MTN reaffirms commitment to Africa’s digital growth on Africa Day

By:  Nana Appiah Acquaye

MTN Group has reaffirmed its commitment to advancing digital and financial inclusion across the continent as part of its Africa Day message, highlighting the company’s role in supporting economic growth, infrastructure development, and youth empowerment across its markets.

In a media release issued on 25 May 2026, MTN described itself as a pan-African digital operator committed to unlocking Africa’s potential through sustained investment in connectivity, technology, and digital platforms.

The company stated that it currently serves approximately 250 million customers across 19 markets and employs 15,000 people representing 74 nationalities and ethnic groups. According to MTN, 87 percent of the 1,730 employees recruited in 2025 were local hires within their respective countries.

MTN Group President and Chief Executive Officer Ralph Mupita said the company’s roots are deeply embedded in Africa and emphasized the importance of unity and collaboration in driving the continent’s future growth.

He noted that Africa’s youthful population presents a major economic opportunity, particularly as the continent is projected to become home to the world’s largest workforce by 2040.

The telecommunications group disclosed that it generated R150 billion in economic value-added across its markets in 2025, while contributing R61.1 billion in taxes during the same period. MTN also reported capital expenditure of R38.5 billion in 2025, aimed at strengthening digital and physical infrastructure across its operations.

The company said its investments continue to support the expansion of national digital backbones, enhance connectivity, and create opportunities for businesses and communities.

As part of its corporate social investment initiatives, MTN indicated that it invested R269 million in social programmes during 2025, benefiting approximately 2.3 million people, most of them youth.

MTN also highlighted its focus on localisation through employment, ownership, procurement, and investments in digital skills development and local enterprise support. The company noted that its stock exchange listings in Nigeria, Ghana, Uganda, and Rwanda form part of its broader strategy to deepen local participation and value creation.

Looking ahead, MTN said Africa’s future growth will depend on sustained investment in education, entrepreneurship, digital infrastructure, and technology-driven innovation. The company emphasized that digital solutions remain central to improving access to financial services, healthcare, education, and economic opportunities across the continent.