JOHANNESBERG, July 27 – MTN Group says growing anti-immigration sentiment in South Africa could affect the movement of skills, businesses and investment across Africa, warning that migration remains important to the continent’s digital and economic future.
The telecoms company, which serves 312.7 million customers across 19 markets in Africa and the Middle East, said much of its growth now comes from outside South Africa. As a result, it believes regional cooperation is essential for long-term business and economic development.
Speaking at the Kgalema Motlanthe Foundation’s Winter Seminar on migration, MTN Group President and Chief Executive Officer Ralph Mupita said discussions around migration should go beyond politics and focus on creating more economic opportunities across Africa.
“If our discussion ends with the language of crisis around migration, we will have treated the symptom and missed the deeper challenge,” Mupita said, adding that people move because opportunities are not evenly distributed.
Mupita also reflected on his own journey, saying he had lived in South Africa for 35 years after moving from Zimbabwe. He described his personal story as one that reflects both MTN’s identity and Africa’s shared future.
MTN Chairman Mcebisi Jonas said South Africa’s economic challenges are rooted in weak growth, poor governance, infrastructure problems and inequality, rather than migration. He added that the country risks sending mixed signals by welcoming African investors while making life difficult for African workers and traders.
Meanwhile, Dr Ishmael Yamson, Chairman of MTN Ghana’s board, said Africa’s growing population will only become an economic advantage if governments invest in digital, technical and entrepreneurial skills.
The comments come as South Africa continues to face growing debate over migration ahead of its November local government elections.
