MTN Celebrates 300 Million Subscribers Across Africa, Strengthens Africa’s Digital Agenda

Africa’s largest telecoms company, MTN Group, has officially crossed the 300 million subscriber mark, fulfilling its “Ambition 2025” strategic target. The company announced the milestone during its Annual Ambassadors Appreciation Dinner held on Wednesday, marking a defining moment in its three-decade journey of connecting the continent.

According to a statement released by MTN Group on Friday, the achievement underscores its commitment to driving digital connectivity, financial inclusion, and socioeconomic empowerment across its 16 African markets.

Mupita: Africa Must Take Charge of Its Digital Future

Speaking at the event, MTN Group President and CEO, Ralph Mupita, called for stronger collaboration and local investment to accelerate Africa’s digital transformation amid global uncertainty and declining foreign aid.

“The time is now for Africa to take charge of its own socioeconomic progress. We need to look within for solutions and to develop our own communities,” Mupita said.

He commended MTN’s workforce — known internally as MTNers — for their commitment and resilience in achieving this historic milestone. He also highlighted their voluntary work through the company’s 21 Days of Y’ello Care initiative, which continues to expand digital and financial access in underserved communities.

300 Million Milestone: A Testament to Resilience and Innovation

MTN’s growth momentum has been steady throughout the year. In its H1 2025 financial report, the Group reported a 4.7% increase in subscriber base to 297.7 million. Just two months later, it added another 3 million subscribers, crossing the 300 million threshold.

This accomplishment not only solidifies MTN’s position as Africa’s leading telecom operator but also reflects its success in connecting both urban and rural communities through innovative products and services.

The company also reaffirmed its alignment with the African Union’s Agenda 2063, which envisions a digitally empowered and globally competitive continent.

Subsidiaries Shine Across Africa

The appreciation dinner also highlighted outstanding performances across MTN’s regional subsidiaries:

• MTN Nigeria received a Special Mention Award for its innovative Y’ello Boxes and MoMo Market Storm projects, which have empowered women, traders, and SMEs through digital and financial inclusion.

• MoMo (Mobile Money) won the inaugural Platform Business Award, recognizing its role in bridging financial access gaps across Africa.

• MTN Uganda bagged the SEA Region Award for deploying solar-powered health centres and computer labs in remote areas.

• MTN Eswatini was honoured for integrating MoMo in public service delivery and digital literacy campaigns.

• MTN Cameroon earned the WECA Region Award for building community-driven digital innovation hubs.

Strong Financial Performance

MTN Group’s financial results mirror its operational success. The telecom giant recorded a 22.4% increase in service revenue, largely driven by strong performances in Nigeria and Ghana.

Its Headline Earnings Per Share (HEPS) surged by over 350% to 645 cents, recovering sharply from a 256-cent loss in H1 2024 — a reflection of disciplined execution and operational resilience despite inflationary pressures and forex challenges in key markets.

A Digital Future Anchored in Partnership

Mupita praised MTN’s diplomatic and business partners for their ongoing support, emphasizing that partnership remains central to Africa’s collective progress.

“By digitally connecting African homes and communities, we are laying the foundation for a more inclusive, innovative, and self-reliant continent,” he noted.

As MTN celebrates its 300 million-customer milestone, the company reaffirms its vision to lead Africa’s digital evolution — one connection at a time.