Fintech can stimulate local economies – MTN
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MTN Ghana, as part of the celebration of World Telecommunication Day, has echoed its commitment to proving digital innovation as means of driving sustainable development in Ghana.

The occasion was earmark to the celebration of World Telecommunication and Information Society Day, while MTN Ghana use the opportunity to celebrates the transformative power of communication technology.

Adwoa Wiafe, Chief Corporate Services and Sustainability Officer, disclosed that MTN Ghana remain committed to connecting people, enabling progress, and driving digital inclusion across our nation.

He stated that, this year’s theme, “Digital Innovation for Sustainable Development,” is aligned with MTN’s Ambition 2025 strategy which seeks to lead digital solutions for Africa’s and Ghana’s progress with Environment, Social and Governance at the core.

According to him, it demonstrates that technology, innovation, environmental and societal concerns are realities that cannot be overlooked if long-term sustainable socio-economic growth and prosperity is to be achieved in Africa.

He said the importance of leveraging and harnessing digital innovation in the telecommunications industry to provide innovative products and services, address global issues, drive socio-economic empowerment, and boost digital and financial inclusion.

He noted that, over the last 30 years, MTN has played a crucial role in Africa and Ghana in driving digital innovation on several fronts.

From enhancing access to education and healthcare, boosting economic growth through digital skills and other support programmes, innovation in the fintech and digital economy sectors, fostering strategic collaborations, infrastructure investment among others.

He indicated that, MTN’s contributions have been far-reaching and invaluable.

He is of the view that, as a company rooted in Africa, their journey has been one of innovation, resilience, and collaboration, and have set the pace with their innovative products, empowered communities through their corporate social investments, and paved the way for a brighter digital future through their massive infrastructure investments.

Partnerships with governments, businesses and others have been at the centre of their success in areas such as financial inclusion.

According to him, as they reflect on their achievements, they extend their gratitude to each stakeholder who has been part of the remarkable journey.

He stated that Fintech can stimulate local economies and drive progress across the continent in several ways, financial inclusion, innovation and entrepreneurship, job creation, cross-border transactions and payments, digital identity and security, agriculture and rural development, government services, investment, and funding, as well as digital and financial literacy.

His call for policy and legal frameworks to encourage the establishment of innovation hubs and digital sandboxes to provide the platform for incubating, testing, and rolling out new products reinforces the need for governments and businesses to be deliberate and collaborate in their approach to sustainable development.Such hubs he said will be the channels for mentoring and nurturing the next generation of African entrepreneurs while providing the necessary resources, environment, and training in the digital space.

He reiterated that, as they mark World Telecommunication Day 2024, he urged all to help reaffirm commitment to harnessing digital innovation for sustainable development, by embracing technology as a force for good and leveraging its transformative potential.

He expressed optimism that, we can all work together in shaping Africa’s progress, as we celebrate the power of connectivity, the promise of technology, and the unity of purpose, and believe that, together, they shape a future where every Ghanaian can thrive in the digital world and affirm their belief that “everyone deserves the benefit of a modern connected life.”

From Ernest Best Anane, Kumasi