The MTN Group is driven by enabling Africa’s full potential, according to Ralph Mupita, President & CEO.

Since connectivity is about opportunities rather than just technology, digital inclusion is a vital driver of the continent’s socioeconomic development. I usually mention a school in rural Uganda that has digital access for the first time when people ask what progress looks like. Or to a businesswoman in Cameroon who operates her company utilising MoMo, MTN’s mobile money technology. Or a Ghanaian solar-powered website that links people in areas lacking physical infrastructure.

This is what we do at MTN. It’s how we fulfil our mission: allowing everyone in our markets to enjoy the advantages of a contemporary, connected life. It is the structure that directs our corporate governance, innovation, partnerships, and investments.

In 2024, we paid more than R10 billion in income taxes and invested close to R30 billion in technology and infrastructure. These contributions are significant. However, what defines us are the opportunities and occupations they make possible.

We enabled digital connectivity for 291 million individuals in 2024, including 158 million internet users and 63 million MoMo customers who received financial services.

Our broadband network currently serves 500 million people, or around 93% of the population in our markets. We helped 22 million people become digitally literate, encouraging active engagement in the digital economy. We provided support for 3.5 million indirect jobs through our MoMo enterprises and GSM network.

Since its inception in 2007, our group-wide employee volunteerism programme 21 Days of Y’ello Care sees MTNers roll up their sleeves to improve the lives of their communities. Over the years, we have impacted hundreds of thousands of people. The campaign is a testament to the power of collective action, reminding us that even small acts of kindness can create a ripple effect of change.

Progress is never a solo effort. It requires collaboration across public and private sectors, across borders and disciplines. Whether it’s partnering with governments to expand coverage, working with innovators to extend digital finance, or engaging civil society to deepen inclusion, we know the best results come when we listen and co-create.

Keeping consumer experiences safe is part of the responsibility we carry. We know that trust is earned and we remain focused on building resilience, protecting digital human rights, and responding transparently when challenges arise. We carry this responsibility with humility and determination. And it’s the lens through which we will continue to serve and invest.

Amid the current significant geopolitical shifts and technological developments, it’s clear that Africa needs to chart and champion its own growth and progress. If it doesn’t, there is a real risk that the continent gets left behind. Embracing technologies such as 5G, non-terrestrial networks and generative AI will be key drivers of future progress and socioeconomic development.

At MTN, we believe that there are some foundational policy positions that will be critical for technology to meaningfully drive more inclusive growth. These include:

A conducive policy and regulatory environment to accelerate investment in digital infrastructure.
Sufficient spectrum resources to meet surging demand for data services.
A fair and transparent regulatory regime for terrestrial networks, non-terrestrial networks and OTT services.
Competition policy to enable market consolidation given the sector’s significant investment requirements.

Fiscal policy reforms to make further progress on digital and financial inclusion, such as the reduction in import duties on smartphones and the removal of levies on mobile money transactions.
Investment in critical infrastructure, including reliable grid power.
Digital skills development to advance the development of the digital economy.

These foundational policy positions, consistently adopted across the continent, have the power to drive structural growth of the digital economy of Africa, and realise the continent’s full potential as we look to achieve the goals of the AU Agenda 2063 and beyond.