MTN Urges Stronger Collaboration to Strengthen Nigeria’s Startup Ecosystem

MTN Nigeria has called for deeper collaboration among government agencies, private investors, technology companies, incubators, and the broader innovation community to accelerate the growth of Nigeria’s startup ecosystem. The company said the country possesses one of Africa’s most dynamic pools of young innovators, but noted that sustained progress depends on building a more coordinated environment that supports ideas, funding, and long-term business development.

Speaking at a recent industry forum devoted to digital innovation and entrepreneurship, MTN executives stressed that startups remain essential to Nigeria’s economic transformation, particularly in areas such as fintech, health technology, agritech, e-commerce, and artificial intelligence. The telecommunications giant highlighted that while Nigeria continues to produce globally recognised innovators, many promising ventures struggle with funding gaps, infrastructure challenges, regulatory uncertainties, and limited market access. Strengthening collaboration, MTN said, would help bridge these gaps and position young companies for long-term scalability.

MTN explained that telecom operators have a key role to play in expanding digital inclusion, providing access to enterprise tools, and enabling startups to leverage the power of connectivity. It emphasised that strong digital infrastructure forms the backbone of innovation, noting that efficient broadband, cloud services, and digital payment systems must be reliable and affordable for startups to operate competitively. The company said it remains committed to expanding both rural and urban connectivity to ensure innovators in smaller communities enjoy equal opportunities.

According to MTN, collaboration must go beyond infrastructure provision. The company urged technology hubs, universities, financial institutions, and government bodies to align more closely to nurture early-stage ideas through mentorship, technical support, and targeted funding. MTN highlighted the importance of policy stability, stating that startups thrive best in environments where regulations encourage experimentation while providing clear guidelines for compliance and investment protection. It encouraged policymakers to work more closely with innovators to design frameworks that support emerging technologies without stifling creativity.

The company also noted that investors must take a more active role in supporting local founders, especially in the pre-seed and seed stages, where many startups fail due to limited access to capital. MTN pointed out that Nigerian startups often rely heavily on international investors because of the limited venture capital capacity within the domestic market. Strengthening partnerships between corporations, local investors, and development finance institutions, MTN said, would increase funding pools and reduce the pressure on young companies seeking early backing.

MTN further emphasised the need for capacity-building initiatives that equip founders with essential business skills, including financial planning, corporate governance, and product management. While technical talent is abundant, the company said many startups struggle with the business side of innovation, leading to challenges in scaling operations, meeting investor expectations, and competing globally. By building stronger capacity-development networks, MTN believes Nigeria can strengthen the professionalism and sustainability of its startup ecosystem.

In addition, MTN highlighted the importance of platforms that encourage knowledge exchange, industry networking, and exposure to global trends. It noted that Nigerian startups benefit greatly from conferences, demo days, mentorship circles, and accelerator programmes that introduce them to potential partners and investors. The company said it will continue supporting such platforms through partnerships and internal innovation initiatives that allow startups to test solutions, access MTN’s infrastructure, and collaborate on market-expanding projects.

MTN also reflected on the vast economic potential of Nigeria’s innovation ecosystem, pointing out that the country’s large population, youthful workforce, and rapid digital adoption present massive opportunities for technology-driven businesses. By strengthening collaboration and investing in the right structures, the company said Nigeria could become one of the leading startup destinations in emerging markets, creating millions of jobs and enabling technological solutions that address local challenges.

Furthermore, MTN acknowledged the resilience of Nigerian entrepreneurs who continue to innovate despite limited resources and economic pressures. It said this resilience demonstrates that the country’s startup ecosystem requires only the right mix of support, structure, and investment to unlock even greater achievements. The company reaffirmed its dedication to working with stakeholders across the public and private sectors to strengthen the innovation economy and promote homegrown solutions that can thrive on the global stage.

 

As Nigeria continues to push toward a more digital-driven economic model, MTN maintained that collaboration must remain at the heart of national progress. The company reiterated that creating an enabling environment for startups is not the responsibility of one institution alone but a shared task involving multiple players across technology, finance, policy, and education. By working together, MTN insisted that Nigeria can build a more competitive and inclusive digital economy capable of supporting innovation across generations and driving long-term national development.