The President and Chief Executive Officer of MTN Group, Ralph Mupita, has cautioned against rising calls in parts of Africa to boycott pan-African businesses, warning that such actions could undermine youth employment, digital transformation, and the continent’s long-term economic integration.
His remarks come amid growing tensions across social media platforms, where calls to target or boycott businesses of African origin in various countries have intensified. The trend has raised concerns among business leaders and policymakers, particularly as it coincides with episodes of what some analysts describe as rising “Afrophobic” sentiment in parts of the continent.
Mupita argued that turning against cross-border African companies risks harming the very young population that depends on them for jobs and economic opportunities. He stressed that instead of division, African economies should focus on strengthening digital infrastructure and expanding access to opportunities for young people.
Africa is home to the world’s youngest population, with United Nations estimates indicating that about 70 percent of sub-Saharan Africans are under the age of 30. This demographic trend, experts say, presents either a major opportunity for growth or a significant socio-economic risk depending on how effectively it is managed.
Writing on LinkedIn ahead of the Kgalema Motlanthe Foundation dialogues, Mupita emphasized the importance of leveraging the digital economy to turn Africa’s youth population into what he described as a “youth dividend” rather than a long-term burden.
He noted that digital transformation remains central to unlocking employment opportunities across the continent, particularly in sectors such as telecommunications, fintech, and technology-driven services.
Recent online campaigns calling for the exclusion or boycott of multinational companies with African origins have raised concerns about potential economic disruptions, especially in countries where such firms play a major role in employment and digital infrastructure.
In Nigeria, for instance, the telecommunications sector contributes more than 13 percent to gross domestic product, according to data from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS). The industry also serves as a key driver of the country’s growing technology ecosystem, which employs thousands of young professionals and entrepreneurs.
Industry observers warn that disruptions to this ecosystem, whether driven by political tensions or xenophobic sentiment, could slow down innovation and reduce job opportunities for young Africans who rely heavily on the digital economy.
Speaking in an interview with Bloomberg, Mupita acknowledged the sensitivity of operating across diverse African markets, noting that multinational firms must carefully navigate geopolitical and social tensions. While he said MTN has not experienced direct operational impact, he emphasized that the company remains highly alert to developments in key markets such as Nigeria and Ghana.
Economic analysts also point to broader structural challenges facing the continent. The African Development Bank (AfDB) estimates that Africa needs to create at least 12 million jobs annually to keep pace with its rapidly growing labour force, a goal that many experts believe can only be achieved through sustained investment in technology, education, and cross-border economic cooperation.
Against this backdrop, Mupita’s call highlights a growing consensus among business leaders that Africa’s future growth depends not on fragmentation, but on deeper integration and collaboration. By strengthening the digital economy and supporting youth-driven innovation, stakeholders argue that the continent can transform its demographic advantage into long-term prosperity.
Discover more from Scoop Hub
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
