Telecom and fintech leaders at the CEO’s and Founders Fireside Chat: Navigating New Frontiers as Architects of Transformation shared bold visions for Africa’s digital future, highlighting the continent’s evolution from traditional connectivity to dynamic, interoperable digital ecosystems.
The high-powered panel featured Sitoyo Lopokoiyit, Managing Director of M-PESA Africa; Sylvia Mulinge, CEO of MTN Uganda; and Richard Yego, Managing Director of MTN MoMo Uganda. Together, they unpacked how legacy business models are being reimagined to create sustainable digital economies across Africa.
Reflecting on M-PESA’s 18-year journey, Lopokoiyit described the evolution from a basic money transfer platform into a multifaceted digital and financial ecosystem.
“We started as a send-money proposition, then evolved into a payments ecosystem, and now into a digital ecosystem,” Lopokoiyit said. “The key is always asking: what problem are we solving? Once you’re clear on your purpose and the impact you want to make, innovation follows naturally.”
He revealed that M-PESA’s open API platform now supports over 120,000 developers, responsible for nearly 40% of the company’s transaction traffic. This, he said, reflects a deliberate shift from product launches to building entire digital businesses.
“We’re moving from being a product and services company to building full-fledged businesses—integrating savings, insurance, wealth, and payments into cohesive financial ecosystems,” he added.
Picking up from his remarks, Sylvia Mulinge spoke about MTN Uganda’s transformation journey from a telecom company into a techco—a technology company designed to enable digital lifestyles and innovation at scale.
“Transformation at this level takes courage, clarity, and culture,” she said. “It’s not just about connectivity anymore—it’s about creating value through technology, partnerships, and empowering young innovators to drive Africa’s digital growth.”
Mulinge emphasized that transformation requires a mindset shift—from transactional to purpose-driven leadership.
“You cannot transform a company without transforming its people first,” she said. “It’s about building a culture of innovation, empowering teams to think differently, and creating room for experimentation even when it means failing fast and learning fast.”
She also highlighted the importance of partnerships and collaboration in driving digital growth.
“No single player can build Africa’s digital future alone,” Mulinge said. “We have to work with startups, regulators, developers, and communities to co-create solutions that are relevant and sustainable.”
Mulinge also praised the energy and creativity of Africa’s youth, saying their passion and innovation are critical to accelerating digital transformation.
“When I look at the demographic in this room, I see the future—the people who will build the next MTN, the next M-PESA, and the next African digital success stories,” she remarked.
Richard Yego, MTN MoMo Uganda’s Managing Director, emphasized that the future of fintech lies in collaboration and interoperability, noting that partnerships between telcos, banks, and fintech startups are key to unlocking inclusive financial growth.
The panel concluded that Africa’s digital economy will be built not just on products, but on open, interoperable platforms that nurture innovation, inclusion, and sustainable growth.
As Lopokoiyit aptly summarized, “It’s time we move beyond products to platforms—and beyond platforms to digital economies that transform lives.”