The President and Chief Executive Officer of MTN Group, Ralph Mupita, has called on African nations to strengthen unity, respect the rule of law, and deepen economic cooperation, warning that growing anti-immigrant sentiments and cross-border tensions could slow the continent’s development and discourage investment.
Mupita made the remarks amid increasing concerns over recent anti-immigrant protests in South Africa and Ghana. The incidents have generated widespread reactions across Africa, particularly on social media, with some individuals and groups calling for retaliatory actions against businesses linked to those countries in markets such as Nigeria.
Speaking ahead of a migration dialogue organised by the Kgalema Motlanthe Foundation, Mupita stressed that Africa’s future success depends on stronger social connections among its people and closer economic relationships between countries.
According to him, African nations must work together to build trust, create opportunities for shared prosperity, and ensure that laws are respected and fairly enforced. He noted that social solidarity and economic integration are essential for the continent to achieve sustainable growth and attract long-term investment.
His comments come at a time when policymakers, business leaders, and development experts are increasingly worried about the impact of xenophobia and Afrophobia on Africa’s image and economic progress. Experts have repeatedly warned that attacks on migrants and foreign-owned businesses can damage investor confidence and make international companies hesitant to commit resources to African markets.
Many investors closely monitor political stability and social harmony when deciding where to invest. As a result, recurring tensions between African communities may weaken efforts to attract foreign direct investment, which remains vital for infrastructure development, industrial growth, and job creation across the continent.
Observers also believe the latest developments highlight challenges facing regional integration efforts, particularly under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). The trade agreement aims to create a single market across Africa, allowing goods, services, and investments to move more freely between countries.
For such initiatives to succeed, analysts say African nations must foster stronger cooperation and ensure that businesses and individuals can operate across borders without fear of discrimination or hostility.
Mupita also emphasized the importance of protecting foreign nationals and businesses operating in different African countries. Over the years, human rights organisations have criticised authorities in some countries for failing to adequately prevent attacks on migrants and foreign-owned enterprises during periods of unrest.
In an interview with Bloomberg, the MTN chief stated that the company had not experienced any direct impact from the recent tensions. However, he said the telecommunications giant remains closely monitoring developments in important markets such as Nigeria and Ghana.
MTN is Africa’s largest mobile telecommunications company by subscriber base and operates in several countries across the continent, including Nigeria, Ghana, and South Africa. Its extensive presence gives the company a unique understanding of how regional stability affects business operations, economic growth, and digital connectivity.
The company provides communication services to millions of people and supports critical digital infrastructure that powers commerce, education, financial services, and everyday communication across Africa.
Mupita concluded that governments have a responsibility to enforce laws and protect both citizens and businesses. However, he noted that lasting peace and stability can only be achieved when African countries strengthen economic ties, promote inclusion, and create opportunities that benefit people across the continent.
His message serves as a reminder that Africa’s economic future depends not only on investment and innovation but also on unity, cooperation, and mutual respect among its nations and people.
