MTN Group delivered strong financial and operational performance in 2025, supported by rising data adoption, expanding mobile financial services, and continued investment in network infrastructure across Africa. The company also introduced its Ambition 2030 strategy, focusing on connectivity, fintech, and digital infrastructure to drive long-term growth.
Revenue Growth Driven by Data and Digital Services
MTN reported service revenue of R218 billion in 2025, representing growth of nearly a quarter year on year supported by improved macroeconomic conditions and higher demand for digital services.
Key markets delivered strong momentum. In constant currency terms, MTN Nigeria increased service revenue by 54.9 percent, while MTN Ghana recorded growth of 35.9 percent. Meanwhile, MTN South Africa posted a 2 percent increase in service revenue, reflecting steady performance in a mature and competitive market.
The company’s EBITDA reached R98.5 billion, supported by operational efficiencies and disciplined cost management.
Subscriber Base Exceeds 300 Million
MTN continued to expand its customer base across Africa. By the end of 2025, the operator served:
More than 307 million voice subscribers
172 million data subscribers
70 million mobile money users
This milestone reflects MTN’s efforts to expand digital inclusion and broaden access to mobile connectivity and financial services across 16 markets.
Data demand continued to accelerate, with data traffic rising 27 percent during the year. Average monthly data consumption per user increased to 12.5 GB, up from 10.8 GB previously, highlighting growing smartphone adoption and increasing use of streaming, social media, and cloud applications.
“In the final year of our Ambition 2025 strategy, we have exceeded the 300 million customers milestone in line with our priority to deepen digital and financial inclusion,” said MTN Group President and CEO Ralph Mupita.
Fintech Platform Expansion
MTN’s mobile financial services platform remains a major growth engine. In 2025:
Mobile money transactions increased 15 percent
Total transactions exceeded 23 billion
Transaction value surpassed $500 billion
The expansion of fintech services across the continent is helping the operator strengthen its digital ecosystem while increasing customer engagement and monetization opportunities.
Capital Expenditure Focused on Network Expansion
MTN continued to invest heavily in network infrastructure to improve capacity and coverage.
The company allocated R38 billion in capital expenditure in 2025, focusing on:
Expanding broadband coverage
Enhancing network capacity
Improving service quality across mobile and digital platforms
These investments helped MTN extend broadband coverage to more than 94 percent of the population across its operating markets.
Opex Discipline and Efficiency Gains
MTN also strengthened its financial performance through operational efficiency.
The group achieved R3.6 billion in expense efficiencies during 2025, helping support higher profitability despite macroeconomic volatility in several African markets.
This focus on cost discipline enabled the company to improve returns and strengthen its balance sheet while continuing to invest in growth initiatives.
Ambition 2030 Strategy
Following the completion of its Ambition 2025 roadmap, MTN unveiled Ambition 2030, a strategy designed to accelerate digital transformation across Africa.
The strategy focuses on three core platforms:
Connectivity for consumers and businesses
Fintech services to expand financial inclusion
Digital infrastructure to support enterprise and digital ecosystems
The company also plans to increasingly use artificial intelligence and advanced digital platforms to improve customer experience and unlock new revenue opportunities.
Outlook
With strong subscriber growth, rising data consumption, and a rapidly expanding fintech ecosystem, MTN believes Africa presents significant long-term growth opportunities. Continued investment in connectivity, digital platforms, and financial services is expected to strengthen the company’s position as one of the leading telecom and digital service providers across the continent.
BABURAJAN KIZHAKEDATH