The Chief Enterprise Officer of MTN Group, Angela Mensah-Poku, has called on business and technology leaders to take bold steps in harnessing artificial intelligence (AI) to drive inclusion, sustainability, and economic transformation across Africa.
Speaking at the 4th Annual CTIO Roundtable Africa held at the Labadi Beach Hotel, she underscored the urgency of embracing innovation, describing the current wave of technological advancement as one of the most significant shifts since the Industrial Revolution.
Angela Mensah-Poku highlighted global projections on the impact of AI, noting that while concerns about job losses persist, the reality is more about transformation than elimination.
Citing estimates from the International Monetary Fund, she indicated that AI could affect up to 40 percent of jobs worldwide by reshaping roles and redefining industries. She further referenced projections that AI could contribute trillions of dollars to the global economy by 2030.
“Africa is not left out of this story,” she said. “We are not a footnote; we are a chapter still being written, and we are the ones holding the pen.”
Angela Mensah-Poku stressed that MTN Business is repositioning itself beyond traditional telecommunications services.
“We are not here to simply sell connectivity,” she stated. “We are here to build the digital backbone of a thriving Ghanaian and African economy, one that leaves no business behind.”
She emphasised that inclusion must be treated as a strategic priority, not charity, pointing to the role of digital tools such as mobile money in empowering small-scale traders while also supporting large enterprises operating across the region.
The MTN executive also highlighted the role of AI in promoting sustainable business practices. According to her, organisations that want to remain relevant must integrate ethical considerations into their operations.
“Sustainability is no longer a box to tick,” she said, adding that AI can be leveraged not only to improve efficiency but also to reduce emissions, detect fraud, close service gaps, and expand access to healthcare.
“The technology exists; the only question is whether we have the will to deploy it,” she added.
Addressing participants at the roundtable, Mensah-Poku described them as “architects of change” rather than passive observers, urging them to actively shape the future of business through innovation and collaboration.
She encouraged attendees to engage meaningfully in discussions, challenge ideas, and leave the event with actionable commitments.
“Come with your curiosity. Disagree if you will, but make sure you leave with at least one thing you will do differently,” she urged.
The CTIO Roundtable, hosted by MTN Business in partnership with Keynote Africa, brought together industry leaders, technologists, and policymakers to explore the theme “AI and the future of business: Driving inclusion, sustainability and industry transformation”.
Angela Mensah-Poku’s remarks reinforced the need for African businesses to embrace change, innovate boldly, and ensure that technological advancement benefits all segments of society.
