President Yoweri Museveni has commended the extraordinary growth of MTN Group, a telecommunications titan that has transformed connectivity across Africa.
This, was during his forward-looking meeting with MTN delegation at State House Entebbe.
Reflecting on the company’s humble origins, Museveni fondly recalled the early days of MTN when the late Nelson Mandela, the iconic South African leader, made a historic call using a simple MTN phone.
That moment marked the beginning of a journey that has seen MTN evolve into a cornerstone of African communication, empowering millions with access to mobile and digital services.
The engaging discussion at State House centered on harnessing MTN’s success to drive broader economic prosperity through strategic investments in job creation and income growth.
President Museveni emphasized that when people have stable jobs and rising incomes, they are more likely to purchase phones, subscribe to data plans, and engage actively in the digital economy.
This ripple effect, he noted, fuels demand for services and strengthens local markets. To achieve this, he advocated for robust investments in four critical sectors: commercial agriculture, which supports food security and rural livelihoods; manufacturing, to produce goods locally and reduce import dependency; services, to enhance quality of life; and information and communication technology (ICT), to bridge digital divides and foster innovation.
These sectors, Museveni argued, are the bedrock of wealth creation and employment, essential for expanding Africa’s economic base.
Museveni pointed out that Africa’s per capita purchasing power remains low compared to other regions, underscoring the need to move beyond narrow business sectors and embrace a diversified economic approach.
By investing in these four pillars, Africa can unlock its vast potential, creating a virtuous cycle of growth where increased incomes lead to greater consumption and market expansion. The MTN delegation, representing a company that has grown alongside Africa’s aspirations, was seen as a key partner in this transformative vision.
In a call to action, President Museveni encouraged MTN and other investors to explore manufacturing partnerships, such as producing affordable smartphones or telecom equipment locally, to boost industrialization.
He highlighted the emerging opportunities in regional trade, particularly through frameworks like the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), which promises to create a single market for goods and services across 54 African nations.
By tapping into these opportunities, MTN could play a pivotal role in driving economic integration and industrial growth, creating jobs and fostering innovation.
The meeting concluded on an uplifting note, with Museveni’s reflections on MTN’s journey serving as a powerful reminder of what is possible when vision meets opportunity. From a single phone call to a continent-wide network, MTN’s growth mirrors Africa’s potential to rise as a global economic force.
