The Chief Executive Officer of MTN Nigeria, Karl Toriola, has urged business leaders from Nigeria and South Africa to focus on effectively implementing people-centered and growth-driven policies that can accelerate Africa’s development.
Speaking at the Nigeria–South Africa Economic Diplomacy Roundtable held in Lagos on Thursday, Toriola noted that the combined economic strength of both nations holds the potential to fast-track the continent’s progress.
He proposed a three-point agenda for achieving sustainable growth across Africa. The first, he said, is the activation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) beyond paperwork by standardizing customs processes, harmonizing trade regulations, and adopting digital documentation systems.
“When rules match, trade moves,” Toriola said, emphasizing that simplified regulations are essential to unlocking AfCFTA’s full potential.
His second recommendation focused on building trusted digital rails to secure and facilitate online commerce across the continent. According to him, this requires robust digital identity systems and fast-clearing payment platforms for cross-border transactions.
Toriola reaffirmed MTN’s commitment to providing secure, reliable digital infrastructure and scalable partnerships that empower small businesses, creators, and families to transact confidently.
He also stressed that regulatory predictability is vital to attracting and retaining investment, describing it as a key driver of job creation and revenue growth.
“Lagos is a city that builds, Johannesburg is a city that scales. Let us connect those strengths now,” Toriola concluded, pledging MTN Nigeria’s support through technical sessions, digital infrastructure provision, and ongoing progress reporting.
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Source:Africa Publicity
