MTN Group Chief Sustainability and Corporate Affairs Officer, Nompilo Morafo, has called for affordability, reliable power, and digital trust to be placed at the heart of Africa’s digital transformation.
She made the remarks at the recent GSMA Digital Africa Summit in Accra, where governments, regulators, and industry leaders gathered to discuss the future of connectivity on the continent.
Reflecting on the summit, Morafo noted that while mobile operators have made significant progress in expanding connectivity, the expectations from stakeholders, especially young people, are growing.
“Connectivity alone is just the foundation. What is expected of mobile operators is not only to connect people but to ensure that services are affordable, reliable, and accessible to all,” she said.
Highlighting the burden of high energy costs, Morafo, a big part of MTN’s operating expenses currently go into power, an unsustainable trend that threatens the cost of delivering services. She urged policymakers and stakeholders to prioritise reliable power solutions to strengthen the broader digital ecosystem.
She further emphasised the need for trust and responsible leadership, noting that sustainable digital adoption cannot happen unless users feel safe online.
“Trust is a prerequisite to connectivity. People must trust our services and feel safe using the products and platforms we provide,” she said.
Morafo cited MTN’s “Let Children Be Children” program, which addresses the growing risks faced by young people online, including cyberbullying and harassment. She noted that such initiatives are not just corporate social responsibility projects but critical investments in the sustainability of the digital industry.
The GSMA Digital Africa Summit brought together senior government officials, regulators, and private sector leaders to discuss the policies and partnerships necessary to accelerate digital inclusion across Africa.
Discussions focused on the affordability of services, the rising cost of powering digital infrastructure, and building trust in technology.
