As South Africa grapples with intensifying migration debates, MTN Group, the continent’s largest telecom operator, is raising concerns that anti-immigrant sentiment could stifle economic growth and digital transformation across Africa.
MTN, which connects 312.7 million customers across 19 markets, has built its success on regional integration and talent mobility. With most of its growth originating outside South Africa, the company views rising hostility towards African migrants as counterproductive to its business model.
“If our discussion ends with the language of crisis around migration, we will have treated the symptom and missed the deeper challenge,” said MTN Group President and CEO Ralph Mupita at a recent forum. “People move because opportunity is unevenly distributed. The defining question is whether we can build economies where mobility matches opportunity.”
Mupita, who migrated from Zimbabwe 35 years ago, framed his personal story as emblematic of MTN’s pan-African identity. “I also want to admit that I’m a migrant… My surname means ‘the one who moves from place to place.’ So that’s who I am—I’m an African,” he shared.
The CEO highlighted how MTN’s growth mirrors Africa’s interconnectedness, noting that the company was born from licenses issued by Nelson Mandela in 1993. Today, MTN employs thousands across the continent and generates billions in revenue through cross-border services.
MTN Chairman Mcebisi Jonas echoed this sentiment, arguing that immigration has become a scapegoat for South Africa’s deeper economic challenges. “Our markets are in Africa. Our opportunities are in Africa. Our future is in Africa,” he stated.
Jonas emphasized that removing migrants would not solve structural issues like unemployment, inequality, and inadequate education—problems that persist regardless of immigration levels. He also pointed to the contradiction of South Africa losing skilled citizens through emigration while simultaneously making it difficult for qualified foreigners to stay.
The broader message from MTN executives was clear: Africa’s digital future depends on embracing mobility, fostering inclusive growth, and creating economic opportunities across borders.