MTN Group CEO calls for African unity amid rising anti-immigrant sentiments
via Punch Nigeria9 min read
Ralph Mupita, MTN Group President and Chief Executive Officer, has urged for increased unity, adherence to the rule of law, and deeper economic integration across Africa. His comments come as renewed diplomatic tensions arise from anti-immigrant protests in South Africa and Ghana, leading to criticism and threats of retaliation against associated businesses in markets like Nigeria. Mupita emphasized that Africa's long-term prosperity relies on strengthening social cohesion and accelerating economic cooperation. He noted that recurring incidents of Afrophobia and xenophobic violence damage Africa's reputation among international investors, impacting foreign direct investment. While MTN has not experienced direct operational impacts from recent tensions, Mupita stated the company remains alert to developments in key markets. As Africa’s largest mobile network operator, MTN's extensive operations across countries like Nigeria, Ghana, and South Africa highlight the importance of regional stability and cross-border cooperation.
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Prominent leaders of the National Democratic Coalition NADECO, Col Tony Nyiam retd. and Chief Ayo Opadokun, have refuted claims made by former Head of State, Gen Abdulsalami Abubakar retd.. Abubakar, in his autobiography "Call of Duty," asserted that some NADECO leaders requested an extension of military rule in 1998 and that the late Chief MKO Abiola died of natural causes. Nyiam, a key member of NADECO abroad, stated he was unaware of any recognized NADECO leader who sought to prolong military rule, emphasizing the group's objective was to end military dictatorship. He recalled a meeting where NADECO figures, including current President Bola Tinubu, unanimously insisted on a credible democratic transition. Nyiam also challenged Abubakar's account of Abiola's death, suggesting the former Head of State was either misinformed or being economical with the truth. Chief Opadokun, former NADECO General Secretary, clarified that NADECO abroad had requested a program for stability that included a people's constitution and a government of national unity headed by Abiola, not an extension of military rule. He indicated that Abubakar might have misconstrued these discussions.
Wema Bank and EIB Global, the European Investment Bank’s development arm, have signed a €50m financing agreement to enhance credit access for Small and Medium-sized Enterprises in Nigeria. The facility, signed on June 19, 2026, at Wema Bank’s Lagos headquarters, is the first transaction between the two entities. It aims to support eligible Nigerian businesses, with at least 50 percent of the loans designated for youth-owned enterprises to foster entrepreneurship and job creation. The remaining 50 percent will target businesses owned, managed, employing, or primarily serving women. This initiative is supported by the European Union’s Global Gateway programme and aligns with Nigeria’s Financial Inclusion Strategy. EIB Global will also provide technical assistance to Wema Bank through its Greening the Financial Sector programme to strengthen climate-related lending and promote environmentally sustainable investments. Beneficiaries include qualifying Wema Bank customers and graduates of selected accelerator programs, such as the Investing in Young Businesses in Africa initiative. EIB Vice President Ambroise Fayolle stated the agreement promotes youth employment and gender inclusion, while Wema Bank Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Moruf Oseni highlighted the facility’s role in deepening support for underserved economic segments and addressing gender gaps. The partnership reflects a shared commitment to youth employment, gender equality, access to finance for women en
Must ReadA Federal High Court judge, Peter Lifu, ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission to deregister five opposition political parties: Accord Party, Action Alliance, Action Peoples Party, African Democratic Congress, and Zenith Labour Party. This ruling occurred despite a May 22 stay of execution order from the Court of Appeal, which had prevented the Federal High Court from delivering its judgment on June 5. The National Forum of Former Legislators brought the case, arguing that these parties failed to meet constitutional electoral performance thresholds outlined in Section 225A of the 1999 Constitution, the Electoral Act 2022, and INEC regulations. The NFFL contended that allowing these parties to participate in the 2027 elections would undermine electoral integrity, as they did not secure 25 percent of votes in the 2023 general elections and subsequent polls. The Punch Editorial Board views this high court ruling as an act of insubordination, questioning its timing and potential to further destabilize the political landscape, especially given perceptions of a drift towards a one-party state. The deregistration could be seen as an attempt to exclude strong opposition candidates, such as former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar of the ADC and Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke of Accord. The Court of Appeal's stay of execution aimed to allow the higher court to adjudicate the suit and prevent confusion in upcoming elections. INEC has since approached the Court of Appeal