Blazing the Trail: Aisha Umar Mumuni on Leadership, Digital Transformation, and Women in Tech

[Image: Mdundo.com]

Writer:Toriola Olawale

Download Super Gospel Mix on Mdundo.com 

Leading Digital Innovation at MTN Nigeria

Across Nigeria and Africa, digital transformation is not just a buzzword, it’s a driving force behind economic and creative industry growth for the continent that has the world's youngest population, with a large percentage of its inhabitants under 35, representing a significant demographic dividend but also posing challenges related to employment and opportunities . Telecom companies, particularly MTN, play a pivotal role in bridging the gap between innovation and accessibility. As streaming and digital content consumption continue to shape the entertainment landscape, the synergy between telcos and music platforms becomes even more crucial.

As Chief Digital Officer at MTN Nigeria, Aisha Umar Mumuni stands at the forefront of digital transformation in the country’s telecom sector. Her journey to the top is one of resilience, focus, and an unwavering commitment to excellence. In this conversation, part of Mdundo’s 2025 International Women’s Day campaign, she shares insights on her leadership path, the role of women in tech, the evolving relationship between telcos and the music industry, and her vision for the future of digital connectivity.

Note: This interview has been lightly edited for clarity and coherence.

Q: Aisha, could you share your journey to becoming the Chief Digital Officer at MTN Nigeria, and how have your experiences as a woman in a traditionally male-dominated industry influenced your approach to digital transformation and leadership?

I honestly don’t think I faced any major challenges simply because I was a woman. I’m sure they were there, but I have always believed that every challenge is an opportunity. My mindset has been that there’s no problem without a solution, and that perspective has shaped my leadership style. 

From the early days of my career, I was intentional about immersing myself in the work. I joined the engineers in the switch rooms, visited sites, and ensured I understood every aspect of the job. Nothing was off-limits. If there were moments of bias, I probably didn’t recognize them because I never saw my gender as a barrier.

When I became a General Manager, I wasn’t thinking about my next move—I was focused on excelling in the role I had at the time. It wasn’t until the later years of my tenure that I started preparing myself for the next phase. By the time I transitioned into an executive role in 2022, I had already started operating at that level, so the transition felt natural. It was one of the easiest shifts I’ve made in my career.

Q: In the spirit of International Women’s Month and the theme ‘Accelerate Action,’ how do you see your role in paving the way for more women in tech and telecom, and what initiatives at MTN Nigeria are you most proud of in this regard?

I believe the best way to empower women is by showing them that it is possible to succeed in this field without limitations. At MTN Nigeria, we are actively fostering inclusivity through mentorship, training programs, and leadership development initiatives for women in tech.

One initiative I’m particularly proud of is our focus on talent acceleration for young women in STEM. We are providing them with resources and opportunities to thrive in this space. Representation matters, and by having women in leadership roles, we are demonstrating that there is a place for them in this industry.

Q: Our partnership at Mdundo with MTN Nigeria has opened up exciting opportunities at the intersection of music and digital connectivity. How do you envision this collaboration evolving to further empower the music industry, particularly in the distribution of music and DJ mixes?

Music and digital connectivity are deeply intertwined. Our collaboration with platforms like Mdundo has the potential to revolutionize how music is consumed, especially within the African market. We are committed to creating seamless experiences that allow artists to reach wider audiences and monetize their content effectively.

By leveraging MTN’s extensive digital ecosystem, we can empower artists, DJs, and music curators with tools to distribute their work more efficiently. The goal is to create a win-win situation where music lovers get easy access to quality content while artists and industry stakeholders benefit from sustainable revenue streams.

Q: Telcos play a critical role in shaping how music is consumed and shared today. What innovative strategies is MTN Nigeria implementing to enhance digital music distribution, and how can platforms like Mdundo and MTN work together to drive even greater impact?

At MTN we recognize the evolving ways in which people discover and consume music, especially in Africa, and we are leveraging digital technology to enhance that experience. Our key focus is on seamless access, affordability, and engagement. Through data-driven personalization, we can ensure that users receive music recommendations tailored to their preferences.

With platforms like Mdundo, we see opportunities to enhance distribution channels, offer exclusive content, and create innovative subscription models that benefit both consumers and artists. By working together, we can amplify reach and ensure that African artists get the recognition they deserve on a global scale.

Q: As a senior leader, have you ever faced pushbacks or challenges specifically related to your gender? Could you share some experiences and how you’ve turned those moments into opportunities for growth and change?

To be honest, I don’t feel like I’ve been significantly held back because of my gender. Perhaps it’s my mindset, I’ve always approached challenges as opportunities. That said, I do recall instances where male engineers were particularly cautious or hesitant around me, but that never deterred me. I was always focused on the work at hand.

I firmly believe that the biggest barriers are often the ones we place on ourselves. If you walk into a room believing that your gender defines your limitations, that’s how people will treat you. But if you focus on your competence and deliver results, the work will always speak for itself.

Q: Looking ahead, what are some key opportunities you see for deepening the relationship between telcos and the music industry, and how might our joint efforts accelerate access and innovation for artists and fans alike?

The future of music and telecom lies in creating more immersive digital experiences. With the rise of AI, data analytics, and streaming, we have the chance to refine how music is distributed and monetized.

I see significant potential in integrating music distribution with telecom services in a way that ensures affordability while maximizing artist earnings. We are exploring innovative pricing models, exclusive releases, and engagement-driven content strategies to push the industry forward. The key is to keep adapting. As consumer behavior shifts, so must our approach. The partnership between telcos and music platforms like Mdundo will play a crucial role in shaping the next wave of digital music consumption.

Q: Finally, what advice would you offer to young women aspiring to enter the tech and telecom sectors, especially those who also have a passion for the digital music space?

My advice is simple: focus on doing great work. Don’t let external labels define your journey. Whether you are an engineer, a marketer, or an entrepreneur, your best asset is your ability to learn, adapt, and deliver results.

Secondly, don’t wait for permission. If there’s an opportunity, take it. If there’s a problem, solve it. Women in tech and telecom have an incredible opportunity to shape the future, but it starts with confidence and competence.

Finally, surround yourself with people who challenge and inspire you. Growth happens when you push yourself beyond your comfort zone. The future is digital, and there’s a place for everyone willing to innovate and lead.