MTN Group President and CEO Ralph Mupita on Wednesday warned that rising Afrophobic sentiments threaten youth empowerment, economic integration, and Africa’s development goals.
Mupita issued this caution ahead of the Kgalema Motlanthe Foundation dialogues, amid social media campaigns targeting multinationals following anti-immigrant protests in South Africa.
He emphasized that Africa’s youthful population remains the continent’s greatest asset and should be directed toward economic opportunities rather than divisive nationalism and retaliatory actions.
“MTN believes that embracing the benefits of the digital economy is vital to turning the youth bulge into a youth dividend,” Mupita said.
He pointed out that Africa’s demographic profile offers significant opportunities if governments and businesses invest in skills, innovation, and digital inclusion for young people.
The MTN CEO warned that attacks on pan-African businesses could weaken industries that provide jobs, investments, and critical infrastructure supporting millions of young Africans.
He highlighted the strategic importance of companies operating across Africa in advancing economic cooperation and supporting the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
Mupita also noted that MTN’s operations reflect its pan-African identity, with less than 20% of earnings from South Africa and 80% from other markets.
“We haven’t seen specific impacts on our business, but we are very sensitive in markets like Nigeria and Ghana,” he said.
He added that the company remains vigilant amid rising tensions in some countries.
The CEO stressed that Africa’s future depends on stronger cooperation, economic integration, and respect for legal and governance institutions.
“The future of Africa depends on greater social solidarity, increased economic integration, and the rule of law,” he said.
Mupita emphasized that dialogue, inclusion, and lawful engagement are more sustainable responses to migration tensions than boycotts or retaliation.
He highlighted the importance of protecting migrants, investments, and cross-border trade for shared prosperity and continental development.
Analysts warn that retaliatory actions against multinationals could disrupt key sectors such as telecommunications, fintech, and e-commerce, which support millions of livelihoods across Africa.
They noted that enhanced social cohesion and economic integration would help countries maximize opportunities from AfCFTA and the continent’s digital economy.
