MTN Nigeria Chief Executive Officer, Karl Toriola, has reaffirmed the company’s long-term commitment to Nigeria and to strengthening the economic and digital ties between Africa’s two largest economies.
Speaking at the Nigeria–South Africa Economic Diplomacy Roundtable hosted by MTN Nigeria at the MTN Rooftop, Lagos, Toriola said MTN’s enduring presence in Nigeria reflects confidence in the country’s market and its potential to drive continental prosperity.
“MTN is here to stay in Nigeria,” he declared. “Our focus is to turn intent into execution, creating a trusted Nigeria–South Africa corridor where trade, talent, and innovation can move seamlessly.”
Toriola outlined three priorities that will define this partnership: making the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) work beyond policy rhetoric, building trusted digital rails, and creating predictability for investors. He noted that when rules align across both nations, “trade moves faster, investments stay longer, and jobs grow stronger.”
Addressing the theme of a digital corridor, MTN CEO said the rise of artificial intelligence and digital trade offers both opportunity and responsibility. “A trusted corridor means digital identity systems that work across borders, payments that clear instantly, and data flows that are secure and well-governed.
These are the rails that let SMEs sell, creators earn, and families transact confidently,” he explained.Representing Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, the Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Dr Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, commended MTN Nigeria and the Government of South Africa for fostering dialogue that translates into economic progress.
“As we deepen our reforms, Lagos is eager to welcome partnerships that bring capital, technology, and expertise to boost our growth,” Dr. Hamzat said. “Sustainable progress flourishes where ideas, innovation, and investment come together – and South Africa stands out as one of Africa’s most vibrant sources of all three. South African businesses have been central to Lagos’ story – from telecommunications and banking to retail and media – and this collaboration is critical for the continent’s shared future.”
In her remarks, Her Excellency, Thandi Moraka, Deputy Minister of International Relations and Cooperation of South Africa highlighted the importance of strengthening Africa’s position as a global middle power through coordinated trade, digital, and cultural partnerships.
“Africa’s growth story will be written through collaboration and connectivity,” Moraka said. “South Africa’s infrastructure and Nigeria’s innovation can drive a unified digital ecosystem under the AfCFTA Digital Trade Protocol. Together, we can build the Africa we want – one that is inclusive, prosperous, and globally competitive.”
She also emphasised cooperation in creative and green industries. “In the creative economy, Nollywood and Afrobeats, alongside South Africa’s production capacity, can create jobs and rebrand Africa globally. In green transformation, both nations can mobilise African and international finance to power sustainable growth and industrial resilience.”
The roundtable concluded with a call to align policy, finance, and private sector action to deliver measurable results. The discussions are expected to feed into ongoing bilateral trade and investment dialogues, with follow-up mechanisms for policy harmonisation and sectoral cooperation.
