BY Nadia Ntiamoah
The MTN Group has reaffirmed its commitment to driving Africa’s digital transformation and economic progress as it joined the continent in commemorating Africa Day, highlighting its role as a pan-African digital operator deeply rooted in the continent’s growth story.
In a statement issued to mark the occasion, MTN described itself as a company “born on the continent and inherently African,” drawing inspiration from the words of the first President, Kwame Nkrumah, who famously said: “I am not African because I was born in Africa, but because Africa was born in me.”
The company emphasized that its operations across 19 African markets position it as one of the continent’s leading digital and connectivity platforms, serving approximately a quarter of a billion customers while employing more than 15,000 people from 74 nationalities and ethnic backgrounds.
According to MTN, 87% of employees recruited in 2025 were local hires from the countries in which they work, reflecting the Group’s commitment to local participation and economic inclusion.
Group President and CEO, Ralph Mupita, described Africa’s future as closely tied to unity, youth empowerment, and technology-driven growth.
He noted that Africa’s youthful population presents a major opportunity, with the continent expected to host the world’s largest workforce by 2040.
“Our Pan-African roots run deep, and today we are humbled and proud to acknowledge these,” Mr. Mupita stated, adding that MTN remains committed to helping unlock Africa’s vast potential through investments in digital infrastructure and technology platforms.
Massive Economic Contribution Across Africa
The telecommunications giant highlighted its economic footprint across the continent, disclosing that it generated approximately R150 billion in economic value-added in 2025, while contributing R61.1 billion in taxes across its markets.
The company also reported a capital expenditure of R38.5 billion in 2025, aimed at strengthening digital and physical infrastructure to support connectivity and digital inclusion.
According to MTN, these investments are helping to build durable national digital backbones while expanding access to digital services, financial inclusion, and economic opportunities for millions of Africans.
The Group also underscored the importance of its stock exchange listings in countries including Ghana, Nigeria, Uganda, and Rwanda, describing them as key instruments for localization and wealth creation within African economies.
Focus on Youth, Inclusion and Technology
MTN stated that beyond commercial operations, it continues to invest heavily in corporate social initiatives, revealing that its social investments totaled R269 million in 2025, benefiting approximately 2.3 million people, the majority of whom were youth.
The company stressed that technology remains one of the most powerful tools for Africa’s transformation, particularly in areas such as education, healthcare, entrepreneurship, financial inclusion, and access to markets.
Mupita said Africa’s future depends on collective action, investment in digital skills, and empowering young innovators to solve African challenges using African solutions.
“Digital technology will be one of the great catalysts of that future,” he noted. “By connecting more people and expanding access to financial services, education, healthcare and markets, technology can help unlock progress at scale.”
Connected Africa
Looking ahead, MTN said sustained investments in digital infrastructure, trusted platforms, and digital literacy would help build a more connected, competitive, and resilient Africa capable of shaping its own future in the digital age.
The company also invited Africans to participate in its Africa Day engagement campaign by sharing personal reflections on what Africa means to them and uploading photos to generate personalized Africa Day images.
