MTN Ghana’s Chief Digital Officer, Ibrahim Misto, has emphasized that Africa’s ability to compete in the global artificial intelligence landscape will depend heavily on a combination of reliable energy, skilled talent, and locally driven innovation. Speaking during an exclusive interview at the Africa Tech Festival 2025 in Cape Town, Misto outlined MTN Ghana’s comprehensive strategy to accelerate the country’s AI readiness and digital transformation.
He explained that MTN Ghana is undertaking deliberate, long-term investments aimed at empowering communities, boosting productivity, and preparing Ghana for a future where AI will shape every sector of the economy. According to him, Africa must act with urgency or risk widening the technological gap between the continent and the rest of the world.
“Africa needs to develop its own intelligence — we cannot afford to lag behind in the global AI race,” Misto cautioned, noting that countries that fail to invest in digital capacity today will struggle to thrive in tomorrow’s global economy.
Local Innovation as the Foundation
Misto highlighted that MTN Ghana’s digital roadmap places strong emphasis on building African-grown technologies tailored to local realities. He stressed that the continent’s digital transformation cannot rely solely on imported solutions.
“We want AI created in Africa, by Africans, for Africans,” he said, underscoring MTN’s commitment to supporting local developers, startups, and innovators in creating solutions that resonate with Ghanaian communities and businesses.
He added that true technological progress will require collaboration across private companies, policymakers, academic institutions, and entrepreneurs. “Policymakers, startups, and the private sector need to work together to create solutions that address Africa’s needs,” he said.
Preparing the Next Generation of Digital Talent
To strengthen Ghana’s human capital in the digital space, MTN Ghana is scaling up its talent-development initiatives, including the Technology Innovation Hub and the One Million Coders Programme. These platforms are equipping young Ghanaians with skills in coding, digital design, data science, and AI engineering.
“Our goal is to ensure Ghanaian talent is ready to build and compete,” Misto affirmed, adding that MTN is committed to ensuring that the youth are not left behind in the global shift toward advanced digital technologies.
He also revealed that the company is expanding its support for early-stage startups, offering mentorship, digital tools, and market-access opportunities to help them develop scalable, impactful solutions.
MTN’s Evolution into a Digital Services Provider
Misto disclosed that MTN Ghana is evolving from a conventional telecommunications operator into a comprehensive digital services provider. The company is rolling out a suite of advanced digital solutions, including smart-home technologies, security systems, AI-driven business productivity tools, and enhanced entertainment services for households and enterprises.
“This transition is about positioning MTN to support the next phase of Africa’s digital economy,” he said, noting that improved connectivity, smarter solutions, and customer-centric digital services will play a crucial role in driving national development.
Energy: The Most Critical Factor
Despite the progress being made, Misto warned that Africa’s digital ambitions are at risk if energy challenges remain unresolved. He stressed that AI systems, data centres, and digital infrastructure all rely on consistent and affordable power.
“The cost of intelligence is tied to the cost of energy. We can build data centres, but governments must fix energy. Partnership is the only way forward,” he cautioned, urging stronger collaboration between governments and private sector players to address energy instability.
Africa Tech Festival 2025: A Showcase of Innovation
The 28th edition of the Africa Tech Festival brought together over 15,000 participants, 300 exhibitors, and 450 speakers, making it one of the most influential tech gatherings on the continent. The event highlighted advancements in AI, cloud computing, fintech, connectivity, and digital transformation, reinforcing Africa’s growing presence in the global technology arena.
As MTN Ghana continues to invest in local talent, digital innovation, and infrastructure, Misto believes the country is well-positioned to help shape Africa’s AI-driven future. He concluded that a harmonized focus on energy, innovation, and skills will determine how effectively Africa can unlock the opportunities of the digital age.
