MTN Nigeria, recently welcomed a delegation of 8 graduates from the globally acclaimed INSEAD Business School, France, during a courtesy visit aimed at deepening understanding of Africa’s fast-evolving digital and telecommunications landscape.

The visit began with an introduction and warm welcome from Babalola Oyeleye, Chief Strategy & Innovation Officer (CSIO) at MTN Nigeria, who commended the graduates for their interest in exploring real-world market dynamics beyond the classroom.

“Innovation in Africa is not just about technology; it’s about designing solutions that meet unique local needs while anticipating future opportunities,” Oyeleye said. “At MTN, we take pride in being more than a telecom company; we are an enabler of progress, creativity, and transformation.”

Following his remarks, the graduates were taken through a detailed presentation led by Yahaya Ibrahim, Chief Technical Officer (CTO), and Anita Akpan, the company’s Senior Manager, Business Operations, Strategy and Innovation. The session covered MTN’s operational strategies, infrastructure resilience, and the company’s role in advancing Nigeria’s digital economy.

Ibrahim emphasised the scale and complexity of operating in one of Africa’s largest telecom markets, noting the need for both stability and adaptability. “We operate in a market where consumer expectations and technology are constantly shifting. Our ability to anticipate and adapt to these changes determines how well we can serve over 80 million customers while preparing for the future,” he said.

Akpan highlighted MTN’s commitment to creating platforms for innovation and collaboration, citing examples of initiatives that extend digital access to underserved communities. She stressed the company’s long-term vision of driving inclusion while maintaining operational excellence.

Speaking on the significance of the engagement, Tosin Taiwo, Consultant at The Africa Agriculture and Trade Investment Fund, who facilitated the courtesy visit, noted: “The visit was an opportunity to connect theory with practice, giving participants a real-world view of how innovation and leadership play out in Africa’s largest telecom market. MTN’s openness in sharing its strategies and operational realities provided valuable lessons that go beyond business school case studies.”

The visit concluded with a guided tour of Ikoyi Switch in Aromire, one of MTN’s critical operational hubs, where the graduates observed the infrastructure and team coordination that keep Nigeria’s largest telecom network running seamlessly.

For the INSEAD graduates, the experience provided valuable insights into the intersection of corporate strategy, technical execution, and customer-focused innovation in a high-growth market. For MTN Nigeria, the engagement underscored the importance of bridging global business education with Africa’s lived realities, shaping leaders who understand both the challenges and opportunities of the continent’s digital transformation.