Top 10 Telecom Operators in Africa (2026) by Subscriber Base

Africa’s telecom industry remains a critical driver of the continent’s digital economy, connecting over 1 billion subscribers across 54 countries. With more than 150 operators in the market, competition continues to fuel innovation, expand access, and deepen financial inclusion.

Here’s a breakdown of the top 10 telecom operators in Africa in 2026 by customer base, based on latest industry data and 2025 financial reports.

1. MTN Group — 307.2 Million Subscribers

MTN retains its position as Africa’s largest telecom operator, surpassing 300 million users in 2025.

Operates in 16 African countries
Largest market: Nigeria (97.3 million users)
Key driver: aggressive expansion and fintech growth
2. Airtel Africa — 179.4 Million

A subsidiary of Bharti Airtel, Airtel Africa is a dominant force across the continent.

Presence in 14 countries
Strongest market: Nigeria (56.2 million users)
Rapid growth in East and Francophone Africa

3. Orange — 170 Million

Orange’s African operations account for over 60% of its global subscriber base.

Key markets: Côte d’Ivoire, Senegal, Cameroon
Broad footprint across North, West, and Central Africa

4. Vodacom Group — 165.3 Million

Majority-owned by Vodafone, Vodacom is a leading player in Southern and East Africa.

Largest market: Egypt (53.1 million users)
Operations across 6 African countries

5. Ethio Telecom — 87.1 Million

Ethiopia’s state-owned telecom giant continues to dominate its home market.

Maintains stronghold despite new competition
Key to Ethiopia’s ongoing telecom liberalisation

6. Maroc Telecom — 77 Million

Operating under the Moov Africa brand across multiple countries:

Active in 11 African markets
Majority owned by Etisalat
Largest market: Morocco
7. Safaricom — 57.07 Million

A market leader in Kenya, driven by its fintech platform M-PESA.

Expanding into Ethiopia
Strong dominance in Kenya’s telecom space

8. Yas — 41 Million

A fast-growing pan-African brand under AXIAN Telecom.

Operates in Madagascar, Tanzania, Senegal, Togo, and Comoros
Focus on 4G/5G and digital financial services

9. Telkom South Africa — 25 Million

A key player in South Africa’s telecom and broadband market.

Offers fixed, mobile, and fibre services
Government remains a major shareholder

10. Globacom — 22.6 Million

Nigeria’s third-largest operator rounds out the list.

Operates solely in Nigeria after exiting other markets
Owned by Mike Adenuga