MTN Group has reaffirmed its long-term commitment to Nigeria, revealing it has invested more than $10 billion in the country’s digital infrastructure since 2001.
The telecoms giant says this investment has driven widespread connectivity, financial inclusion, and socio-economic empowerment for millions of Nigerians. Despite persistent economic challenges, MTN maintains a bullish outlook on Nigeria’s potential and remains a strong advocate of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) initiative.
“Africa stands at a pivotal moment of transformation. The path to shared prosperity relies not on individual progress, but on collective strength and commitment,” MTN said in a statement.
Central to this vision, MTN emphasized, is the strategic partnership between South Africa and Nigeria — two of Africa’s largest economies — and the institutions that bridge them. The Group recently hosted South Africa’s Minister of Trade, Industry and Competition, Parks Tau, and his delegation at its headquarters in Johannesburg to strengthen these ties.
“As global uncertainties reshape trade and technology, Africa must respond in solidarity. MTN sees itself as an economic diplomatic bridge between Nigeria and South Africa — promoting growth, inclusion, and opportunity across the continent,” the company said.
$10 Billion and Counting: MTN’s Impact in Nigeria
Since entering Nigeria in 2001, MTN has become the country’s largest telecoms operator with over 80 million subscribers. Its impact extends beyond connectivity:
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Employment: Thousands of direct jobs and hundreds of thousands supported across its value chain.
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Digital inclusion: Widened access to digital tools and services.
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Financial empowerment: Deepening reach of mobile financial services.
“Our biggest achievement is not just the scale of our investment, but the positive social and developmental outcomes that follow — from enhanced financial inclusion to enterprise empowerment through technology.”
Navigating Challenges, Staying Committed
While reaffirming its long-term presence in Nigeria, MTN acknowledged the country’s challenging economic environment. Factors such as inflation, forex scarcity, and currency depreciation have strained operations and investor confidence. Still, the Group emphasized its unwavering belief in Nigeria’s enduring potential.
“Our resolve is driven by a vision of inclusive growth and a belief in Nigeria’s strategic importance to the continent,” MTN stated.
Next Frontier: South Africa–Nigeria Trade & Investment Summit
To further strengthen bilateral relations, MTN highlighted the upcoming South Africa–Nigeria Trade and Investment Summit, set to hold in Abuja later this year. The summit will focus on resolving longstanding trade and regulatory issues, expanding reciprocal market access, and fostering institutional dialogue.
“This summit should serve as more than a diplomatic forum — it must drive actionable reforms and empower the private sector to lead cross-border trade and investment.”
Driving AfCFTA Through Digital Infrastructure
MTN reiterated its support for AfCFTA by investing in the digital backbone that will power intra-African trade. This includes:
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Seamless mobile connectivity
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Cross-border digital payments
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Platforms for regional entrepreneurship
Beyond infrastructure, MTN is fostering cultural exchange through its Media Innovation Programme, which brings Nigerian media professionals to South Africa for immersive learning.
“We believe integration must go beyond economics. By nurturing relationships between future leaders across Africa, we are building lasting connections that will sustain the continent’s growth.”
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