EP.04 | Ralph Mupita on MTN’s Playbook: AI, Fintech, and the Race to Connect Africa

In this episode, Ralph Mupita, President and CEO of MTN Group, joins TechAfrica News’ Chief Editor and Founder, Akim Benamara for a candid conversation on the evolving role of telecoms in shaping Africa’s digital economy.

Africa’s digital growth goes beyond connectivity—it's a complex journey marked by economic challenges, fragmented regulations, and limitless innovation. Telecoms are no longer just infrastructure providers, but are now key drivers of digital economies, financial inclusion, and shaping how the next billion Africans live and work online.

From weathering macroeconomic storms in Nigeria to building fintech platforms, driving regulatory reform, and exploring AI and satellite tech, Mupita shares insights into what it takes to lead—and innovate—on the continent today.

About Our Guest

Ralph Mupita has been Group President and CEO of MTN Group since September 2020. Previously MTN’s CFO, he led key financial strategies and listings across Africa. With a strong background in engineering, finance, and telecoms, Ralph drives MTN’s Ambition 2025 plan focused on digital transformation and financial inclusion. He also serves on multiple global advisory boards supporting Africa’s digital and economic growth.

Financial Performance and Macroeconomic Challenges
Mupita highlighted mixed impacts from macroeconomic conditions on MTN’s results. Despite strong underlying growth, the first half of the year was hit by severe Naira depreciation in Nigeria. The second half showed improvements in revenue, earnings, and cash flow.

Nigeria’s Pivotal Role and Recovery
Nigeria remains crucial to MTN, contributing around 40% of earnings and nearly 50% of cash flow pre-2023. Mupita is optimistic about a V-shaped recovery due to sound monetary policies, rising dollar reserves, and fuel subsidy removal.

Digital Transformation and MNOs’ Role
MTN aims to lead Africa’s digital transformation by building ecosystems that drive socioeconomic growth. Mupita stressed the power of digital economies to multiply benefits with minimal infrastructure.

Regulatory Harmonization and Competition
Mupita called for regulatory alignment across African countries, noting that varied frameworks hinder a unified digital economy. Harmonized licensing and spectrum policies are key to unlocking the continent’s potential.

“I believe our real challenges in Africa lie across a few key dimensions. The first is regulation. We need more regulatory harmonization across the continent. Right now, the regulatory frameworks vary too widely from one country to another. If we can align these regulations with a shared goal—to let digital assets and the digital economy drive Africa’s growth—we’ll be much closer to unlocking the continent’s full potential.” - Ralph Mupita, President and CEO, MTN Group

AI, LEO and Non-Terrestrial Networks
Echoing Ghana’s Minister Samuel, Mupita emphasized AI tailored for Africa. He acknowledged costly AI infrastructure but is hopeful for more affordable, locally relevant solutions like AI voice prompts in native languages. Building AI hubs in Africa is essential. Mupita is also excited about low Earth orbit (LEO) networks enhancing connectivity, especially in rural areas, envisioning seamless access through a mix of terrestrial and non-terrestrial technologies.

This episode was filmed on 8th April 2025 at MTN Headquarter in Johannesburg.

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