Innovation took center stage at the Swish Fusion Tech and Media Summit, held at the Balmoral Centre, Victoria Island. With the theme “Africa: Big Wins & New Breaks,” the event brought together thousands of professionals from media, technology, and business to explore how African enterprises are shaping the continent’s digital future.
A highlight of the summit was MTN Nigeria’s presentation on its 5G deployment journey and enterprise strategy. Njideka Jack, Senior Manager for Partnerships at MTN Enterprise Business, detailed the company’s rollout progress—from acquiring a license in 2022 to expanding infrastructure across major cities in 2024.
Jack emphasized the potential of private 5G networks, which offer secure, high-speed, and low-latency connectivity for industries like manufacturing, healthcare, education, and logistics. “MTN’s focus is not only on connectivity but on enabling full-scale digital transformation for enterprise clients,” she stated. The company’s current goal is extending access to underserved regions and deepening partnerships with equipment manufacturers and regulators.
Beyond MTN’s contribution, the summit tackled pressing issues facing Africa’s tech ecosystem. Discussions ranged from mobile-first design strategies to AI’s role in content creation. Speakers spotlighted the challenges of raising capital for startups and the need for local digital policy frameworks. Experts addressed consumer behavior shifts, infrastructure limitations, and the growing need for platforms that empower creators and small businesses.
Representatives from companies like Jumia and Stears joined startup founders to share firsthand experiences on building scalable African solutions. The consensus was clear: collaboration across sectors is key to unlocking the continent’s innovation potential.
As MTN Nigeria and other players continue to invest in connectivity and infrastructure, events like the Swish Fusion Summit serve as crucial platforms for shaping the narrative of Africa’s technological transformation.
