for Africans without access to traditional banking or formal education. Mobile money, he noted, is one of the continent’s most transformative innovations, demonstrating the potential of African companies to build homegrown solutions to local challenges.
To sustain growth in the capital-intensive industry, Ndukwe called for stable and predictable regulatory frameworks. “Telecoms investments run into billions of dollars,” he said. “Without consistency in regulation and long-term policy stability, it becomes extremely difficult to plan and sustain such levels of capital deployment.”
Other industry leaders echoed Ndukwe’s sentiments. Olugbenga Agboola, CEO of Flutterwave, noted that fintechs are breaking barriers in cross-border payments, while Girish Sharma, managing director of Guinness Nigeria, stressed the importance of local trust and sustainability in corporate expansion.
As Africa continues to evolve, the telecommunications sector will play an increasingly critical role in driving economic growth, innovation, and inclusion.
By prioritizing continued investment in telecoms infrastructure and promoting stable regulatory frameworks, Africa can unlock its full potential and create a brighter future for its citizens.
Telecoms is a critical driver of economic development and regional integration in Africa.
The sector enables inclusion, particularly for Africans without access to traditional banking or formal education.
Stable and predictable regulatory frameworks are essential for sustaining growth in the capital-intensive industry.
Continued investment in telecoms infrastructure is necessary for Africa’s economic growth and integration.
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