MTN Reaffirms Commitment to Africa’s Growth and Youth Empowerment on Africa Day

Telecommunications giant MTN Group has reaffirmed its commitment to Africa’s development, digital transformation and youth empowerment as the continent marked Africa Day.

In a statement released to commemorate the occasion, the company said it remains focused on unlocking Africa’s potential through technology, connectivity and digital inclusion.

Quoting Ghana’s first President, Kwame Nkrumah, MTN highlighted the importance of African unity and identity, stating: “I am not African because I was born in Africa, but because Africa was born in me.”

The company described itself as a proudly African business that currently serves more than 250 million customers across 19 markets on the continent.

MTN also disclosed that it employs around 15,000 people from 74 nationalities and ethnic groups. According to the company, 87% of employees recruited in 2025 were locals working in their home countries.

Speaking on the company’s vision for the continent, MTN Group President and CEO, Ralph Mupita, said the company’s Pan-African identity remains at the heart of its operations.

“Our Pan-African roots run deep, and today we are humbled and proud to acknowledge these,” he said.

“Our continent has enormous potential, and we are committed to helping unlock this through our networks and platforms.”

Mr Mupita noted that Africa’s growing youthful population presents one of the continent’s greatest opportunities. He stressed that unity among African countries would be essential in creating a prosperous future for young people.

“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 stated.

MTN revealed that it generated R150 billion in economic value across its markets in 2025 and contributed R61.1 billion in taxes.

The company further announced that it invested R38.5 billion in capital expenditure during the year to expand digital and physical infrastructure across Africa.

According to MTN, these investments are helping to strengthen digital connectivity, create jobs, support local businesses and improve access to important services such as education, healthcare and infrastructure.

“Our success is irrevocably tied to the progress of the nations we serve,” Mr Mupita said.

“Together, we create jobs, develop local suppliers, build digital skills and support essential services like education, healthcare and infrastructure.”

MTN also disclosed that its corporate social investments reached R269 million in 2025, benefiting about 2.3 million people across the continent, with most beneficiaries being young Africans.

The company reiterated its commitment to promoting digital and financial inclusion, describing technology as a major driver of Africa’s future growth and opportunities.

“We’ve made it our goal to drive digital and financial inclusion, giving the people in the communities we serve dignity, hope and opportunity,” Mr Mupita added.

“Africa needs to chart and champion her own growth. It is up to us all to unlock Africa’s boundless potential.”

Looking ahead, MTN said Africa’s progress would depend on stronger unity among nations, increased investment in education and entrepreneurship, and continued expansion of digital infrastructure across the continent.