On October 18 2025, Njideka Jack, General Manager of Enterprise Marketing at MTN Nigeria, delivered a compelling keynote address at the ABAN Congress 2025, spotlighting the transformative role of technology in empowering businesses. Speaking on the theme “Enabling Businesses with Technology,” Jack outlined MTN’s commitment to fostering growth and innovation across Nigeria and Africa.
MTN Nigeria, through its dedicated MTN Business arm, is focused on supporting enterprises of all sizes, from small and medium enterprises to large corporations and public sector organizations.
“At MTN, we believe that everyone deserves the benefit of a modern, connected life, and this extends to businesses across all sectors,” Jack stated, emphasizing the company’s mission to drive visibility, productivity, and expansion for businesses.
Jack highlighted the challenges faced by Nigeria’s vibrant startup ecosystem, particularly in infrastructure, funding, and market access.
“They face infrastructure scaling. We all know about the infrastructure deficit, and research shows that this gap is likely to widen,” she noted. “There is the issue of transportation, energy, connectivity. There is a lot to be done. Businesses are looking for access to funding, markets, and information.”
To address these hurdles, MTN has launched its Cloud Accelerator Program, designed to empower African startups with critical tools and resources. “At MTN, we are doing a lot more than connectivity, data, and airtime. We see the gap in businesses thriving, and we want to be part of the solution,” Jack explained. The program provides startups with access to MTN’s robust infrastructure, funding grants, and partnerships with key ecosystem players.
The inaugural cohort of the Accelerator Program attracted over 8,000 applications, from which MTN carefully selected 20 startups in fields such as fintech, agritech, health, education, and DevOps. “It’s our first time. We want to do it right. We focused on a small number to ensure impactful solutions,” Jack said. These startups receive not only financial support but also cloud credits, mentorship, and ecosystem tours to enhance their scalability and market reach.
A key feature of MTN’s offering is its flexible cloud platform, which allows startups to pay in naira instead of dollars, making high-quality, locally developed technological solutions more accessible. “We believe startups can provide local products with the same quality and expertise as global offerings,” Jack affirmed.
Beyond funding, MTN is fostering collaboration with angel investors and global organizations to provide startups with mentorship, networks, and credibility. “It’s not just about funding; it’s about bringing experience, network, mentorship, and credibility as well,” Jack emphasized. She also called for partnerships with other industry leaders to co-create solutions and further support Africa’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Jack concluded by underscoring MTN’s broader vision: “We need to solve practical problems. Problems can lead to opportunities when you look at them the right way.” By leveraging its strong brand and infrastructure, MTN aims to bridge gaps and empower African startups to thrive on a global stage.
MTN Nigeria’s efforts through the Cloud Accelerator Program signal a bold step toward fostering innovation and collaboration. As Jack noted, “MTN is trying to support the ecosystem. We are partnering to enable Africa to fund Africans,” paving the way for a brighter, more connected future for the continent’s businesses.
