The Chairman of MTN Group, Mcebisi Jonas, has urged African media organisations and practitioners to liberate journalism from political and economic elites and ensure that the profession continues to serve the public interest.
Jonas also encouraged Africans to see themselves beyond their individual nationalities, saying a stronger continental identity is essential to building a more integrated and prosperous Africa.
He made the call on Tuesday, September 1, 2026, while speaking to Fellows of the fifth cohort of the MTN Media Innovation Programme (MTN MIP) during a session on “Geopolitical Outlook and the Imperative for an Integrated Africa”, as part of their ongoing study trip to South Africa.
“Before you are Nigerian, you are an African. Before you are South African, you are an African,” Jonas said.
Speaking against the backdrop of shifting global geopolitical dynamics and growing competition for strategic resources, Jonas stated that Africa must recognise and leverage its collective strengths to enhance its position in the global economy.
He explained that Africa’s vast mineral resources and growing young population are two major sources of leverage for the continent, noting that these advantages could strengthen Africa’s position globally if properly harnessed.
“Africa has two major leverages. We have the highest concentration of minerals in the world, particularly critical minerals, and we have a very growing young population,” he stated.
The Chairman emphasised that the continent must learn to utilise its advantages collectively, warning that negotiating individually could weaken Africa’s influence and bargaining power.
“Leaders who understand that, actually, if we are to be effective, we have to act as a collective. If we can use that collective strength effectively, it will take us somewhere,” he asserted.
Jonas also stressed the need to build Africa’s intellectual and human capital, calling for “selfless thinkers” who are committed to addressing the challenges facing their countries and the continent.
Speaking on the role of the media, he urged journalists and media practitioners to safeguard the integrity of the profession and ensure that journalism continues to serve the public interest.
He warned that journalism could undermine democracy when captured by political and economic interests.
“We must liberate journalism from the shackles of the political and economic elites in our countries and in the continent,” he said.
Jonas also linked MTN’s success to the development of the countries in which it operates, highlighting the Group’s deep connection to the continent and its commitment to Africa’s progress.
“MTN cannot thrive if Africa doesn’t thrive,” he acknowledged. “We are so embedded in the continent; our DNA is Africa. That is why, whenever there is division in the continent, we’ll always speak and try to ensure that we show the light, that it’s important that we work together and come together.”
He challenged the Fellows to view African issues through a broader continental lens, while reinforcing the role of journalism in advancing informed conversations around integration, development, and Africa’s future.
The session forms part of the MTN Media Innovation Programme’s efforts to expose Fellows to influential voices and institutions across Africa, broaden their perspectives and strengthen their capacity to report on issues shaping the continent.
