Africa’s $100bn Digital Infrastructure Gap Requires Shared Investment, Says MTN Executive
The Africa digital infrastructure gap has reached an estimated $100 billion, prompting calls for greater collaboration among telecom operators, governments, and investors to expand connectivity across the continent.
Speaking at the Africa CEO Forum 2026 in Kigali, Ebenezer Twum Asante said Africa needs new investment models that encourage shared ownership of digital infrastructure to bring millions of people online.
According to Asante, no single company can bridge the continent’s connectivity deficit alone, despite significant investments from major telecom operators.
“One such solution that is really hot on the table is how we solve the digital infrastructure investment gap on the continent. It’s about a $100 billion gap,” he said.
He added that MTN Group invests about $2 billion annually in network infrastructure, but much more funding is needed to meet Africa’s growing digital demands.
Shared Infrastructure Could Accelerate Connectivity
Asante argued that telecom operators should stop competing on infrastructure deployment and instead work together to build networks that serve wider populations.
Under this approach, operators would share infrastructure investments while continuing to compete through the services they offer customers.
“We can all contribute to building infrastructure and then compete at the service layer,” he explained.
He noted that discussions at the forum brought together telecom companies, governments, investors, and development partners to explore practical solutions for Africa’s connectivity challenges.
Industry experts increasingly view infrastructure sharing as a way to lower deployment costs, improve network coverage, and accelerate broadband expansion across underserved regions.
Affordability Keeps Millions Offline
While infrastructure remains a major challenge, Asante said affordability is another key reason why many Africans remain disconnected.
According to him, seven out of ten Africans are still offline, largely because they cannot afford internet-enabled devices or data services.
“The main barrier keeping them offline is poverty and the fact that they can’t afford the devices,” he said.
The affordability challenge continues to slow digital inclusion efforts, particularly in rural and low-income communities across the continent.
Investors and Governments Have a Key Role to Play
To address the Africa digital infrastructure gap, telecom companies are increasingly exploring partnerships with governments, pension funds, and institutional investors.
Asante said long-term financing is essential for building infrastructure that can support Africa’s growing digital economy.
He believes continent-wide infrastructure projects can strengthen trade, improve mobility, and expand access to digital services across borders.
“Together, we can build powerful infrastructure that is not only relevant to one country but available across the continent,” he said.
Infrastructure Supports AI, Fintech and Cybersecurity Growth
As digital services become more data-intensive, Asante stressed that strong infrastructure is critical for emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, fintech platforms, and cybersecurity systems.
He noted that modern digital services rely on high-capacity networks capable of handling large volumes of data securely and efficiently.
“Without the infrastructure, you cannot carry the huge amount of data. Without the infrastructure, you cannot even protect the services that you are giving,” he said.
The comments come as African countries increase investments in data centres, fibre networks, cloud infrastructure, and digital payment systems to support economic growth.
MTN Continues Expansion Under Ambition 2030
Asante said MTN remains focused on expanding fibre connectivity, satellite services, and mobile financial platforms through its Ambition 2030 strategy.
The company sees digital infrastructure as a foundation for Africa’s long-term economic and technological development.
He also highlighted the strong performance of MTN Rwanda, which reported a 466.6% increase in profit after tax to Rwf8.3 billion during the first quarter of the year.
Growth was driven primarily by increased demand for data and fintech services.
Asante praised Rwanda’s digital development strategy, noting that government vision and policy support have helped create a favourable environment for technology investment.
“If you have these two things working in this country, I think the digital future of Rwanda can only be bright,” he said.
