The 31st Nigerian Economic Summit (NES), a platform for policy dialogue between government and business leaders, held in Abuja from October 6 – 8, 2025. During one of the plenary sessions on Wednesday, October 8, titled: “Titans on the Move: Africa’s Multinationals,” Dr Ernest Ndukwe (OFR), Chairman of MTN Nigeria, urged African governments to open borders and dismantle barriers that hinder the free movement of people, capital, and expertise across the continent.

L–R: Dr Ernest Ndukwe (OFR), Chairman, MTN Nigeria; Olaniyi Yusuf, Chairman, Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG); Cecilia Akintomide, Chairperson, UN Sanitation and Hygiene Fund; Girish Sharma, MD/CEO, Guinness Nigeria Plc; and Olugbenga Agboola, CEO, Flutterwave, during the panel session on “Rising Together Initiative: Titans on the Move – Africa’s Multinationals” at the 31st Nigerian Economic Summit (NES), held at the Transcorp Hilton, Abuja, on Wednesday, 8th October 2025.

“Telecoms has become the backbone of Africa’s integration,” Dr Ndukwe told delegates. “Expanding into new markets is not optional for African companies; it is the beginning of sustainable growth. To achieve this, we must ease the movement of resources and expertise.”

Dr Ndukwe drew on MTN’s journey of over 2 decades expanding across Africa, as an example of how disciplined governance, merit-based recruitment and a long-term strategy can sustain multinational growth. He emphasised that predictable policies and regional cooperation will help African companies reduce transaction costs, establish stronger value chains and compete globally.

The panel brought together leaders from technology, finance and FMCG sectors who echoed the call for deeper regional integration. The session was moderated by Cecilia Akintomide, Chairperson of the UN Sanitation and Hygiene Fund, who also highlighted the need for regulatory alignment and public-private partnerships, stressing that Africa cannot afford to operate in fragmented silos. “Collaboration across borders is essential if we are to unlock the scale needed to achieve sustainable development goals,” she said.

Girish Sharma, MD/CEO of Guinness Nigeria Plc, emphasised the importance of local capacity in expansion, noting that multinational growth must be grounded in an understanding of cultural and consumer diversity. “Success is not only about capital flows, but also about adapting business models to the realities of each market,” he said.

Olugbenga Agboola, CEO of Flutterwave, described payments as the “circulatory system” of African trade, lamenting that fragmented payment systems still force businesses to route funds through indirect channels. He called for interoperable frameworks that would allow seamless transactions across borders, thereby accelerating trade under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

Together, the panellists agreed that AfCFTA represents a game-changing opportunity to reshape Africa’s economic future. They concluded that opening borders, harmonising regulations and maintaining strong governance structures will be decisive in transforming African firms into global competitors and ensuring inclusive regional growth.

Nigeria’s digital development efforts received a major boost as telecommunications giant Globacom pledged full support for the Nigerian Communications Commission’s (NCC) business roundtable on Broadband Investment and Protection of Critical Information Infrastructure, which opened today at the NCC Headquarters in Abuja.

Themed “Right of Way and Protection of Broadband Infrastructure – The Road to Success in Broadband Investment and Connectivity”, the high-level gathering brings together stakeholders from federal and state governments, the private sector, telecom operators, and regulatory bodies to forge practical strategies for expanding Nigeria’s broadband footprint and strengthening infrastructure security.

Globacom’s sponsorship and active participation underscore its continued leadership in shaping the country’s digital future. The company is providing logistical and technical support to ensure the success of the two-day event, demonstrating its commitment to fostering a connected, inclusive, and secure digital ecosystem.

According to industry analysts, the roundtable serves as a vital forum for aligning public and private sector interests towards achieving Nigeria’s broadband targets, improving policy coordination, and closing existing digital divides — especially in underserved and rural communities.

Globacom’s involvement also offers a strategic platform to influence policy direction, particularly around Right of Way (RoW) issues, infrastructure investment incentives, and long-term regulatory frameworks that affect broadband expansion.

By contributing to these discussions, Globacom seeks to accelerate nationwide deployment of high-speed internet while ensuring robust safeguards for critical communication assets.

The company views the roundtable as an opportunity to strengthen public-private partnerships, explore innovative funding models, and advocate for equitable digital access. This aligns with Globacom’s long-standing commitment to digital inclusion, empowering millions of Nigerians through affordable and reliable connectivity solutions.

“We believe that digital transformation must be inclusive and secure. Our participation in this roundtable is a continuation of our mission to support national development through technology. A resilient broadband infrastructure is critical to Nigeria’s economic growth and global competitiveness”, Globacom stated.

Furthermore, Globacom’s contributions to the Critical National Information Infrastructure Protection Plan (CNIIPP) will help shape a coordinated national framework for telecom security, reinforcing Nigeria’s defences against cyber threats and infrastructure sabotage.

As the roundtable continues, Globacom reaffirms its role not only as a telecoms provider but also as a trusted partner in the country’s journey towards a fully digitised, economically empowered, and secure future.