The Chief Executive Officer of MTN Group, Ralph Mupita, has cautioned African countries against targeting businesses operating across borders in response to renewed xenophobic attacks in South Africa.
His comments come amid growing anger across Africa following reports of attacks on foreign nationals, including Nigerians, in parts of South Africa. The incidents have sparked widespread criticism and triggered social media campaigns calling for sanctions against companies believed to have South African links.
Speaking in an interview, Mupita stressed that retaliatory actions against businesses could have serious economic consequences for African countries. According to him, such measures could affect jobs, discourage investment, slow digital transformation efforts, and weaken the continent’s push for economic integration.
He noted that MTN has not experienced any direct impact from the tensions so far, but the company remains alert, especially in major markets such as Nigeria and Ghana where public reactions have been closely monitored.
“We have not seen any direct effect on our operations, but we remain sensitive to developments in key markets,” Mupita said.
The latest xenophobic incidents have once again raised concerns about the relationship between African nations and how best to respond to recurring attacks on migrants living in South Africa. While some groups have called for economic retaliation against South African-owned businesses operating in other African countries, others believe such actions could end up harming local economies and workers.
Mupita argued that businesses with operations across multiple African countries play an important role in strengthening economic cooperation and supporting the goals of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
He explained that many multinational companies operating on the continent have become deeply connected to the economies of the countries where they do business. These companies create employment opportunities, support local suppliers, pay taxes, and contribute to economic development.
According to him, companies should not be judged solely based on the country where their headquarters are located. Instead, attention should be given to the value they bring to host countries through investment and job creation.
Highlighting MTN’s presence across Africa, Mupita revealed that the majority of the company’s earnings come from markets outside South Africa.
He stated that less than 20 percent of MTN’s earnings are generated in South Africa, while more than 80 percent come from operations in other African countries.
The MTN boss also warned that economic isolation and business boycotts would not solve the underlying issues driving migration, unemployment, and social tensions across the continent. Rather, he called for stronger cooperation among governments, businesses, and citizens to address these challenges.
His remarks reflect broader concerns that xenophobia-related tensions could undermine Africa’s integration agenda at a time when leaders are working to boost trade, investment, and digital connectivity through initiatives such as AfCFTA.
Experts have warned that retaliatory actions against companies operating across borders could disrupt supply chains, reduce investor confidence, and threaten thousands of jobs across the continent.
The debate has also gained attention in Nigeria, where some political figures have urged stronger economic measures against South African companies following attacks on Nigerians living in South Africa.
However, supporters of regional integration believe that long-term solutions lie in improved diplomatic relations, stronger protection of migrants’ rights, and greater economic cooperation among African nations.
As discussions continue, many stakeholders insist that preserving business partnerships while addressing xenophobia remains crucial for Africa’s future growth and development.
