Business Outlook Africa

Telecommunications

Telecommunications

MTN Group Surpasses 307 Million Customers in 2025, Posts Strong Financial Results

MTN Group has crossed the 300 million customer mark, serving more than 307 million voice subscribers, 172 million data users, and 70 million Mobile Money customers across 16 markets as at 31 December 2025 ,a milestone the Group had set as a central target under its Ambition 2025 strategy. The achievement came alongside a strong financial performance for the year, with service revenue rising by nearly a quarter to R218 billion, underpinned by improved macroeconomic conditions and robust commercial execution across key markets. MTN Nigeria and MTN Ghana were standout performers, growing service revenue by 54.9% and 35.9% respectively in constant-currency terms. MTN South Africa posted a 2.0% increase in service revenue, maintaining momentum in what remains a mature and competitive market. Earnings before interest, tax and amortization (before once-off items) rose by more than a third in constant currency to R98.5 billion, supported by expense efficiencies of R3.6 billion. Adjusted headline earnings per share climbed 67%, while basic EPS swung from a loss in 2024 to a profit in 2025. Speaking on this,Group President and CEO Ralph Mupita credited the milestone to consistent investment and execution. “In the final year of our Ambition 2025 strategy, we were proud to have exceeded the 300 million customers milestone in line with our priority to deepen digital and financial inclusion,” he said. Data traffic across the network accelerated by 27%, with average monthly data use per customer increasing to 12.5GB from 10.8GB. On the fintech side, transaction volumes grew 15% to more than 23 billion, with total transaction value exceeding US$500 billion for the year. MTN invested R38 billion in network capacity, coverage and quality during the period, expanding broadband access to more than 94% of the population across its markets while cutting the average cost of data by 14%. The Group declared a dividend of 500 cents per share, up from 345 cents in 2024, and announced a R6 billion share buyback programme as part of an enhanced shareholder remuneration framework. Looking ahead, MTN unveiled Ambition 2030, its new strategic framework built around three platforms :Connectivity, Fintech, and Digital Infrastructure ,with artificial intelligence positioned as a key lever for growth. “We are hugely excited about Africa’s potential and are well positioned to leverage our scale, footprint and brand leadership to capture the significant structural growth opportunities identified,” Mupita said.

Telecommunications

MTN GH Partners HMD Global to Launch GHS 899 Smartphone

MTN Ghana, in partnership with HMD Global, has launched the HMD Arc, an affordable 4G-enabled smartphone designed to help millions of Ghanaians transition from basic 2G feature phones to devices that unlock the full benefits of the digital world. In a statement released, it explained that this move forms part of the company’s drive to expand digital access nationwide while also supporting the migration of customers to faster and more reliable 4G technology. According to the statement, the device is meant to bridge the affordability gap with a price point set at GHS 899 . Additionally, customers who purchase the device will enjoy 2.5GB of data every month for 6 months. The company added that the smartphone is designed with first-time smartphone users in mind, and will have features such as internet browsing, app access, and enhanced network performance enabling users to tap into digital platforms and services that are increasingly central to everyday life. Commenting on this initiative, the Chief Consumer Officer, Noel Kojo Ganson, stated the partnership aligns with the company’s goal in enhancing digital inclusion . “The collaboration is aligned with MTN Ghana’s long-term strategy of deepening digital access across the country. HMD Global’s reputation for producing durable and accessible mobile devicesmakes them an ideal partner as we work to enhance connectivity and advance digital inclusion for all.”he said Also speaking on this, Commercial Head at HMD, Usman Shahid, added that the partnership is a tangible way of driving broader digital participation in Ghana. “Our partnership with MTN Ghana reflects our shared commitment to expanding 4G access through dependable and accessible devices. Helping more people transition from feature phones to smartphones is a tangible way of driving broader digital participation in Ghana.” The launch of the HMD Arc forms part of MTN Ghana’s broader drive to increase smartphone penetration and support national efforts to build a digitally empowered society. The device will be available at all MTN Ghana Retail Experience Centers and selected partner retail outlets nationwide.

Telecommunications

MTN GH Launches Sim Swap Self-Service

MTN Ghana has launched Sim Swap Self-Service, a move aimed at enabling customers to replace their SIM cards whenever and wherever they may be, eliminating the need to visit a physical service centre for assistance. In a statement released on March,19,2026 , the telecommunication giant explained that this move forms part of its efforts to ensure customer satisfaction through the delivery of convenient, secure and innovative digital solutions. Speaking at the launch which was held simultaneously across six regions , Chief Customer Experience Officer, Jemima Kotei Walsh, explained that the move will not only give customers greater control but also see to a significant reduction in queues and waiting times at various MTN offices across the country. “The need for SIM swaps has always been high, with MTN Ghana handling roughly 250,000 of such requests each month across its service centers. The self-service will ease these burdens by reducing lines, waiting times and giving customers more control and flexibility over their accounts. Before the full rollout, a pilot program had already demonstrated the value of the initiative with more than 18,000 customers successfully swapping their SIMs independently or with very little help at MTN branches. This success was more than just numbers, it was proof of digital empowerment and a shining example of customer-driven innovation in action,” she explained The Director of Consumer Affairs at the National Communications Authority (NCA), Beatrice Hemen also praised the solution,emphasizing that telecom users frequently report SIM swap concerns. She added that the initiative will give customers greater choice and help shape Ghana’s telecommunications ecosystem. “The Authority consistently receives a significant number of SIM swap-related complaints. Empowering customers to handle the process themselves marks a major step forward,” she commented. The statement also highlighted that the new service allows users to replace lost, stolen, or damaged SIM cards quickly even from outside Ghana ensuring minimal disruption to mobile services. It also introduces advanced security features, including biometric facial recognition, to verify users and prevent fraud. MTN GH also noted that Customers can access the service via the myMTN App or by dialing *1333#, making the process fast, simple, and secure. The launch concluded with a live demonstration, showcasing just how easy it is for customers to complete a SIM swap independently.  

Telecommunications

MTN Ghana Set to Hold 8th Annual General Meeting

Scancom PLC (MTN Ghana) is set to hold its 8th Annual General Meeting (AGM) on Tuesday, March 24, 2026, at 11:00 GMT. The meeting will take place physically at the University of Professional Studies, Accra (UPSA) Auditorium and will also be accessible virtually via the company’s AGM platform. The AGM will consider key matters including the audited financial statements for the year ended December 31, 2025, the declaration of a final dividend, and the re-election of several board members. Shareholders will also be asked to approve directors’ fees for 2026 and authorize the remuneration of auditors. In addition, the meeting will deliberate on a revised Non-Executive Directors’ Fee Policy as part of its special business. Shareholders who are unable to attend in person may appoint proxies to participate and vote on their behalf. The company has also provided virtual access options, including free participation for shareholders on its network and a dial-in option for those without smartphones. Voting will be conducted electronically via USSD, while shareholders attending physically are required to present their Ghana Card for identification. The company has made its 2025 audited financial statements available online ahead of the meeting.

Telecommunications

We Have Not Taken Over AT – Telecel CEO Clarifies

Chief Executive Officer of Telecel Ghana, Ing. Patricia Obo-Nai, has clarified that the company has not taken over AT Ghana as some reports suggest. In an interview with Joy FM on the company’s outlook for 2026, she explained that the current arrangement is only a national roaming service approved by the regulator, allowing AT customers to temporarily use Telecel’s network infrastructure. According to her, the arrangement enables AT customers to connect to the Telecel network to make calls and use data services depending on their location. “When a customer wants to make a call, he will latch onto the Telecel network depending on where he is and he will be able to make the call and use data services. When it comes to billing, AT will bill the customer and then pay Telecel,” she explained. She emphasized that Telecel is only providing network infrastructure for roaming services, while AT remains responsible for billing its customers. “We have not taken over AT. AT still bills all the customers. What we do is provide the network infrastructure for the customers to roam. It is a national roaming service and this is what the regulator asked for,” she added. Ing. Obo-Nai noted that the company will continue to provide the roaming service while government works on the next steps regarding the situation.

Telecommunications

Telecel Ghana Records 30% Growth After Rebranding – CEO

Chief Executive Officer of Telecel Ghana, Ing. Patricia Obo-Nai, has revealed that the company recorded close to 30 percent growth at the end of the 2025 financial year. Speaking on Joy FM concerning the transition of the company from Vodafone to Telecel, Ing. Obo-Nai explained that the rebranding process which included extensive organisational changes, including migrating systems, changing contracts, and updating internal communication platforms not only led to the a significant 30 percent growth as compared to the 10 percent growth of previous years but also saw to declaration of profit for the first time since the company’s transition. “We have moved from all the systems from Vodafone.We have moved from even changing emails, contracts, etc. It’s been a lot of work processes, etc. And now we did the brand transition as well. Aside that there’s been a lot of change in the organisation in terms of how we look at our customers, how we look at our network, which is I think everybody wants to know. The transformation in the organisation, having been there for 15 years, this is probably one of my best years. Because whilst we had everybody said Telesol had a network, we didn’t have customer growth.So for a business that was growing 10, maybe 10% there about the end of the financial year 2025, we grew almost 30%. Yes, we are declaring profit for the first time this year. We increased our network.” Ing. Obo-Nai also commended government on the release of additional spectrum in the industry which according to her has increased the number of network sites of the company from about 5,000 to approximately 9,000 sites. This according to her has partly increased improved capacity and coverage. “ So we had about 5000 sites. And now we have about 9000 sites. How did you do that?Today, you will not see many masks in town.Technology has changed. And so we’re building site on site. And I want to thank the government so much for the spectrum that the minister announced had been released for the industry.This was so long overdue. And this really helped us to really build capacity upon capacity on the network. “ She then assured customers that Telecel Ghana will continue investing in its network infrastructure to improve service delivery. Patricia Obo-Nai added that customers should expect better and more reliable telecom services across the country this year as the company expands its capacity and strengthens its operation.

Telecommunications

MTN Foundation to Hand Over Expanded A&E Block to Ho Teaching Hospital

The MTN Foundation, a subsidiary of MTN Ghana, is expected to hand over an expanded Accident & Emergency (A&E) Block at Ho Teaching Hospital to the people of Ho. The ceremony, which will take place on Thursday, March 5, 2026, forms part of the company’s corporate social responsibility in supporting community development and social impact initiatives across Ghana. The handing-over ceremony will bring together key stakeholders, traditional authorities, community leaders, health professionals, and representatives of the MTN Foundation to celebrate the completion of the project. The newly constructed block, which began in June 2024, features modern equipment aimed at enhancing emergency medical care, improving accessibility, and ensuring convenience for patients, staff, and visitors, while improving patient outcomes in the region. The initiative, according to the Foundation, reaffirms its commitment to supporting impactful interventions that enable communities to access quality healthcare services and drive meaningful progress in Ghana.      

Telecommunications

5G Rollout Set for 6th March 2027

Minister of Communications, Digital Technology and Innovations of Ghana, Samuel Nartey George, has stated that the country is expected to achieve 70% 5G rollout by 6th March 2027. Speaking during a media engagement after the President’s delivery of the State of the Nation Address, the Minister clarified that the 70% rollout refers to population coverage and not geographic coverage of 70% of the country’s land area. “But I’m giving an indication to the regulator that by the time Ghana turns 70 on 6th of March next year, 2027, I want to have or see the rollout of 5G within 70% of our population density. Not geographic 70% coverage. Population density in terms of location of handsets and we’ll do that. So Ghana will have 70% 5G rollout.” He also explained that Cabinet has granted the Ministry the authority to remove exclusivity in the wholesale 5G model. ““I announced at the launch of the 30th anniversary of the NCA that cabinet has given us authorisation to take out the exclusivity in the wholesale model. “ He added that the delay in the rollout is a result of the legal processes that must be undertaken, which are currently being followed. “There are a number of steps that the law says we must go through notification and all of that so we’re going through that process “ He further stated that there will be a fresh 5G auction, which will be conducted without prejudice to the existing 5G wholesale model. “You have my word on that. The regulator is going to work. We’re going to do a fresh 5G auction and without any prejudice to the wholesale model that exists already.” The Minister assured that government remains committed to expanding digital infrastructure and improving nationwide connectivity through the phased rollout of 5G technology.        

Telecommunications

MobileMoney LTD Urges Customers to Protect Security Credentials Amid Fraud Claims

MobileMoney LTD, a subsidiary of MTN Ghana, has urged its customers to remain vigilant and avoid sharing their personal security credentials with third parties. In a statement released on 1st March 2026, the subsidiary under the MTN Ghana, which is in charge of handling interoperable mobile money transactions, urged all customers to report fraud-related concerns to its MTN 419 Helpline. This follows a viral video circulating on TikTok by an account handle, “HealwithDiana | Nervous System,” regarding an alleged mobile money fraud incident. In response, the subsidiary revealed that investigations into the matter showed that sensitive security details such as the MoMo App registration OTP, MoMo PIN, and Login OTP ,were shared prior to the fraudulent transaction by the mother of the content creator. This disclosure enabled the fraudster to execute unauthorised transactions. The company further stated that following the incident, the number used to carry out the fraudulent activity has been blocked and blacklisted on the MoMo platform and suspended from voice services. While expressing its commitment to providing a secure, dependable, and convenient digital financial platform supported by robust security systems and continuous customer education initiatives ,the company also urged the general public to verify facts concerning financial services to avoid unintended misinformation. It warned that it may take legal action or any other measures it deems appropriate to safeguard its reputation and service integrity.  

Telecommunications

MTN to Invest US$1.1 Billion in Ghana

Group President and CEO of MTN , Ralph Mupita, has announced the company’s plan to invest US$1.1 billion in Ghana over the next three years to strengthen its infrastructure and improve service delivery. Speaking in a media engagement during his three-day working visit to Ghana , Mupita explained that the investment will help build robust infrastructure and expand MTN’s digital services, reinforcing Ghana’s strategic importance within the MTN Group. “We are going to accelerate capital investment within the business, US$1.1 billion equivalent over a three-year period to build robust infrastructure. Previously, we invested US$1 billion over five years. This acceleration demonstrates that Ghana remains a material operation for the Group.” During his visit, Mr. Mupita also met with key government institutions, including the Bank of Ghana, the Ghana Investment Promotion Centre, and the Ministry of Communications, Digital Technology and Innovations, as well as MTN Ghana’s leadership and staff. MTN Ghana CEO, Stephen Blewett, also revealed during engagements that the company plans to roll out at least 500 new network sites by the end of 2026, a significant jump from the 50 sites added in 2025. He said the expansion is aimed at improving service quality for customers.     The visit emphasized the company’s focus on collaboration with government and regulators to drive investment and digital innovation in Ghana.