Telecommunications giant MTN Nigeria has reiterated its commitment to empowering accountants and finance professionals through the adoption of digital tools and innovative technologies aimed at improving efficiency, accuracy, and productivity in the financial sector. The company stated that embracing digital transformation within the accounting profession is essential for driving sustainable business growth and aligning with global best practices.
Speaking during the 2025 edition of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) Annual Accountants’ Conference in Abuja, MTN Nigeria’s Chief Enterprise Business Officer, Lynda Saint-Nwafor, highlighted the company’s role in supporting professionals across industries through tailored digital solutions. She emphasized that accountants are critical to Nigeria’s economic stability and must be adequately equipped with digital capabilities to meet the demands of a rapidly evolving financial landscape.
Saint-Nwafor noted that digital tools such as cloud accounting, artificial intelligence (AI), and automation have transformed how financial data is collected, processed, and analyzed, allowing accountants to make faster, data-driven decisions. “The future of accounting is digital. As an organization committed to enabling progress through technology, MTN is providing platforms and tools that empower finance professionals to optimize their work, improve accuracy, and drive innovation in their organizations,” she said.
She explained that MTN’s enterprise solutions—including cloud infrastructure, cybersecurity frameworks, and business connectivity services—are designed to enhance the efficiency of accounting processes and ensure data security for businesses of all sizes. “We understand that the accounting profession relies heavily on the accuracy and integrity of data. That’s why we are investing in solutions that safeguard information while simplifying operations for businesses,” she added.
The conference, themed “Accountability in the Digital Age,” brought together thousands of accountants, auditors, regulators, and technology experts to discuss the future of financial reporting, transparency, and accountability in an increasingly digitized economy. Participants emphasized that embracing digital tools is no longer optional for accountants but a necessity for relevance and competitiveness.
The President of ICAN, Dr. Innocent Iweka Okwuosa, commended MTN for its continued support in promoting digital transformation within the profession. He noted that partnerships between technology companies and professional bodies like ICAN are essential for driving innovation in accounting education and practice. “MTN’s contribution reflects the kind of collaboration that ensures our members remain globally competitive. The accounting profession must continue to evolve, and embracing digital solutions is central to that journey,” Okwuosa said.
He further stated that ICAN has embarked on several initiatives to strengthen the digital competence of its members, including partnerships with technology firms, continuous training, and the integration of data analytics and fintech modules into professional certification programs.
MTN’s Saint-Nwafor reaffirmed that the company’s goal is to support digital inclusion by ensuring that professionals and enterprises can leverage technology to scale operations and improve performance. “Our partnership with institutions like ICAN underscores our belief that technology is the foundation of progress. By helping accountants adopt digital tools, we are contributing to national development and business sustainability,” she said.
She also highlighted MTN’s broader digital agenda, which focuses on empowering Nigerian businesses through its enterprise arm, MTN Business, and initiatives such as the “Tech for Good” program. The program provides small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with digital resources to enhance their competitiveness, offering cloud services, digital training, and business automation solutions.
Industry experts present at the event stressed that the accounting profession must adapt quickly to global technological changes to maintain integrity and relevance. According to them, digital tools such as blockchain and artificial intelligence will play increasingly critical roles in ensuring transparency and preventing financial fraud.
An accounting technology consultant, Dr. Yetunde Balogun, noted that accountants must shift from traditional bookkeeping methods to technology-driven financial management. “Digital accounting tools not only make processes faster but also enhance accuracy and decision-making. The world is moving toward real-time reporting, and accountants must be ready,” she said.
Participants at the conference also called on the government to improve the digital infrastructure needed to support professional digital transformation. They highlighted the need for improved broadband penetration, data security frameworks, and supportive regulations that will enable seamless adoption of digital technologies.
MTN Nigeria’s participation in the conference further reinforced its reputation as a leader in driving technological innovation and digital empowerment across sectors. The company stated that its ongoing investments in 5G technology, data centers, and enterprise solutions will continue to support Nigeria’s economic modernization efforts.
Saint-Nwafor concluded by reaffirming MTN’s commitment to working with professional bodies, institutions, and businesses to create a digitally empowered workforce. “As Nigeria’s economy becomes more digital, we are committed to ensuring that professionals—especially accountants—are not left behind. Our goal is to provide the tools and connectivity that enable innovation, accuracy, and sustainable growth,” she said.
The event ended with renewed calls for greater collaboration between the technology and accounting sectors to build a resilient, transparent, and digitally competent economy. With MTN’s support and continued advocacy for digital transformation, Nigeria’s accounting profession is expected to become more agile, efficient, and globally aligned in the coming years.
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