MTN Group has achieved a major milestone, reaching 300 million customers across Africa, marking the fulfillment of its Ambition 2025 strategic goal.
The announcement was made during the company’s annual Ambassadors Appreciation Dinner, which brought together African diplomats, government officials, and business leaders to celebrate the Group’s progress and commitment to digital inclusion.
Empowering Africa’s Digital Future
Speaking at the event, MTN Group President and CEO Ralph Mupita emphasized Africa’s potential to shape its own socioeconomic progress amid global uncertainties.
“The time is now for Africa to take charge of its own progress. We must look within for solutions and invest in our communities,” Ralph Mupita said.
He credited MTN’s employees — known as MTNers — for their tireless efforts during the annual 21 Days of Y’ello Care campaign, which focuses on extending digital and financial inclusion to rural and underserved regions.
Y’ello Care: Connecting Communities Through Digital Tools
The 2025 Y’ello Care campaign, themed “Connecting at the Roots: Connecting communities through the use of digital tools”, reflects MTN’s dedication to empowering African communities through innovation.
MTN Group Chief Sustainability and Corporate Affairs Officer Nompilo Morafo said the initiative demonstrates how collaboration and technology can transform lives:
“Y’ello Care embodies our belief that everyone deserves the benefits of a modern connected life. Progress is ultimately built through people—our ideas, commitment, and compassion.”
Regional Achievements Recognized Across Africa
MTN honored several regional operations for their exceptional community impact:
MTN Eswatini: Government in Your Hand initiative, integrating MoMo to advance e-governance and digital literacy.
MTN Cameroon: Awarded for community-driven digital centres that foster innovation and local participation.
MTN Uganda: Recognized for expanding digital inclusion through solar-powered health centres, computer labs, and vocational training.
MoMo: Winner of the Platform Business Award for driving financial inclusion via digital training and entrepreneurship programs.
MTN Nigeria: Received a Special Mention Award for its Y’ello Boxes and MoMo Market Storm initiatives, empowering women and small business owners.
Investment
MTN Group’s capital expenditure (capex) program reflects its ongoing investment in network expansion, digital infrastructure, and platform growth across its key markets. In 2024, the company’s capex excluding leases stood at around ZAR 29.9 billion, while total capex including leases under IFRS 16 reached ZAR 53.3 billion, about 16 percent lower than the previous year.
MTN maintained a capex intensity of roughly 15.9 percent, aligning with its medium-term target range of 15–18 percent. The largest share of investment went to South Africa, Nigeria, and the combined Southern, Eastern, and West African regions, supporting network upgrades, 4G and 5G rollout, and fibre expansion.
For MTN Nigeria, total capital investment in 2024 amounted to ₦1.53 trillion when including leases, but the core infrastructure spending excluding leases came to ₦443.5 billion, slightly below 2023 levels. The rise in the IFRS 16 number reflected higher tower lease costs following renegotiations.
In 2025, MTN has guided for ZAR 30 billion to ZAR 35 billion in capex excluding leases, suggesting steady investment levels despite a challenging macroeconomic environment. During the first half of 2025, capex excluding leases reached ZAR 20.8 billion, up almost 55 percent from the same period in 2024, with total spend including leases at ZAR 27.3 billion. The capex intensity rose to about 19 percent, indicating stronger network and digital infrastructure investments to meet rising data demand. MTN Nigeria’s first-half 2025 capex excluding leases surged to ₦565.7 billion, up 288 percent year-on-year, highlighting major network and fintech platform expansion efforts.
Although MTN has not published a detailed capex forecast for 2026, current guidance and strategy suggest that investment levels will likely remain within the ZAR 30 billion–40 billion range excluding leases. Spending priorities are expected to center on 5G deployment, broadband connectivity, fintech platform scaling, and fibre backhaul expansion. The company continues to emphasize disciplined capital allocation to balance investment with free cash flow and debt reduction goals.
Key Takeaway MTN’s milestone of 300 million customers is more than a business achievement — it’s a testament to the company’s enduring commitment to digital inclusion, innovation, and empowerment across Africa. Through initiatives like Y’ello Care, MTN continues to bridge divides and bring the benefits of connectivity to every corner of the continent.
Baburajan Kizhakedath