His appointment places him alongside some of the world's leading figures in technology, business and government as the commission seeks to harness artificial intelligence to drive sustainable economic growth, improve public services and ensure that the benefits of AI are shared more equitably across countries.
Reacting to his appointment, Mupita described the opportunity as a significant milestone and reaffirmed MTN's commitment to using emerging technologies to address major social and economic challenges.
“It’s an honour to be one of the founding commissioners of the AI for Good Global Commission,” said Mupita.
“At MTN Group, we believe that the developments in AI have the potential to advance health, education, food security and industrial productivity.”
He further stressed that the future development of artificial intelligence must be guided by principles of safety, ethics and inclusiveness.
“AI must be safe, ethical and globally inclusive,” he said, adding that these values are fully aligned with the objectives of the Global Commission.
The AI for Good Global Commission is an initiative of the United Nations' International Telecommunication Union (ITU). Its mission is to accelerate the responsible adoption of artificial intelligence while expanding digital inclusion and unlocking AI's economic and developmental potential around the world.
The commission comprises more than 40 founding members drawn from governments, multinational corporations, international organisations and the technology sector. Members will collaborate on policies and strategies aimed at ensuring AI contributes to sustainable development while addressing issues such as accessibility, governance, trust and digital equity.
Mupita joins an influential group of commissioners that includes Nvidia Chief Executive Officer Jensen Huang, Microsoft President Brad Smith and Amazon Chief Executive Officer Andy Jassy, reflecting the commission's broad representation across the global technology ecosystem.
The initiative builds on the work of the Broadband Commission for Sustainable Development, which has played a significant role in shaping international efforts to expand internet connectivity, digital inclusion and technology-driven economic development.
The commission will hold its inaugural meeting in Geneva, Switzerland, under the co-chairmanship of Rwandan President Paul Kagame and Salesforce Chief Executive Officer Marc Benioff. Discussions are expected to focus on practical ways to maximise the benefits of artificial intelligence while promoting responsible governance and ensuring developing economies are not left behind.
For MTN, Mupita's appointment aligns with the telecommunications company's broader digital transformation strategy. The Group has identified artificial intelligence as a key driver of future growth and innovation, with plans to generate approximately R30 billion in value creation over the next three to five years through AI-enabled products, operational efficiencies and new digital services.
The appointment also underscores MTN's growing role in shaping global conversations on digital technology, innovation and inclusive economic development across Africa and other emerging markets.