The digital landscape in Africa is poised for a monumental leap, brimming with untapped potential that could reshape the global tech ecosystem. All eyes are on the continent as it gears up to become a hotbed for innovation, with young tech entrepreneurs leading the charge. Speaking at the Ghana Editors’ Forum recently, Stephen Blewett, CEO of MTN Ghana, painted a compelling vision of the future, predicting that Africa is on the verge of spearheading the next wave of digital advancements. He emphasized MTN’s steadfast commitment to not just witnessing this revolution, but actively driving it. This commitment is underscored by ongoing investments in infrastructure and initiatives aimed at nurturing local talent. This makes the company a pivotal player in shaping Africa Tech. Blewett’s remarks signal a new era of opportunity and growth across the continent.

Blewett’s optimism is rooted in Africa’s unique demographic advantage: a youthful and rapidly growing population that is increasingly tech-savvy. “The next great development in the digital world can and must come from Africa,” Blewett asserted, highlighting the continent’s potential to produce groundbreaking solutions tailored to its unique challenges and opportunities. Instead of merely consuming technology developed elsewhere, Africa has the capacity to become a creator and exporter of digital innovation.

However, realizing this vision requires addressing the existing skills gap. MTN has taken a proactive approach by supporting the government’s 1000 Codes project, an initiative designed to empower young Ghanaians with crucial skills in AI and coding. By equipping the next generation with the tools they need to succeed in the digital economy, MTN is fostering a culture of innovation and self-reliance. “We need to believe in our own capabilities,” Blewett stated, underscoring the importance of fostering local talent and ingenuity.

Central to unlocking Africa’s tech potential is robust digital infrastructure. MTN has demonstrated its commitment through substantial financial investments aimed at expanding and upgrading its network across the continent. Over the past five years, the company has invested a staggering $1 billion, with a further $240 million earmarked for network infrastructure this year alone. This continuous investment is crucial for ensuring reliable and high-speed connectivity, which serves as the backbone for digital innovation.

“Continuous investment is key to ensuring successful network operation,” Blewett explained, emphasizing the long-term commitment required to build and maintain a world-class network. This investment is not just about expanding coverage; it’s also about enhancing the quality and resilience of the network to meet the growing demands of a digital-first society.

MTN is actively deploying over 5,000 new sites nationwide, significantly expanding its network footprint and bringing connectivity to underserved areas. Furthermore, the company is prioritizing the deployment of 4G technology, with 87.5% of data now carried on this faster and more reliable network. To further boost network resilience and 4G capacity, MTN is investing heavily in fiber infrastructure. All these efforts are aimed at enabling faster and more reliable mobile internet access for businesses and consumers across Africa.

Despite these significant investments, MTN faces a major challenge in the form of frequent fiber cuts, which disrupt the nation’s communication backbone and hinder its ability to deliver reliable services. On average, MTN experiences four fiber cuts per day, a staggering number that highlights the severity of the problem. “Fibre cuts are a massive plague on our business,” Blewett lamented, emphasizing the significant impact these disruptions have on network performance and customer experience.

These fiber cuts not only disrupt communication services but also undermine the broader digital economy, affecting businesses, government agencies, and individuals who rely on reliable internet access. Addressing this challenge requires a collaborative effort from all stakeholders, including government, industry, and the public.

The Ministry of Communications is actively working to address the issue, but Blewett emphasized the need for greater support and collaboration from the public. He called on Ghanaians to support the fight against fiber cuts, recognizing that protecting the nation’s communication infrastructure is a shared responsibility.

MTN CEO Stephen Blewett’s vision of digital innovation in Africa is ambitious yet grounded in practical action. The company’s significant investments in infrastructure, coupled with its commitment to skills development, demonstrate a clear understanding of what it takes to drive digital transformation. While challenges such as fiber cuts remain, MTN is actively working to overcome them, underscoring its commitment to building a more connected and prosperous Africa. As Africa stands on the cusp of a digital revolution, MTN is poised to play a central role in shaping its trajectory, empowering individuals, and driving economic growth.