From Local Preference to Global Excellence: MTN CFO’s Call for Nigerian Enterprises

In a recent address at the Nigeria-South Africa Chamber of Commerce (NSACC) breakfast forum, Modupe Kadri, Chief Financial Officer of MTN Nigeria, challenged local businesses to transcend domestic expectations and build brands capable of competing on the world stage.

Kadri emphasized that sustained economic expansion requires developing internal capacity rather than relying on preferential policies. He urged companies to innovate beyond their home markets to effectively challenge multinational corporations. “Local content must not mean substandard quality, nor should it mean entitlement simply because a company is Nigerian,” he stated.

The call comes as partnerships between Nigerian enterprises and global giants increase. Kadri clarified that international firms award contracts based on value and return on investment, not legal obligation or national sentiment.

Strategic Collaboration for Mutual Growth

Industry leaders present at the forum echoed this view, sharing how structured procurement processes helped transform their businesses from local operations into continental brands. Computer Warehouse Group’s Afolabi Sobande, SO&U’s Udeme Ufot, Seams and Stitches’ Yemi Chukwurah, and BlackHouse Media’s Ayeni Adekunle all testified to the power of strategic partnerships.

Kadri highlighted that true economic synergy requires predictable market demand, strong governance, and consistent delivery excellence. He stressed that shared growth is “invited business logic” - a mutually beneficial arrangement where value circulates through businesses, communities, and governments.

The Next Frontier: Technological Depth

The MTN CFO also pointed to advanced technologies as the next area for competitive advantage. While early local content initiatives focused on infrastructure and basic logistics, he argued that future growth requires technical expertise in areas like artificial intelligence, cloud computing, and cybersecurity.

As Nigeria seeks sustained industrial development over the coming decades, stakeholders agree that patient capital, transparent corporate access, and continuous skill acquisition will be essential for enterprises to evolve into global champions.