His comments come at a sensitive time, following recent anti-immigrant protests in South Africa and Ghana that have sparked widespread reactions across social media platforms and raised concerns about possible retaliatory actions against businesses linked to those countries in key markets, including Nigeria.
For business leaders and policymakers, the incidents have reignited concerns about the recurring challenge of xenophobia and its potential impact on Africa’s economic ambitions, regional integration agenda, and attractiveness to investors.
Writing on LinkedIn ahead of a migration dialogue organised by the Kgalema Motlanthe Foundation, Mupita stressed that Africa’s future prosperity depends not only on economic reforms but also on fostering stronger social cohesion among its people.
“The future of Africa depends on greater social solidarity, increasing economic integration and the observance of the rule of law,” Mupita said.
His remarks add to a growing chorus of voices warning that divisions among African countries could undermine decades of efforts aimed at building a more connected and competitive continent.
Economic experts have consistently argued that episodes of Afrophobia and xenophobic violence create uncertainty for businesses, weaken investor confidence, and damage the continent’s global reputation at a time when African economies are seeking greater foreign investment to fund infrastructure development, industrial expansion, and employment generation.
Development institutions, including the World Bank, have repeatedly identified political instability, social unrest, and security concerns as major factors influencing investment decisions in Sub-Saharan Africa. Investors often view such developments as risks that could affect business continuity and long-term returns.
The latest tensions have also renewed discussions about the future of regional integration initiatives such as the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), one of Africa’s most ambitious economic projects. The agreement seeks to establish a single market for goods and services across the continent, encourage intra-African trade, and reduce barriers that have historically limited economic cooperation among African nations.
Observers note that while frameworks such as AfCFTA provide the foundation for economic integration, their success ultimately depends on trust, stability, and the free movement of people, goods, and investments across borders.
Mupita's emphasis on the rule of law is particularly significant given longstanding concerns surrounding the safety of foreign nationals and businesses operating in different African countries. Human rights organisations have on several occasions criticised authorities for failing to adequately prevent attacks on migrants and foreign-owned enterprises during outbreaks of xenophobic violence, particularly in South Africa.
At the same time, diplomatic disputes between African countries have occasionally triggered calls for consumer boycotts and retaliatory measures against foreign-owned businesses, creating additional uncertainty for investors and multinational corporations operating across the continent.
Speaking in an interview with Bloomberg, Mupita said MTN had not experienced any direct operational disruptions arising from the recent tensions but acknowledged that the company was closely monitoring developments.
“We have not seen impacts specifically to our business, but we’re very sensitive in markets such as Nigeria and Ghana,” he said.
As Africa’s largest telecommunications operator by subscriber base, MTN maintains a significant presence in several countries, including Nigeria, Ghana, and South Africa. The company’s extensive footprint across the continent means that regional stability, cross-border cooperation, and harmonious diplomatic relations are critical to its operations and long-term growth strategy.
Industry analysts say MTN's experience across multiple African markets provides it with a unique perspective on the importance of economic integration. The telecommunications giant serves millions of customers, facilitates digital connectivity, and supports critical infrastructure that enables commerce, financial services, and communication across borders.
Mupita maintained that while governments must continue to enforce laws and protect citizens, businesses, and investments, sustainable social cohesion can only be achieved when countries strengthen economic ties and create opportunities that deliver shared prosperity for Africans.
His message reflects a broader concern that Africa’s development aspirations may be difficult to achieve if divisions based on nationality continue to fuel mistrust and undermine cooperation among countries that are increasingly interconnected through trade, technology, and investment.
As African leaders push for greater regional collaboration and economic transformation, stakeholders say promoting inclusion, protecting foreign nationals, and fostering stronger people-to-people relations will be essential to ensuring that the continent’s integration agenda translates into meaningful and sustainable growth.