At the recent MTN Editors’ Forum, amidst discussions on network expansion and technological advancements, a powerful question was posed: “Why can’t the next Instagram, Facebook—whatever you want to think about—come from here?” Stephen Blewett, CEO of MTN Ghana, challenged the pervasive notion that technological innovation is solely the domain of Silicon Valley or other global tech hubs. The forum, a gathering of media professionals and industry stakeholders, served as a platform to address pressing issues and explore opportunities within the African digital landscape. Blewett’s remarks underscored a central theme: Africa possesses the untapped potential to become a leader in Africa Digital Innovation, and MTN is committed to fostering this transformation through strategic investments and empowerment initiatives.

Blewett’s vision directly confronts the current reality, where Africa often finds itself primarily as a consumer, rather than a creator, in the digital ecosystem. But he believes this can change, and that Africa can play a leading role in Africa Digital Innovation.

MTN, according to Blewett, recognizes that realizing Africa’s potential requires a multi-faceted approach, focusing on infrastructure development, talent cultivation, and fostering a conducive environment for innovation.

He emphasizes the critical role of Africa’s youthful population. “Our young people are hungry, capable, and understand what it takes to innovate,” Blewett stated, highlighting the demographic dividend that could propel the continent’s digital transformation. This sentiment resonates with the broader understanding that Africa’s young, entrepreneurial, and tech-savvy population is a key asset in driving digital growth.

To harness this potential, MTN is actively supporting initiatives like the government’s 1,000 coders project, equipping young Ghanaians with essential skills in coding and artificial intelligence. “It’s about empowering the youth with the tools to create, to innovate, and to believe in themselves,” Blewett explained. This initiative is designed to provide the necessary skills and resources to nurture a new generation of African innovators. This investment aims to shift Africa from a consumer to a creator of digital technologies.

MTN’s commitment extends far beyond skills development; it includes massive investments in digital infrastructure. Over the past five years, MTN Ghana has invested over $1 billion in network infrastructure, with an additional $240 million allocated for 2025. This continuous investment is crucial for maintaining and improving network quality, ensuring reliable connectivity for businesses and individuals across the country. The investment in infrastructure aims to create a solid foundation for Africa Digital Innovation.

This investment has enabled the deployment of over 5,000 new sites nationwide, with 87.5% of data traffic now carried on 4G technology. The expansion of fiber infrastructure is also a key priority, with significant efforts underway to relocate and upgrade existing fiber networks.

One of the significant operational hurdles MTN faces is the frequent occurrence of fiber cuts. On average, there are four fiber cuts per day across the country, impacting the nation’s communication backbone. “Fiber cuts are a massive plague on our business… This is not just MTN’s problem—it’s Ghana’s problem,” Blewett emphasized, calling for greater public awareness and support to protect this critical infrastructure.

The MTN Editors’ Forum plays a crucial role in engaging media professionals and addressing these regional concerns. It serves as a platform to promote digital inclusion, network expansion, and local capacity building. Blewett also acknowledged the efforts of the Ministry of Communications and the need for continued support to drive the digital agenda forward.

Looking ahead, Blewett reiterated his vision for Africa as a leader in digital innovation, emphasizing the importance of collaboration between government, the private sector, and communities. Key actions include investing in digital skills, infrastructure, and public awareness campaigns to protect critical infrastructure.

Africa stands on the cusp of a digital revolution, and with strategic investments and collaborative efforts, it can indeed become a global leader in Africa Digital Innovation. By addressing the challenges, investing in infrastructure and talent, and fostering a culture of innovation, Africa can unlock its full potential and shape the future of the global digital economy.