MTN Group and the African Development Bank convened in Lagos to expedite Africa’s digitalization efforts. During the 2023 Businessday CEO Forum, MTN Group CEO Ralph Mupita and Nompilo Morafo, the group’s chief corporate affairs and sustainability officer, held discussions with Dr Akinwunmi Adesina, President of the African Development Bank Group. The meeting explored potential collaborations that align with their shared vision of driving digital transformation and sustainable growth across the continent.
At the forum, Adesina emphasized the importance of fostering innovation and accelerating the development of a well-established and policy-driven manufacturing sector to boost exports. He encouraged Nigeria to look beyond its current industries and invest in future-oriented smart industries, which are powered by the fourth industrial revolution technologies such as automation, robotics, artificial intelligence, machine learning, big data computing, 3-D printing, and additive manufacturing.
Adesina stressed the need for Nigeria to be prepared for the transformation into digitized and smart manufacturing, given the rising use of robotics in the industrial sector. This transformation will also impact the structure of global value chains, which will require Nigeria to attract talent and remain competitive in labor-intensive light manufacturing.
The discussions between MTN Group and the African Development Bank reflect a mutual commitment to drive Africa’s digital future, embracing technology and innovation to create sustainable development and economic growth across the region.
