Ralph Mupita urges restraint, says retaliatory actions threaten African economies as demonstrations hit Accra MTN office

MTN Group Chief Executive Officer Ralph Mupita has cautioned against calls to boycott South African-owned businesses following fresh anti-xenophobia protests that reached MTN’s offices in Accra, Ghana, on Tuesday. The warning comes as campaigners in Nigeria and other African countries intensify demands for the expulsion of South African firms in response to ongoing attacks on foreign nationals in South Africa.

Protesters gathered outside the MTN Ghana head office, demanding that South African businesses leave the country. The demonstration follows a surge of social media campaigns across West Africa calling for economic retaliation after reports of violence against immigrants resurfaced in Johannesburg and other parts of South Africa. Despite the mounting tension, MTN said its operations have not yet been directly affected but noted increased sensitivity in major markets including Nigeria and Ghana.

MTN, Africa’s largest telecommunications company, operates in over 20 countries on the continent. Addressing the situation, Mupita argued that companies like MTN should not be judged solely by their country of origin. “MTN makes less than 20% in South Africa and makes 80% of our earnings elsewhere,” he told Bloomberg. He emphasised that undermining pan-African businesses could harm broader economic integration efforts like the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), which seeks to boost cross-border trade and investment.

The MTN boss also linked the current crisis to Africa’s demographic realities, noting that with nearly 70 percent of sub-Saharan Africa’s population under 30 years old, investment in digital infrastructure is critical for job creation. “MTN also believes that embracing the benefits of the digital economy is vital to turning the youth bulge we have in Africa into a youth dividend,” Mupita said.

His comments came days after South Africa’s Justice Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi acknowledged that xenophobic incidents were already costing South African artists performance opportunities abroad and damaging the country’s reputation. While protests continue outside some South African-owned businesses across West Africa, MTN has urged dialogue rather than economic isolation as a way forward.

Source: https://www.pulse.ng/story/mtn-warns-against-boycotting-south-african-businesses-as-protests-reach-its-ghana-offices-2026061812131225224

Grammy-nominated singer says new album, out 14 August, features Asake, Wizkid and Rema with focus on self-confidence and growth

Nigerian international music star Ayra Starr has confirmed that her highly anticipated third studio album, ‘Starr Girl’, will be released on 14 August 2026. The announcement was made during an interview on The Dotty Show on Apple Music, where the Lagos-born artiste discussed how her evolving experiences as a woman and entrepreneur are shaping her latest body of work.

Ayra Starr explained that recent singles like ‘Hot Body’ and ‘Tornado’ reflect her personal growth and self-assurance. The singer noted that she is now focused on creating music grounded in her own story. “Definitely something I wanted to communicate because it was my experience… I want to sing about where I am presently,” Ayra Starr said during the interview. She added that embracing her journey into adulthood and business ownership has influenced the themes on the upcoming project.

The multi-award-winning artiste described ‘Hot Body’ as a track that celebrates confidence and authenticity. According to Ayra Starr, both she and her team were optimistic about the song’s success before its release, with positive reactions pouring in from fans across social media platforms. “When Hot Body got released, even before I released it, when I posted it on TikTok and Instagram, the reaction already – I was like, I have one,” she said.

Ayra Starr also shared insights into the making of ‘Tornado’, calling it a feel-good soundtrack for moments when people are getting ready for a night out. She emphasised her desire to create music that captures different moods and experiences: “Tornado is like one of those songs that I love to make songs that people can get ready to… I feel sexy, and I was like, yeah, wind like a tornado.”

On what fans should expect from ‘Starr Girl’, Ayra Starr promised variety and innovation: “I like to do different things, and I like to surprise you guys… Just expect me to exist in multitudes.” The album will include previous hits such as ‘Gimme Dat’ featuring Wizkid, ‘Who’s Dat Girl’ featuring Rema, as well as a newly confirmed collaboration with Afrobeats star Asake.

With two Grammy nominations already under her belt and millions of global streams, Ayra Starr’s forthcoming project is expected to further cement her status as one of Nigeria’s leading music exports.

Source: https://www.pulse.ng/story/i-am-going-to-make-music-from-my-experiences-ayra-starr-says-on-upcoming-album-starr-girl-2026061811582298280

Officers intercept suspected traffickers during Lagos operation; authorities intensify efforts against cross-border child trafficking

The Lagos State Police Command on Thursday said its officers have disrupted an attempt to traffic a group of girls from Kaduna State through Lagos to Ivory Coast. The interception took place within Lagos metropolis on 18 June, following intelligence reports that underage girls were being moved for exploitation outside Nigeria.

According to police sources, operatives acted swiftly after receiving tip-offs about the movement of the girls. The suspects were tracked and stopped before they could exit the country through one of the city’s transport hubs. The rescued girls are now in police custody, while investigations continue to unravel the full network behind the trafficking ring.

Human trafficking remains a pressing issue in Nigeria, with Lagos often serving as a transit point for illegal cross-border activities due to its location and transport infrastructure. Security agencies have repeatedly warned about increasing incidents of young people being lured from northern states like Kaduna with promises of better opportunities abroad, only to end up in forced labour or sexual exploitation.

Police spokespersons said that efforts are ongoing to identify other members of the syndicate and secure safe return for all victims. “We want to assure Nigerians that we are committed to stamping out human trafficking,” an officer involved in the operation stated. Stakeholders in child protection have praised the intervention but urged government to strengthen community awareness and support for survivors.

The latest incident highlights ongoing challenges in securing Nigeria’s borders against traffickers. Authorities say they will continue joint operations with sister agencies and work closely with source communities in Kaduna State and beyond, aiming to reduce vulnerability and improve early detection of similar plots.

Source: https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/more-news/888638-lagos-police-foil-plot-to-traffic-kaduna-girls-to-ivory-coast.html