Category: Media releases

MTN Group Limited (“MTN”) announces the conclusion of the sale of its operations in Guinea (also known as “MTN Guinea-Conakry”), to the State of Guinea, on 30 December 2024. This transaction aligns with MTN’s focus on portfolio optimization and simplification, as part of the Ambition 2025 strategy.

MTN Group President and CEO, Ralph Mupita, stated: “This milestone marks a new phase for MTN Guinea-Conakry under local ownership, and MTN thanks the staff, customers, regulators and broader stakeholders in Guinea for the support during the time MTN has been operational in the country. Concluding this transaction is in line with the strategy to simplify the portfolio and allocating capital to markets where we can make a difference as MTN and deliver long-term growth and returns.”

The Mastercard Center for Inclusive Growth, MTN Group Fintech and Arifu have partnered to support about one million small businesses in Côte’ D’Ivoire and Uganda, to digitize their operations, increase the use of digital financial services and access digital marketplaces through the MoMo Coach chatbot. This program, part of the Center’s global Mastercard Strive initiative, aims to enhance the resilience and growth of small businesses by providing essential digital skills. It is one of the ways Mastercard Strive has disseminated chatbot-ready business building content for small businesses in the region, which is currently also available in Kenya and Nigeria.

Small businesses in sub-Saharan Africa, especially those impacted by the pandemic, have faced significant barriers in adopting digital tools. As of December 2022, only 27.65% of businesses in sub-Saharan Africa had adopted digital tools to enhance their efficiency, showing a slight improvement from 19.44% in August 2020. A lack of relevant skills continues to limit their growth and access to essential financial services. MoMo Coach addresses these gaps by providing free, accessible upskilling content via popular messaging platforms.

Supported by the Mastercard Center for Inclusive Growth and delivered by Caribou Digital, this program equips small businesses with digital skills, enabling them to adopt digital tools, access capital, and engage more effectively in digital marketplaces. The program aligns with Mastercard Strive’s broader goal of reaching 18 million small businesses around the world and enabling them to go digital, get capital, and access networks and know-how.

“Small businesses are vital to Africa’s growth and create opportunities for a more resilient and inclusive regional economy. We are delighted to catalyze a partnership between MTN Group Fintech and Arifu to equip almost one million small business owners with the digital skills and knowledge essential for thriving in an increasingly digital economy, setting them up for success.” said Subhashini Chandran, Senior Vice President of Social Impact for Asia Pacific, Europe, Middle East and Africa, Mastercard Center for Inclusive Growth.

The MoMo Coach solution, powered by Arifu’s Grasp Platform, uses mobile messaging to deliver micro-learning experiences. It is accessible across multiple channels, including WhatsApp, Telegram, Facebook Messenger, SMS and MoMo. This gives small business owners and entrepreneurs flexibility in accessing practical, actionable tips to unlock growth opportunities in the digital economy.

Serigne Dioum, CEO of MTN Group Fintech, further adds: “Empowering small businesses with digital skills is key to driving inclusive growth in Africa. Through MoMo Coach, we are unlocking opportunities for entrepreneurs to thrive in the digital economy, strengthening communities, and shaping the future of business across the continent.”

The program has been rolled out in Côte d’Ivoire and Uganda, reaching over 930,000 MTN customers, merchants, and agents, with more than 75,000 small business owners accessing free digital courses and over 45,000 actively engaging with MoMo Coach. Courses offered include “How to Start Your Business,” “Money Management,” and “Grow and Secure Your Business.” These courses are based on insights derived from MoMo merchants and agents, and they address key challenges like affordability and access to relevant business knowledge—enabling small business owners to navigate the digital landscape.

Aminata, a 31-year-old business owner from Gôh-Djiboua, Côte d’Ivoire, is one of the many beneficiaries of MoMo Coach. Selling shoes and clothing since 2022, she says: “There’s a lot of competition, but MoMo Coach helps me sell better. Before, I used all my profits to buy new stock, which left me using my capital for expenses. Now, I split my profits: one part for business growth, another for expenses, and some savings for other projects.” She has also started using WhatsApp to increase her sales, noting: “My income has increased. When I post my goods, I sell more.”

MTN Group is pleased to announce key leadership changes aimed at addressing succession, operational execution, and advancing the Ambition 2025 strategy.

Operating Companies’ Leadership Changes

Mitwa Ng’ambi, CEO of MTN Cameroon, will move to the same position at MTN Côte d’Ivoire, effective 1 March 2025, as Djibril Ouattara takes early retirement. We thank Djibril for his significant contributions to MTN, including his leadership of MTN Congo-Brazzaville. To ensure an orderly handover, Djibril will support Mitwa during her transition for a few months.

Mitwa brings over 15 years of telecom experience and transformational leadership, having served as CEO of MTN Cameroon since September 2022. She is also the Board Chairperson of Mobile Money Corporation, MTN’s fintech subsidiary in Cameroon. Prior to her role in Cameroon, Mitwa was CEO of MTN Rwanda, where she successfully led the renewal of the company’s licence and spearheaded its growth and listing on the Rwanda Stock Exchange. Previously, she held leadership positions at Airtel Tigo in Ghana and Tigo in Senegal. Mitwa’s experience and track record will add impetus to the growth and turnaround of MTN Côte d’Ivoire.

Wanda Matandela, Chief Commercial Operations Officer at MTN South Africa, has been appointed as the new CEO for MTN Cameroon, effective 1 March 2025. Wanda joined MTN in 2018 as Chief Enterprise Business Officer and drove the turnaround of this business. With over 20 years of experience, including more than 13 years in telecoms, he has held strategic roles across the FMCG and financial services sectors. Wanda serves on the boards of Supersonic (Pty) Ltd and MTN Rwanda PLC. His strong commercial and stakeholder management experience will be invaluable as he builds on the high impact and energy created under Mitwa’s leadership, bringing new capabilities and insights to drive growth in Cameroon.

Change in leadership at digital infrastructure business

Effective 1 January 2025, Mazen Mroue, MTN Group Chief Technology and Information Officer (GCTIO), will assume additional responsibilities as CEO of Digital Infrastructure (Infraco). This new role will incorporate the mobility and fibre businesses of Bayobab, along with executing our data centre strategy as we position MTN Group for growth and profitability in the development of AI across Africa. In this dual role, he will continue to report to the Group President and CEO and remain a member of the Group Executive Committee.

Since joining MTN in 1998, Mazen has held various senior positions within the Group’s regional operations in Africa and the Middle East, including CEO and COO roles across multiple operating companies. He has also served as a board member of various companies within the MTN Group. Mazen’s strong technology and operational experience, combined with his track record of delivery, positions him well to fulfil this dual mandate.

Frédéric Schepens, current CEO of Bayobab, will be leaving the group effective immediately. We thank Frédéric for his contributions and wish him success in his future endeavours.

MTN Group President & CEO Ralph Mupita extends his best wishes and appreciation to all incoming and outgoing colleagues, expressing confidence in the internal succession bench-strength of the business. He emphasises the importance of driving execution and maintaining our commitment to digital and financial inclusion priorities across our markets.

The digital age offers remarkable opportunities for children across Africa but also exposes them to significant risks, requiring collective action to ensure their safety. Today, MTN Group convened policymakers, educators, advocacy groups, and digital safety experts to unveil the findings of its Online Child Safety African Insights research, conducted in partnership with IPSOS.

The event also highlighted MTN’s renewed efforts under its Help Children Be Children (HCBC) initiative to address online child abuse and exploitation.

The research, which spanned Nigeria, South Sudan, and Zambia, sheds light on critical challenges facing children in the digital space. In Nigeria, over 50% of children surveyed reported experiencing bullying or harassment online, with many refraining from seeking help due to fear of judgment or punishment. In South Sudan, unrestricted access to inappropriate content without adequate parental guidance was linked to heightened stress and behavioural issues among children. Meanwhile, Zambian parents and educators highlighted the urgent need for support in navigating online safety measures.

Alarmingly, the data also showed a direct link between online abuse and adverse mental health impacts, including anxiety and withdrawal in children.

MTN Group’s Chief Sustainability and Corporate Affairs Officer, Nompilo Morafo, emphasised the collective responsibility for safeguarding children online: “This research underlines the urgency of equipping children with the skills to protect themselves online while empowering caregivers to create safer digital environments.”

“MTN is steadfast in our commitment to ensure the digital world offers growth and opportunity, free from harm. However, this is a collective responsibility—we cannot do it alone,” she said. IPSOS Associate Director Marcus Hollington concurred: “The research underscores the urgency of equipping children with the skills they need to protect themselves online while also empowering the adults in their lives to provide effective support,” he said, adding: “Education and peer influence are crucial to fostering safer digital behaviors in these diverse contexts.”

The HCBC campaign addresses the key challenges highlighted in the research, focusing on peer advocacy and enhancing the capabilities of caregivers and educators. By empowering children—many of whom face online harassment and exposure to harmful content—MTN aims to create a secure digital environment. It does so by championing online safety within its communities and equipping adults with tools and knowledge to mitigate these risks. This approach not only reduces exposure to risks but also promotes positive mental health outcomes, addressing the emotional toll identified in the research.

A cornerstone of MTN’s efforts is its partnership with the Internet Watch Foundation (IWF). This collaboration has resulted in the creation of the Africa-wide MTN-IWF Portal, a critical resource for reporting and addressing harmful online content. Accessible at Child Online Protection | MTN.com, the portal enables swift action to tackle Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM). In 2023 alone, MTN inspected over 656 million URLs using adaptive systems to block harmful sites identified by IWF.

The findings and MTN’s proactive measures underscore the importance of collaboration. Governments, civil society, businesses, and individuals must unite to protect children from the dark side of the internet. Reports of harmful online activity can be made through the MTN-IWF Portal to ensure the swift removal of dangerous content.

MTN remains resolute in its mission to safeguard Africa’s youngest digital users, empowering them to explore the internet confidently and safely while ensuring their well-being and security remain at the forefront.

Read the full Online Child Safety African Insights research: here

The ORAN Development Company (ODC), headquartered in Northern Virginia with development teams in the UK and India, is pleased to announce a strategic partnership with MTN Group, Africa’s largest telecommunications operator providing transformative connectivity solutions for the continent from some of the densest cities in the world to rural villages. Together, the companies plan to develop and test innovative Open RAN (ORAN) solutions tailored to unique requirements of networks across Africa. This collaboration supports MTN Group’s commitment to provide affordable, high-quality telecommunications throughout the continent, with advanced Open RAN architectures enabling greater network flexibility.

MTN Group, headquartered in Johannesburg, operates in 16 African markets, connecting more than 280 million customers. With an ambition to lead digital solutions for Africa’s progress, MTN has been at the forefront of adopting innovative technologies to overcome connectivity challenges and meet the unique needs of its diverse markets.

ODC and MTN Group are launching joint lab innovative initiatives to test true ORAN solutions, enhancing network agility, scalability, and efficiency. As part of this initiative, the companies plan to conduct lab and field trials, ensuring optimized performance and seamless integration into MTN Group’s existing network infrastructure.

MTN Group will also guide ODC in optimizing ORAN software and platform development with artificial intelligence to streamline operational expenditure (OPEX) across the network. The partnership will also focus on cutting-edge research and development in 6G and non-terrestrial communications, incorporating these advancements into ODC’s ORAN stack.

“Open RAN represents a transformative approach to how we design and operate our infrastructure—enhancing flexibility, driving cost efficiencies, and paving the way for next-generation technologies,” said Amith Maharaj, MTN Group Network Design and Planning Executive. “At MTN, we are continuously seeking innovative solutions to address Africa’s unique connectivity challenges while building resilient and future-ready networks. Through our collaboration with ODC, we are unlocking new possibilities to expand our reach, improve service quality, and empower the communities and businesses we serve.”

Matthew Johnson, Global Head of ODC, expressed enthusiasm for the strategic partnership, stating, “Our collaboration with MTN Group focuses ODC directly on MTN’s unique network needs, enhancing efficiencies while supporting the evolution of next-generation capabilities, silicon, and AI.”

This strategic partnership represents a pivotal step in achieving network innovation in Africa, and ODC is honoured to support MTN Group in pioneering robust, adaptable network solutions for the future.

MTN Group is pleased to announce the official commercial launch of 5G networks in Benin and the Republic of Congo, reflecting our commitment to delivering leading digital solutions for Africa’s progress and enabling the benefits of a modern connected life for all.

The deployment of this revolutionary technology represents a significant step in transforming how communities and businesses across Africa connect, innovate and grow. Beyond dramatically faster speeds and lower latency, 5G is a catalyst for meaningful progress, offering new opportunities in education, healthcare, manufacturing, agriculture and entrepreneurship.

By accelerating digital and financial inclusion, MTN is working to ensure that technology serves as a force for good across the continent.

MTN Group Chief Technology and Information Officer Mazen Mroue said: “The launch of 5G in Benin and Congo-Brazzaville underscores MTN’s role in shaping the digital future of Africa. 5G is more than a technological advancement — it is the foundation for innovation, economic growth, and the creation of new opportunities. We are pleased to support the evolution of a connected, inclusive and prosperous Africa.”

MTN’s 5G journey began in June 2020 with the first commercial launch in South Africa. Since then, we have expanded our 5G offering in Africa to Nigeria, Uganda and Zambia, and now Congo-Brazzaville and Benin. Trials are underway in South Sudan.

In 2023, MTN rolled out 2,251 5G sites. In the first half of 2024, we added another 829 5G sites. 

As we work to secure the spectrum and licences required to extend our 5G footprint, we remain focused on unlocking the potential of technology to create shared value, foster innovation, and drive sustainable growth across Africa.

We are pleased to announce that MTN Group President and CEO Ralph Mupita has been elected to the GSMA Board of Directors for the 2025-2026 term. His appointment underscores MTN’s commitment to being a key player in connecting the continent as well as advancing Africa’s economic, social and digital transformation aspirations.

As an advocate for leveraging technology to drive economic growth and inclusion, Ralph’s focus on the Board will be on driving the African agenda, particularly in relation to the G6 commitments of closing the usage and coverage gaps; increasing investments; and securing a climate-smart future.  

His participation on the Board will be instrumental in harnessing the potential of mobile technology to support sustainable development and economic growth.

In Ralph’s words: “I am honoured to join the GSMA Board at a time of rapid developments in technology and increasing digital adoption across Africa”.

“Mobile technology will play a critical role to address the pressing challenges facing our communities and unlock the full potential of Africa, and ensuring that no one is left behind in this journey toward a more connected future.”

Read accompanying release here.

MTN Group acknowledges with deep sadness the passing of Sifiso Dabengwa, who served as the Group President and CEO from 2011 to 2015. Sifiso was a key figure in MTN’s 30-year journey and his contributions to both the company and the telecommunications industry are held in high regard.

During his tenure, Sifiso’s leadership was instrumental in guiding MTN through significant phases of growth and transformation. His strategic vision and deep understanding of the telecommunications sector were key to MTN’s success during this period.

Sifiso was respected not only for his professional achievements but also for his integrity, humility, and the respect he showed to all who worked with him. He was a mentor to many and a leader who exemplified the values of commitment and service.

Ralph Mupita, MTN Group President and CEO, said: “Sifiso’s impact on MTN and the broader industry was significant. His legacy will continue to inspire us as we move forward.”

The Board of Directors, the Executive Committee, and all MTN staff extend their heartfelt condolences to Sifiso’s family during this difficult time. Our thoughts are with them as they mourn the loss of a remarkable individual.

How can we turn the tide against the devastating impacts of climate change in Africa? How can we empower those most vulnerable to its effects to become the architects of a sustainable future? The answer lies in the potential of our continent’s youth.

In the face of the escalating climate crisis, it’s crucial to nurture and empower this potential.

At MTN, we believe that investing in the ingenuity and passion of Africa’s youth is not just a moral imperative but a strategic one. They are the generation that will inherit the consequences of our actions today, and they are the ones who hold the keys to a sustainable tomorrow. This is at the heart of the PachiPanda Challenge, an initiative with the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) that seeks to ignite a wave of youth-led environmental innovation across Africa.

“Over 60% of Africa’s population is under the age of 25. By empowering them, we are not just investing in their future, but in the future of our planet. Africa’s youth have the creativity, passion, and resilience to lead the charge against climate change, and the PachiPanda Challenge is our way of equipping them with the tools to do so,” said Nompilo Morafo, MTN Group Chief Sustainability and Corporate Affairs Officer.

By encouraging young people to come up with ideas to address unsustainable environmental practices, the PachiPanda Challenge empowers them with the tools, resources and mentorship they need to turn their innovations into reality. By focusing on green skills and sustainable tech solutions, the challenge highlights the importance of equipping young people with the knowledge and expertise needed to tackle the complex environmental challenges of our time.

The inaugural challenge in Zambia in 2022 and 2023 showcased promising solutions, including Isaac Mwanza’s EcoBuild, a startup that produces sustainable construction materials from copper waste. This addresses waste while providing a more affordable and environmentally friendly alternative to traditional building materials. Other finalists presented equally compelling ventures, including community recycling programmes and inventive ways to generate renewable energy from waste.

Building on this success in Zambia, MTN and the WWF are expanding the PachiPanda Challenge across the continent, adding South Africa and Nigeria to the programme. The challenge will culminate in a grand finale where the most promising ideas from each country will compete for recognition and support. Each stage of the challenge will be tailored to address the specific environmental concerns of each region, ensuring that the solutions developed are contextually relevant.

The structure of the PachiPanda Challenge is designed to nurture and support young entrepreneurs throughout their journey. It starts with an annual competition that seeks out innovative, tech-enabled solutions and businesses focused on Africa’s climate challenges.

This is followed by a support programme that includes idea-generation workshops, training sessions, mentorship and business case development. Finally, a multi-stage selection process will ensure that the most promising ventures receive the recognition and support they need to scale their impact.

The PachiPanda Challenge is a testament to our commitment to empowering young people and fostering a sustainable future for Africa. By investing in our youth, we are investing in the future of our planet. Let us celebrate the power of young people to drive change and create a world that is both prosperous and sustainable and that leverages technology to address conservation challenges.

Stay tuned for updates from our participating OPCO and find out more at our website https://www.mtn.com/pachipanda-challenge/

In the first half of 2024, MTN Group delivered strong commercial momentum, executed key strategic initiatives, and sustained the strength and resilience of the balance sheet. In constant currency, data service revenue increased by 21% in the six months to 30 June 2024 and fintech service revenue climbed by 27%.

In line with our Ambition 2025 strategy, we made good progress to further increase the level of local ownership of MTN Ghana and MTN Uganda, with gross proceeds of R1.7 billion. The Group also completed the orderly exit of operations in Afghanistan and Guinea-Bissau, as part of portfolio optimisation and simplifying the group.

At the end of June 2024, MTN had 288 million subscribers across 18 markets. Of these, 150 million were active data subscribers – up more than 9% – who lifted data traffic on MTN’s network by more than a third to 9 054 petabytes. 

At 66 million, the number of active Mobile Money users was also more than 9% higher, boosting MTN’s fintech transaction volumes by 18% to 9.7 billion in the period.

To support this continued acceleration in demand, MTN committed over R13 billion in capital expenditure to expand our 4G and 5G networks and business IT systems. The Group’s balance sheet remained strong, with the holding company leverage ratio at 1.6x, and an improved mix of US dollar debt to rand debt at 22:78, well within our target mix of 40:60.

The strong underlying performance was masked by the impact of weaker currencies – most particularly the naira against the rand – as well as the ongoing conflict in Sudan on the Group’s reported results.

“Although the commercial momentum and strategy execution were solid in H1, macro headwinds impacted reported results,” said MTN Group President and CEO Ralph Mupita. “The sharp devaluation of the naira over the period had the most significant impact on reported results.”

Impacted by the naira devaluation, the translation into the reporting currency and the conflict in Sudan, adjusted headline earnings per share (HEPS) decreased by 50% to 373 cents and adjusted return on equity (ROE) declined by 4.2 percentage points to 20.2%.

“MTN South Africa, which has now completed its network resilience investment, demonstrated encouraging progress from Q1 24 to Q2 24 in terms of topline growth and earnings,” he said, adding that the investment positioned it to provide an average network availability of more than 95% under stage 6 loadshedding. At the end of June 2024, network availability was 99%, supported by reduced loadshedding in Q2 24.

“MTN Nigeria delivered a strong underlying performance, despite the severe macro impacts on its financial performance,” Mupita said, noting good progress in key initiatives including acceleration of revenue, optimisation of capex and the reduction of its US dollar-denominated obligations.

MTN Nigeria recently concluded the re-negotiation of its tower contracts with IHS and ATC. The revised contracts will support earnings and cashflow development in the business as part of the initiatives to resolve the negative equity position of MTN Nigeria. Discussions around tariff increases for voice and data continue with the authorities in Nigeria.

MTN Group and MTN Zakhele Futhi also announced through a joint statement the intention to extend the Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment scheme by up to three years, subject to shareholder approvals. MTN Group and MTN South Africa each have a level 1 B-BBEE contributor status.

Looking ahead, MTN – which this year celebrates 30 years in the business – reconfirmed its medium-term guidance and anticipates paying a full year dividend for FY24 of 330 cents per share.

“We will continue on the execution of our Ambition 2025 strategy to drive growth and unlock value for all stakeholders over the medium term,” said Mupita. “The near-term macro backdrop continues to be challenging across our markets; GDP, inflation and currencies are expected to improve into 2025 across key markets.”