The President and Chief Executive Officer of , , has warned that the growing wave of Afrophobic sentiments across parts of Africa could undermine youth employment, weaken economic integration, and threaten the continent’s long-term development goals.
Mupita made the remarks ahead of discussions organised by the , amid increasing social media campaigns and public reactions targeting multinational companies following recent anti-immigrant protests in South Africa.
The MTN chief expressed concern that rising hostility toward foreign nationals and businesses operating across African borders could reverse years of progress toward continental integration. He stressed that Africa’s greatest strength lies in its young and rapidly growing population, which should be empowered through education, innovation, entrepreneurship, and digital opportunities rather than being drawn into divisive narratives based on nationality or origin.
According to Mupita, Africa’s youthful population represents one of the largest demographic advantages in the world. However, he noted that converting this population growth into sustainable economic prosperity will require deliberate investments in digital skills, technology, infrastructure, and job creation.
He explained that the continent’s expanding digital economy offers enormous opportunities for young people in areas such as telecommunications, fintech, e-commerce, software development, artificial intelligence, digital services, and creative industries. To fully harness these opportunities, African nations must promote collaboration rather than protectionism and retaliation.
Mupita warned that attacks on multinational African businesses could have unintended consequences for millions of workers, entrepreneurs, and consumers who depend on these companies for employment, connectivity, and economic activities. He noted that many pan-African companies provide critical infrastructure and services that support economic growth across several countries.
The MTN boss emphasized that businesses operating across national borders play a crucial role in advancing the objectives of the , which seeks to create a single market for goods and services across the continent. He argued that the success of AfCFTA depends on trust, cooperation, and the free movement of investments, services, and people.
Highlighting MTN’s pan-African footprint, Mupita explained that the telecommunications giant earns the majority of its revenue outside South Africa. According to him, less than 20 percent of the company’s earnings originate from South Africa, while approximately 80 percent come from operations in other African countries, including major markets such as Nigeria and Ghana.
Although he noted that MTN had not experienced direct business disruptions linked to recent tensions, he acknowledged that the company remains vigilant and sensitive to developments in key markets. He stressed that preserving positive relationships among African nations is essential for business confidence and sustainable growth.
Mupita further argued that Africa’s future prosperity depends on stronger social solidarity, adherence to the rule of law, and deeper economic cooperation among nations. He called for dialogue and constructive engagement as more effective ways of addressing migration-related concerns rather than resorting to boycotts, retaliation, discrimination, or attacks on businesses.
The MTN chief maintained that protecting migrants, investors, and cross-border commercial activities is critical to building a prosperous and interconnected continent. He warned that hostility toward foreign nationals and multinational enterprises could discourage investment, slow economic growth, and reduce opportunities for young Africans seeking employment and entrepreneurship opportunities.
Economic analysts share similar concerns, noting that retaliatory actions against multinational operators could disrupt key sectors such as telecommunications, financial technology, digital payments, logistics, and e-commerce. These industries collectively support millions of jobs and contribute significantly to economic activity across Africa.
Experts also argue that stronger regional integration would help African countries maximise the benefits of emerging opportunities created by digital transformation and continental trade agreements. By reducing barriers to investment and encouraging collaboration, nations can create larger markets, attract more capital, and improve living standards for citizens.
The warning comes at a time when many African governments are seeking ways to tackle youth unemployment, one of the continent’s most pressing socioeconomic challenges. With millions of young people entering the labour market every year, policymakers are increasingly looking to technology, entrepreneurship, and regional trade as engines of job creation.
Observers say the debate surrounding Afrophobia serves as a reminder that Africa’s development aspirations are closely linked to unity, cooperation, and mutual respect among its nations. As countries work toward greater integration under AfCFTA, maintaining an environment that welcomes investment, innovation, and cross-border collaboration will be essential for achieving shared prosperity.
Mupita concluded that Africa’s long-term success depends not on division but on collective efforts to create opportunities for young people, strengthen economic ties, and build a continent where businesses and citizens can thrive regardless of nationality or origin.
