MTN Group President and CEO Ralph Mupita has been appointed a founding commissioner of the AI for Good Global Commission, a United Nations-backed initiative bringing together global leaders to promote the responsible development and adoption of artificial intelligence.
Launched by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), the commission aims to expand digital inclusion, strengthen trust in AI technologies, and accelerate the economic and social benefits of artificial intelligence through responsible governance.
Mupita joins an influential group of global technology executives, policymakers, and business leaders tasked with shaping AI’s future for sustainable development.
Advancing Responsible and Inclusive AI
Commenting on his appointment, Mupita said artificial intelligence has the potential to transform critical sectors such as healthcare, education, food security, and industrial productivity.
“It’s an honour to be one of the founding commissioners of the AI for Good Global Commission,” he said, adding that AI must remain safe, ethical, and globally inclusive to ensure its benefits are accessible to everyone.
The commission comprises more than 40 members drawn from governments, international organisations, and the private sector, all working to unlock AI’s potential while addressing issues of accessibility and trust.
Aligning with MTN’s AI Strategy
The appointment also aligns with MTN Group’s Ambition 2030 strategy, which positions artificial intelligence as a key driver of the company’s future growth.
The telecom giant has previously announced plans to generate approximately R30 billion ($1.8 billion) in value from AI initiatives over the next three to five years while leveraging the technology to automate nearly half of its operations.
Mupita’s participation in the global commission further strengthens MTN’s role in shaping conversations around responsible AI adoption across Africa.
A Commission of Global Technology Leaders
The AI for Good Global Commission is co-chaired by Rwandan President Paul Kagame and Salesforce Chair and CEO Marc Benioff.
Its founding members include some of the world’s most influential figures in technology, including Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang, Amazon CEO Andy Jassy, Microsoft President Brad Smith, Anthropic Co-founder Jack Clark, and Cohere Co-founder Aidan Gomez.
The commission also includes government leaders, policymakers, and representatives from international organisations across Africa, Europe, Asia, and the Middle East.
Notably, executives from OpenAI, Google DeepMind, and Meta are absent from the inaugural list of commissioners.
Bridging the Global AI Divide
One of the commission’s central objectives is addressing the global digital divide.
According to the ITU, approximately 2.2 billion people worldwide remain without internet access, limiting their ability to benefit from AI-powered technologies and digital services.
The commission will build on the work of the Broadband Commission for Sustainable Development, which has long focused on expanding digital connectivity and promoting inclusive economic development.
Its inaugural meeting is scheduled to take place in Geneva, Switzerland, where members will begin outlining strategies for ensuring AI contributes to sustainable growth while remaining accessible, ethical, and beneficial to communities worldwide.
