Leading telecommunications giant MTN Group has reaffirmed its commitment to driving Africa’s digital transformation and economic growth as the continent commemorates Africa Day.
Drawing inspiration from the words of Ghana’s first President, Kwame Nkrumah — “I am not African because I was born in Africa, but because Africa was born in me” — MTN says its identity and mission remain deeply rooted in the African continent and its people.
In a statement marking Africa Day, MTN described itself as a proudly Pan-African digital operator serving over a quarter of a billion customers across 19 markets on the continent. The company noted that its workforce of approximately 15,000 employees represents 74 nationalities and ethnic groups, reflecting the diversity and unity of Africa.
MTN Group President and Chief Executive Officer, Ralph Mupita, said the company remains committed to unlocking Africa’s enormous potential through sustained investment in digital infrastructure, technology and human capital.
“Our Pan-African roots run deep, and today we are humbled and proud to acknowledge these,” he stated. “Our continent has enormous potential, and we are committed to helping unlock this through our networks and platforms.”
According to the company, its purpose is to lead digital solutions for Africa’s progress by expanding connectivity, promoting financial inclusion and supporting socio-economic development across the continent.
MTN disclosed that in 2025 alone, it generated approximately R150 billion in economic value-added across its markets, while contributing R61.1 billion in taxes. The company also invested R38.5 billion in capital expenditure aimed at strengthening physical and digital infrastructure to improve connectivity and accelerate digital inclusion.
The telecommunications operator emphasized that these investments are helping to build durable national digital backbones while creating opportunities for businesses, communities and individuals across Africa.
The company further revealed that its corporate social investments in 2025 amounted to R269 million, positively impacting about 2.3 million people, most of them young Africans. MTN noted that its initiatives focus on education, healthcare, entrepreneurship, skills development and the growth of local businesses.
Mr. Mupita stressed that Africa’s youthful population presents a major opportunity for the continent’s future prosperity if governments and businesses invest intentionally in education, digital skills and meaningful employment.
“The unity of Africans is the strongest foundation off which to secure a prosperous future for Africa’s youth, who will represent the world’s largest workforce by 2040,” he said.
He added that MTN’s listings on stock exchanges in countries including Nigeria, Ghana, Uganda and Rwanda form part of the company’s localisation and value-creation agenda.
Looking ahead, MTN believes digital technology will remain one of the greatest catalysts for Africa’s development by improving access to financial services, education, healthcare and markets while empowering young innovators to develop African solutions to African challenges.
The company called for greater unity, collaboration and collective resolve among Africans to build a more inclusive, resilient and prosperous continent capable of shaping its own destiny in the digital age.
Founded in 1994, MTN Group is listed on the Johannesburg Stock Exchange under the share code “MTN” and continues to pursue its Ambition 2030 strategy focused on accelerating digital and economic empowerment across Africa.
