Connecting Africa is part of the Informa Tech Division of Informa PLC

This site is operated by a business or businesses owned by Informa PLC and all copyright resides with them. Informa PLC's registered office is 5 Howick Place, London SW1P 1WG. Registered in England and Wales. Number 3099067.

Business of Tech

MTN CEO calls for modernized regulations

Article Image
MTN Group President and CEO, Ralph Mupita, has called for modernization and harmonization of regulatory frameworks across Africa and a collective effort by all stakeholders to make universal broadband coverage a reality by the end of the decade.

"The regulatory frameworks for Africa's telecommunications industry do not reflect our current advancement. They are still positioned for the era of voice," he said at the Africa Prosperity Dialogues event held at Peduase in the Eastern Region of Ghana over the weekend.

"As the world continues to undergo major digital transformation and disruption, our regulatory frameworks need to evolve to reflect these technological advancements," he added.

Mupita said Africa would need around $100 billion in capital investment to reach its goal of universal broadband for all Africans by 2030.

He believes there is a need for all participants in the sector to contribute towards building and investing in infrastructure.

"A fair share contribution by both local and international players including mobile network operators and OTTs [over the top players]," is what he said is needed.

Tax troubles

MTN is facing some troubles in the West African nation after the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA) this month handed the mobile operator a bill for back taxes of around GHS8.21 billion (US$685 million). The GRA alleges that MTN under-declared its revenue by about 30% between 2014 and 2018.

"MTN Ghana strongly disputes the accuracy and basis of the assessment, including the methodology used in conducting the audit," the operator said about the tax liability dispute and said it would contest the claim.

South Africa's Minister of International Relations and Cooperation, Dr Naledi Pandor, on Friday encouraged MTN "to work closely with the authorities in Ghana to devise a solution".

The Minister called on both parties involved "to do everything possible to find an amicable solution to these reported challenges", a department statement confirmed.

MTN is by far Ghana's biggest mobile operator with over 67% market share at the end of 2022, according to statistics from Omdia.

Related posts:

*Top image is of MTN Group President and CEO Ralph Mupita speaking at the Africa Prosperity Dialogues event in Ghana in January 2023. (Source: MTN Group).

— Paula Gilbert, Editor, Connecting Africa

Innovation hub

Story

Hot startup of the month: Nigeria's Tech Herfrica

Connecting Africa's hot startup is Nigeria's Tech Herfrica, a social impact organization that focuses on the digital and financial inclusion of women and girls in rural areas of Nigeria.

Story

Omdia View: February 2024

Highlights in February 2024 in the Middle East and Africa included 5G launches in Senegal and 5G trials in Egypt as well as Kenya's first 5G MVNO. Airtel also launched a new wholesale connectivity business while MTN and Huawei are planning a joint Innovation Technology Lab in South Africa – that and more in this month's Omdia View.

More Innovation hub

Latest video

More videos

Partner perspectives

All Partner Perspectives

Sponsored video

More videos

Industry announcements

More Industry announcements

Upcoming events

Africa Tech Festival 2024
November 11-14, 2024
Cape Town, South Africa
More Upcoming events

Africa Tech Perspectives

Story

Uber's Marjorie Saint-Lot on inclusion and sustainability in Africa

Uber's Country Manager for Ghana and Cote d'Ivoire, Marjorie Saint-Lot, shares how the ride-hailing company is approaching public-private partnerships, environmentally friendly initiatives and gender inclusion in Africa.

Story

The 100 most influential African leaders in 2023

A new report from Africa Tech Festival and Connecting Africa puts a spotlight on the top 100 African leaders in the telecoms and technology sector in 2023.

Story

Deep dive into East Africa's tech startup ecosystem

New survey reveals a lack of access to investors, reliance on international VCs and global recession trends as the biggest barriers for East African tech startups to access funds.

More Africa Tech perspectives

Guest Perspectives

Story

Omdia View: February 2024

By Omdia Analysts

Highlights in February 2024 in the Middle East and Africa included 5G launches in Senegal and 5G trials in Egypt as well as Kenya's first 5G MVNO. Airtel also launched a new wholesale connectivity business while MTN and Huawei are planning a joint Innovation Technology Lab in South Africa – that and more in this month's Omdia View.

Story

Omdia View: January 2024

By Omdia Analysts

Highlights in January 2024 in the Middle East and Africa included a $200 million fintech deal between MTN and Mastercard as well as 5G network trials by Telecom Egypt – that and more in this month's Omdia View.

More Guest Perspectives

Like us on Facebook

Newsletter Sign Up


Sign Up
Tag id test-002