The International Finance Corporation (IFC) has used MTN Nigeria Communications Plc as a case study in a report on gender equality in the workplace.
According to the IFC publication, MTN Nigeria built on its existing diversity and inclusion framework by adopting a more structured and data-driven approach to gender equality.
With IFC’s advisory support, the company undertook diagnostics to identify gaps, introduced targeted policies, and aligned its practices with global standards.
A major milestone outlined in the report is MTN Nigeria’s attainment of the EDGE MOVE certification in 2023, a globally recognised benchmark for workplace equity.
This achievement made it the first wireless telecommunications company in Africa and the second organisation in Sub-Saharan Africa to reach this level, reflecting progress across leadership representation, pay equity, organisational culture, and flexible work policies.
The case study also details a range of initiatives implemented by the company, including targeted recruitment and promotion of women, strengthened mentorship programmes, expanded parental leave policies, and deliberate efforts to increase the participation of women-led businesses within its value chain.
These actions contributed to measurable improvements in female representation, including achieving gender balance at the executive level.
The chief executive of MTN Nigeria, Mr Karl Toriola, in the case study, was quoted as saying, “A diverse, inclusive, and equitable workforce is critical to the success and sustainability of our business.
“We are committed to promoting gender inclusiveness, equality, and empowerment internally as well as across our ecosystem to ensure that interventions are holistic and position women to thrive effortlessly.
“If we must narrow the gender gap and address the disproportionate representation of women in the private sector, I believe that business leaders and CEOs must disproportionately allocate resources to support women across all levels.”
MTN Nigeria is one of the leading companies advancing gender equality through practical, business-led actions under its Nigeria2Equal programme.
The telco has become a top performer in workplace gender equality following its participation in the programme between 2021 and 2023, moving from 13th position to become the top-performing organisation from the 30 most capitalised companies listed on the Nigerian Exchange (NGX) Limited.
The report was based on an independent assessment conducted by Equileap and verified by PwC.
Implemented in partnership with the NGX, the Nigeria2Equal programme is designed to reduce gender gaps across leadership, employment, and entrepreneurship in Nigeria’s private sector.
MTN Nigeria joined the initiative in 2021, making commitments across these areas while strengthening its broader advocacy for gender equality. It has expanded its role in advancing gender equality through advocacy and transparency, becoming a signatory to the UN Women’s Empowerment Principles and now reports gender-focused initiatives and targets in its annual disclosures.
