MTN Group Exceeds 300 Million Customers as 2025 Results Signal Next Growth Phase

The telecoms operator said the results reflect strong commercial momentum across key markets, led by standout performances from MTN Nigeria and MTN Ghana, alongside a resilient performance from MTN South Africa.

MTN Group has reported strong operational and financial results for the year ended 31 December 2025, marking the successful completion of its Ambition 2025 strategy and setting the stage for its next phase of growth under Ambition 2030.

The telecoms operator said the results reflect strong commercial momentum across key markets, led by standout performances from MTN Nigeria and MTN Ghana, alongside a resilient performance from MTN South Africa.

“The Group’s overall performance in 2025 was excellent. In the final year of our Ambition 2025 strategy, we were proud to have exceeded the 300 million customers milestone in line with our priority to deepen digital and financial inclusion.”

– Ralph Mupita, President and CEO, MTN Group

Customer Growth and Network Investment

By the end of 2025, MTN served more than 307 million voice customers, including 172 million data users and 70 million Mobile Money customers across its 16 markets in Africa.

The company attributed this growth to strong commercial execution and sustained investment in network infrastructure. During the year, MTN invested R38 billion to improve network capacity, expand coverage, and enhance service quality.

Data usage continued to rise sharply across the Group’s footprint. Data traffic increased 27 percent, while average monthly consumption per user grew from 10.8GB to 12.5GB.

Fintech Platform Continues to Scale

MTN’s fintech ecosystem also recorded strong growth, supported by increasing adoption of advanced financial services.

Transaction volumes rose 15 percent to more than 23 billion, with the total value of Mobile Money transactions exceeding US$500 billion during the year.

The company said the expansion of its fintech platform remains a key driver of financial inclusion across the continent.

Financial Performance

Supported by improving macroeconomic conditions, MTN reported service revenue of R218 billion, representing an increase of nearly 25 percent.

In constant currency terms:

MTN Nigeria grew service revenue 54.9 percent

MTN Ghana grew 35.9 percent

MTN South Africa recorded 2 percent growth, demonstrating resilience in a mature and competitive market

Group EBITDA (before once-off items) rose to R98.5 billion, supported by R3.6 billion in expense efficiencies during the year.

Basic earnings per share returned to profitability after a loss in 2024, while adjusted headline EPS increased by 67 percent.

Dividend and Shareholder Returns

Reflecting the improved financial position, MTN declared a dividend of 500 cents per share, up from 345 cents in 2024, exceeding the Board’s previously guided minimum of 370 cents per share.

The Group also introduced an enhanced shareholder remuneration framework that includes a R6 billion share buyback programme.

Looking Ahead: Ambition 2030

Alongside its financial results, MTN unveiled Ambition 2030, its next strategic framework designed to capture long-term growth opportunities driven by accelerating data adoption and financial inclusion across Africa.

The strategy focuses on three core platforms:

Connectivity

Fintech

Digital Infrastructure

MTN plans to leverage artificial intelligence and digital platforms to deliver improved customer experiences while expanding services for consumers, homes, and businesses.

Mupita said the strategy positions the Group to capture the continent’s long-term digital growth potential.

“We are hugely excited about Africa’s potential and are well positioned to leverage our scale, footprint and brand leadership to capture the significant structural growth opportunities identified. We are committed to accelerate our impact and empower the people, businesses and nation states we serve.”

– Ralph Mupita, President and CEO, MTN Group

The company added that it remains mindful of global geopolitical risks but believes the Ambition 2030 framework provides the right foundation for sustained growth and value creation.

SOURCE : Tech Africa news