CSI Initiatives: MTN Invests N2.6bn in Commitment to Bridging Digital Divide in Nigeria

In its commitment to fostering social inclusion and driving digital transformation across Nigeria, MTN Nigeria, through its foundation, has announced a significant investment of N2.6 billion towards Corporate Social Investment (CSI) initiatives in 2023, up 35.2% compared to 2022, and reaching more than 58,000 people in over 90 communities. This achievement was revealed in the company’s recently released 2023 sustainability report.

Olatokun Toriola, Chief Executive Officer (CEO), MTN Nigeria

At the heart of the company’s CSI strategy lies a commitment to bridging the digital divide in Nigeria. Recognizing that access to digital technologies is pivotal for socio-economic development, MTN has directed a substantial portion of its CSI budget towards ICT-enabled initiatives. These initiatives aim to empower underserved communities with the necessary digital skills and tools to thrive in an increasingly connected world.

In 2023, MTN Nigeria prioritized projects within the ICT ecosystem, focusing on areas such as digital skills training, mobile connectivity expansion, and promoting digital entrepreneurship. By empowering individuals with digital literacy and access to online resources, MTN aims to unlock opportunities for economic growth and social inclusion, particularly among marginalized groups such as women, youth, and persons with disabilities.

The 2.6 billion-naira investment was distributed across various sectors; 2% for orphanages and community sponsorship each, 47% for health initiatives, 31% for educational programs, and 7% for economic empowerment projects. The remaining 11% was allocated to other operating expenses, ensuring effective administration and implementation of their philanthropic efforts throughout the country.

Speaking on MTN Nigeria’s commitment to national priority areas such as equity and drug abuse, Odunayo Sanya, Executive Director of MTN Foundation emphasized that “The core message of our Anti-Substance Abuse campaign at the MTN Foundation is that it is everyone’s fight, because the singular objective of the campaign is to reduce the rate of first-time abuse amongst youths aged 10-25 years.”

Again, the MTN Foundation, a key driver of these initiatives, continues to play a pivotal role in advancing education, healthcare, and youth empowerment across Nigeria. Programs like the Anti Substance Abuse Programme (ASAP), Y’ellopreneur initiative, MTN Scholarships and the “What Can We Do Together” community development programme have gained significant traction, addressing critical societal issues and fostering healthier communities through education and advocacy.

By collaborating with local stakeholders and global partners, MTN Foundation ensures that its initiatives are aligned with both national development priorities and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDGs). Also, MTN Nigeria implemented robust monitoring and evaluation mechanisms for all its CSI initiatives, as part of its commitment to transparency. This ensures that resources are deployed efficiently and that the impact of investments is accurately measured and reported.

Through regular stakeholder engagements and rigorous reporting standards, MTN has always strived to uphold the highest standards of corporate governance and accountability in its CSI endeavors.