MTN Nigeria Communications Plc has attained EDGE Advance Certification, the third of four levels in the EDGE (Economic Dividends for Gender Equality) framework, the world’s leading global assessment methodology and business certification standard for workplace gender equity.
The recognition, awarded following an independent certification audit under the EDGE Certified Foundation framework, makes MTN Nigeria the first company in Africa to attain the certification.
Globally, it is the first organisation in the Communication Services sector and only the third company overall to reach this level.
The certification builds on MTN Nigeria’s EDGE Move Certification, attained in July 2023, when the company became the first telecommunications operator in Africa to be EDGE Certified and the second organisation in Sub-Saharan Africa to achieve EDGE Move status on its first assessment.
EDGE Advance recognises organisations that have delivered substantial, measurable progress across nearly all areas of the EDGE Standards, following a rigorous, independently verified assessment of policies, practices and outcomes on gender equity.
MTN Nigeria’s progress is reflected in its workforce composition. As at the company’s 2025 Annual Report, women made up 43.4% of the total workforce and 41.18% of its Executive Committee (EXCOM). The company has set a target of achieving 50:50 gender balance across its workforce by 2030.
Commenting on the recognition, Karl Toriola, CEO of MTN Nigeria, said, “This milestone reflects deliberate action and a sustained commitment to expanding opportunities for women across our workforce, including at senior leadership levels.
“To be recognised as a global leader in this space is a source of immense pride and a testament to our unwavering commitment to gender equity, inclusion, and creating opportunities for everyone to thrive.”
The certification reflects years of deliberate efforts to strengthen representation, expand leadership opportunities for women and embed gender equity across workplace policies and practices.
Expanding on the operational impact of these initiatives, Esther Akinnukawe, Chief Human Resource Officer, MTN Nigeria, noted, “Attaining EDGE Advance Certification is a clear signal that the work we have put into building a more equitable workplace is translating into real, measurable progress.
“Increasing female representation across our workforce and senior management did not happen by chance; it reflects deliberate policies on recruitment, mentorship and leadership development.
“We recognise both the significance of this achievement and the responsibility that comes with it, and we remain committed to our 2030 target of 50:50 gender balance.”
The achievement has also drawn recognition from organisations across the development and business communities, which have highlighted its significance for inclusion, governance and long-term value creation.
Olivier Buyoya, IFC Regional Director for West Africa, noted: “MTN Nigeria’s achievement demonstrates that workplace equality is both a social imperative and a driver of business performance.
“By embedding inclusion into its strategy and holding itself accountable to measurable outcomes, the company is setting an important example for private sector leadership in Africa.”
According to Temi Popoola, Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of NGX Group: “MTN Nigeria’s achievement demonstrates how inclusion, strong governance and accountability can translate into measurable business outcomes.
“As investors increasingly look beyond financial performance, certifications such as EDGE provide an important signal of long-term value creation and institutional strength.”
For the EDGE Certified Foundation, the recognition underscores the importance of measurable outcomes and independent verification in advancing workplace equity.
Aniela Unguresan, Founder of the EDGE Certified Foundation, said: “MTN’s certification places it among a very small group of organisations to have reached this level, and the first in Africa to do so.
“The achievement rests on an independent assessment of measurable outcomes across nearly all areas of the EDGE Standards, reflecting sustained and evidenced progress on gender equity rather than stated intent.”
Headquartered in Switzerland, the EDGE Certified Foundation manages the global EDGE Certification framework, trusted by organisations across 77 countries and 46 industries. Organisations including the World Bank Group, IFC, OECD, AIIB, UNFPA, Capgemini, L’Oréal, Allianz and MTN have achieved EDGE Certification through independent audits conducted by approved EDGE Certification Bodies.
MTN Nigeria continues to demonstrate its commitment to creating an inclusive workplace that values diversity and champions gender equality.
