Telecommunications giant MTN Group president and CEO Ralph Mupita has called for the modernisation and harmonisation of regulatory frameworks across Africa as well as a collective effort by all stakeholders to ensure that the continent can deliver universal broadband coverage by 2030.

Speaking during the Africa Prosperity Dialogue, held at Peduase, in the eastern region of Ghana in January, he said that the regulatory frameworks for Africa’s telecommunications industry do not reflect the continent’s current advancement as they are still positioned for the era of voice.

“As the world continues to undergo major digital transformation and disruption, our regulatory frameworks need to evolve to reflect these technological advancements,” he added in his address on ‘Moving from Ambition to Action: The Role of Telecommunications in Deepening Intra-African Trade, Challenges and Opportunity’.

There is a need for a robust, relevant and future fit regulatory framework.

Further, there is a need for all local and international participants in the sector, including mobile network operators and over-the-top players, to contribute to building and investing in infrastructure, he says, pointing out that Africa needs about $100-billion in capital investment to reach its goal of universal broadband for all Africans by 2030.

The Africa Prosperity Dialogue is organised by the Africa Prosperity Network, bringing together governments and business leaders in Africa, and is aimed at achieving deeper economic integration among African States.

Among the topics under discussion were the policies that will ensure the successful implementation of the Africa Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

The Africa Prosperity Dialogue was attended by several distinguished African leaders, including Ghana President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo and former Niger President and AfCFTA champion Issofou Mohamadou.

Other attendees included Ghana Minister of Finance Ken Ofori-Atta and Ghana Investment Promotion Centre CEO Yofi Grant, as well as MTN Group emerging markets senior VP Ebenezer Twum Asante, MTN Group chief sustainability and corporate affairs officer Nompilo Morafo and MTN Ghana CEO Selorm Adadevoh.