Demonstrating its unwavering commitment to the continent’s sustainable development, MTN Group threw its weight behind the 2025 Economic Governance School (EGS) training held in Accra.
This transformative initiative brought together public officials from Ghana, South Africa, and Kenya in a bid to enhance leadership capacity and drive inclusive governance reforms across Africa.
The week-long event was a joint effort among the South Africa’s National School of Government (NSG), Kenya School of Government (KSG), and the Ghana Institute of Management and Public Administration (GIMPA). It convened senior officials, legislators, and policymakers to exchange knowledge and experiences on improving public sector efficiency and accountability.
Participants also visited the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Secretariat in Accra, underlining the shared objective of building a unified economic space on the continent. The visit reinforced the importance of integrated governance frameworks in promoting regional trade and collaboration.
MTN’s Pan-African Vision: Investing in People and Institutions
MTN’s involvement was not limited to sponsorship; the Group played a central role in the dialogue on governance, innovation, and digital transformation. Nompilo Morafo, MTN Group Chief Sustainability and Corporate Affairs Officer, emphasized the company’s belief in people-centered development.
“As a pan-African business, we understand that Africa’s growth depends not only on investment in infrastructure, but also in people and institution.”
Nompilo Morafo
This outlook aligns with MTN’s broader corporate philosophy—using its influence and resources to create long-term value across the continent. The company’s support for governance capacity building highlights its belief that good governance and strong institutions are essential to Africa’s progress.
21 Days of Y’ello Care: Empowering Youth Through Training
The timing of the Governance School coincided with MTN’s flagship annual volunteer initiative—21 Days of Y’ello Care. During this period, the visiting delegation toured the MTN Ghana-supported Opportunities Industrialisation Centre (OICG), a facility dedicated to training youth in vocational, entrepreneurial, and digital skills.
“At MTN, we believe that everyone deserves the benefits of a modern connected life; therefore, in our view, education, training and strong institutions form the foundation for sustained progress. Also, when civil servants, policymakers and administrators are equipped with high-quality training, their collective decisions shape a more equitable, innovative and resilient future for their nations.”
Nompilo Morafo
The OICG initiative underscores how MTN is fostering future-ready talent in tandem with strengthening public sector governance. By investing in both leadership and youth empowerment, the Group takes a holistic approach to development.
MTN further contributed to the training sessions by fielding high-level executives to engage on issues at the intersection of governance and technology. MTN Ghana CEO Stephen Blewett, Chief Information Officer Bernard Acquah, and Morafo participated in panel discussions exploring digital governance, AI integration, and infrastructure financing.
These sessions delved into how digital transformation can improve service delivery, enhance transparency, and bridge the digital divide within African governments. The discourse also reflected on how mobile technology, data systems, and artificial intelligence can help governments become more agile and responsive.
A Platform for Reflective Public Leadership
The event drew praise from government officials and academic leaders alike. South Africa’s Deputy Minister of Public Service and Administration, Ms. Pinky Kekana, commended the training for providing space for deep dialogue among public leaders.
“The Economic Governance School offers a unique platform for elected and appointed public leaders to engage in critical analysis and reflective dialogue on the complex challenges confronting governance.”
Ms. Pinky Kekana
Director of GIMPA, Professor Samuel Kwadwo Bonsu, also expressed his appreciation for MTN’s role and the collaborative nature of the initiative: “We are proud as GIMPA to serve, not only as a centre of learning but as a convening ground for critical reflection and collaboration.”
MTN’s backing of the Economic Governance School signals its enduring commitment to shaping the future of Africa—not only through connectivity and infrastructure, but by cultivating the human and institutional capacity necessary for sound governance.
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