In an insightful assessment of governance standards across the continent, Mcebisi Jonas, chairman of MTN Group,  has warned that Africa’s long-term economic redemption rests entirely on the independence and resilience of its core public institutions.

Speaking during the MTN’s The Y’ello Chair vodcast that debuted on August 2, 2026, the corporate titan asserted that fragile governance frameworks continue to destroy economic inclusion and starve the region of critical investments.

Jonas emphasised that building a sustainable economy requires deliberate structural effort rather than mere political promises.

According to him, Africa must consciously protect its public bodies from political interference if it ever hopes to build a globally competitive ecosystem.

Expressing deep worry over institutional decay, Jonas remarked, “You need to hardwire democracy, you need to hardwire economic growth, you need to hardwire economic inclusion. Institutions are central in that process… Once you rubbish your institutions, the country goes down the tube.”

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Drawing on his own nation’s historical struggles, Jonas noted how South Africa narrowly averted a total systemic breakdown by protecting its judicial boundaries, though he cautioned that vigilance remains non-negotiable.

He observed that the ultimate test of any healthy democracy is whether a government can humbly submit to the rule of law. “There are few countries in the continent where [the] government goes to court and loses a case,” Jonas lamented, pinpointing judicial autonomy and impartial electoral commissions as the non-negotiable benchmarks of true institutional health.

Hard economic data strongly validates Jonas’s thesis. According to UNCTAD’s World Investment Report, foreign direct investment (FDI) into Africa rebounded to $97 billion in 2024, raising the continent’s share of global inflows from 4% to 6%, driven largely by 36% of global pro-investment policy reforms originating from the continent.

However, experts stress that such capital flows remain highly volatile and tend to flee at the slightest sign of political instability or judicial compromise.

Tying institutional integrity directly to investor confidence, Jonas noted that capital is fundamentally cowardly – it flows only to destinations where credibility is guaranteed by law rather than whim.

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As fiscal headwinds worsen across developing economies, Jonas warned African governments against taking shortcuts or manipulating tax policies at the expense of structural credibility, emphasising that a country’s economic survival depends on predictable, independent institutions.

The 12th edition of the eWorld Forum will hold on Thursday, September 24, 2026, at the Oriental Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos, under the theme: “The GSM Digital Milestones: 25 Years On.”

Since its inauguration in 2010, the eWorld Forum has grown into one of Nigeria’s leading platforms for dialogue on information and communications technology (ICT), bringing together policymakers, regulators, telecommunications operators, technology companies, investors, academics and other industry stakeholders to discuss the future of the country’s digital economy.

The 2026 edition coincides with the 25th anniversary of Nigeria’s GSM revolution, which began with the commercial rollout of GSM services in August 2001. Over the past two and a half decades, mobile telecommunications have transformed virtually every sector of the economy, reshaping communication, commerce, banking, education, healthcare, governance, entertainment and social interaction while accelerating digital inclusion and economic growth.

The forum will provide an opportunity for stakeholders to reflect on the industry’s achievements over the last 25 years, examine current challenges, and chart the path forward in key areas such as broadband expansion, artificial intelligence, fintech, digital infrastructure, cybersecurity, spectrum management and Nigeria’s evolving digital economy.

A major highlight of the event will be the public launch of two books authored by veteran ICT journalist, Publisher of eWorldnews and Convener of the eWorld Forum, Aaron Ukodie.

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The first book, Nigeria’s GSM Revolution at 25: The Hall of Digital Pioneers and Players, has been specially published to commemorate the silver jubilee of GSM in Nigeria. The publication chronicles the remarkable evolution of the nation’s telecommunications industry and documents the vision, policies, investments, innovations and contributions of the pioneers, regulators, operators, institutions, companies and individuals whose collective efforts transformed Nigeria into one of Africa’s largest telecommunications and digital markets.

The book serves as a follow-up to Ukodie’s earlier publication, Nigerian Drivers of Digital Prosperity: The Trajectory of the Digital Evolution, Sector Analysis and Players’ Contribution, further preserving the history of Nigeria’s digital transformation.

The second publication, The Pilgrim Trail, is a deeply personal memoir that recounts the author’s life journey, professional experiences, Christian faith and reflections on God’s sustaining grace. The memoir also documents Ukodie’s recovery from the stroke he suffered in 2023 and how, despite prolonged physiotherapy and physical limitations affecting his right hand and right leg, he successfully completed both books. The work stands as a powerful testimony of resilience, perseverance, hope and unwavering faith.

Speaking ahead of the event, Ukodie said: “I am grateful for the opportunity to document both the history of Nigeria’s GSM revolution and my personal journey in The Pilgrim Trail.

“These books preserve important history while bearing testimony to God’s grace and faithfulness in my life. I look forward to sharing them with the public at the forum.”

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Although both books will be officially launched during the forum, The Pilgrim Trail is already available for pre-launch orders.

According to the organisers, eWorld Forum 2026 is expected to be a landmark gathering that will celebrate one of Nigeria’s greatest technological success stories while preserving the history of the country’s digital transformation for future generations.

The forum will also honour the institutions, organisations and individuals whose pioneering efforts laid the foundation for Nigeria’s GSM revolution and continue to drive innovation across the nation’s digital ecosystem.

Starbase Technologies has launched Yolly, a new social entertainment platform designed to reward users for watching, streaming and creating content while promoting wholesome digital engagement.

Starbase Technologies

The company said the platform was developed to redefine participation in the digital economy by enabling viewers, creators and brands to earn value from meaningful online interactions.

According to Starbase Technologies, Yolly introduces a reward system powered by Stars, its native digital rewards currency, which users accumulate through activities such as watching videos, live streaming and creating content.

The company said the initiative was built on the belief that everyone contributing to the digital ecosystem should have the opportunity to benefit from the value they help generate.

Unlike conventional social media platforms where monetisation is often restricted to creators with large followings, Yolly allows creators to begin earning from their first stream without meeting follower thresholds.

The platform also provides emerging creators with features including gifting, Boosts and a Founder Creator badge to help them grow their communities from the outset.

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Viewers are also eligible to earn Stars through the platform’s Watch+ feature, which rewards users for watching content from their first session.

For brands, the company said Yolly offers an alternative to traditional impression-based advertising by providing verified engagement metrics, real-time performance dashboards and brand safety controls to improve campaign measurement and audience interaction.

Speaking on the launch, the Head of Business at Yolly, Emeka Okenwa, said the platform was designed to create a more inclusive and rewarding creator economy.

He said the rewards ecosystem prioritises wholesome content and genuine community engagement rather than content driven solely by algorithms or viral trends.

“The platform has been developed on the premise that the future of the creator economy should be more inclusive, more rewarding and built around genuine communities rather than algorithms alone,” Okenwa said.

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He added that Yolly was created to encourage family-friendly content while providing viewers, creators and brands with a trusted environment to connect, create and grow.

According to the company, the platform features content across entertainment, sports, lifestyle, education, technology and live events.

Starbase Technologies said the launch forms part of its broader vision of connecting creators and innovators through technology solutions that expand opportunities within the global digital economy.