MTN outlines bold 5G expansion plans at swish fusion summit

By Mofeoluwa Awe

MTN Nigeria took center stage at the Swish Fusion Tech and Media Summit in Lagos. The company, in fact, outlined its vision: redefining business infrastructure and spreading 5G connectivity throughout the nation.

The conference, themed “Africa: Big Wins & New Breaks,” brought together key leaders from media, technology, and industry. They discussed, therefore, how innovation drives economic development on the continent. With over 40 speakers and hundreds of participants, conversations naturally focused on digital regulation, product design, and AI’s role in African markets.

MTN’s 5G Journey and Future Vision

During a spotlight session, Njideka Jack, Senior Manager for Partnerships at MTN’s Enterprise Business Division, described the company’s 5G path. This journey, notably, began with securing a license in 2022. Subsequently, pilot testing and infrastructure spending started in 2023. By 2024, MTN had expanded its coverage to major urban areas and economic zones. Looking forward to 2025, the firm plans to expand its presence into underserved areas. Furthermore, it intends to expand relationships with OEMs and authorities.

Jack also highlighted the vital impact of private 5G networks. She pointed out, for instance, their ability to provide secure, ultra-fast, low-latency connectivity across various sectors. These include healthcare, logistics, manufacturing, and education. She moreover noted that Nigerian businesses show growing interest in dedicated networks to boost operational efficiency and data security.

Digital Evolution in Africa: Summit Highlights

The summit clearly showed a growing urgency regarding Africa’s digital progress. Panels and workshops, for instance, focused on key themes. These included mobile-first innovation, digital policy, and funding challenges for new ventures. Industry leaders from Jumia, Stears, and new startups offered insights. They discussed, for example, tackling local infrastructure gaps and changing consumer habits.

Speakers ultimately called for better African-led technology policy. They also urged more local investment. Moreover, they pushed for platforms that support local creators and small businesses in the global market. As Africa improves its digital capabilities, MTN’s plan truly highlights the growing importance of infrastructure that helps foster innovation and inclusion.