Category: Media releases

MTN Group, in partnership with the University of Johannesburg (UJ) and the African Editors Forum (TAEF), today launched the Pan-African Media Innovation Programme (MIP), a continental initiative to equip journalists with the skills, tools, and networks required to navigate a rapidly changing information environment.

The programme builds on the success of the MTN Nigeria MIP, established in 2022, and now extends the model to media practitioners across MTN’s footprint. It offers a certified 12-week curriculum, delivered independently by UJ and TAEF, which combines online academic modules with in-person immersion in Johannesburg. Participants will explore digital transformation, the sustainability of independent media, ethics and law, entrepreneurship, and the impact of platforms and emerging technologies on the information ecosystem. Industry masterclasses, newsroom visits, and innovation projects will connect academic learning to practice.

The launch comes at a time when Africa, like the rest of the world, faces rising levels of fake news, coordinated disinformation, and fragile business models. Strengthening media resilience is critical to advancing the African Union’s Agenda 2063 goal of inclusive, informed, and democratic societies. For MTN, the initiative also aligns with its role as a trusted partner to the countries where it operates, ensuring that connectivity supports not only digital access but also the institutions that safeguard trust.

Speaking at the launch, Nompilo Morafo, MTN Group Chief Sustainability and Corporate Affairs Officer said, “Africa’s digital future depends on both the infrastructure we build and the strength of the institutions that foster trust and accountability. Through the Pan-African MIP, we are investing in media capacity and innovation alongside respected academic and editorial partners. Together we aim to strengthen the information ecosystems that are essential for resilient democracies and inclusive growth.”

UJ spokesperson added, “Our partnership ensures that the programme is rooted in academic rigour while responsive to the realities of newsrooms. Equipping journalists with the skills to navigate disruption and build sustainable models is critical for the future of the profession.”

African Editors Forum spokesperson said, “Editors across Africa welcome this initiative. Independent media are indispensable to democratic governance, and partnerships such as this provide a pathway to greater resilience, collaboration, and trust.”

The launch, held at MTN’s Innovation Centre in Johannesburg, coincided with a visit from Nigerian journalists representing the MIP Alumni Association, symbolising the transition from a national programme to a Pan-African platform. The first cohort of fellows will begin in 2026.

MTN Group Fintech, Africa’s largest fintech platform by scale and reach, will be hosting its inaugural MTN Fintech Summit 2025 in Johannesburg, South Africa, from 9 to 11 September 2025.

Themed “Take-Off”, the Summit will convene 300 delegates from across Africa and beyond, including policy makers, regulators, fintech innovators, and industry leaders from our diverse markets.

The Summit represents a landmark moment in MTN Group Fintech’s growth, designed to spark collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and new commercial opportunities across Africa’s digital financial services ecosystem.

Serigne Dioum, CEO: MTN Group Fintech, said: “Our theme ‘Take-Off’ captures the essence of our current trajectory, a pivotal moment where strategic groundwork meets execution, and innovation meets scale. This inaugural summit underscores our commitment to the ever-growing pedigree of Africa’s fintech landscape. By bringing together leading innovators, regulators, and policymakers, we aim to shape inclusive and trusted digital financial systems that unlock new opportunities, uplift communities, and drive lasting socio-economic impact across the continent.”

Structured into two interconnected streams – a Regulatory & Policy Forum and a Commercial & Ecosystem Forum – the Summit will explore strategies to strengthen regulatory frameworks, deepen industry collaboration, and accelerate digital and financial inclusion.

The Summit will feature a series of high-impact sessions focused on advancing financial innovation and regulatory alignment across Africa. Key discussions will explore how regulators and fintech’s can unlock the full potential of cross-border remittances and float, the delicate balance between data sovereignty and regulatory compliance, and the need for harmonized oversight of Mobile Money Payment Service Providers (PSPs).

Nikiwe Tanga, Chief Legal Officer at MTN Group Fintech, added: “Our ambition extends beyond commercial objectives to include the advancement of sound regulatory and legal frameworks that support inclusive financial systems. This summit underscores MTN Group Fintech’s commitment to fostering trusted digital ecosystems that align with evolving legal standards and regulatory expectations. By facilitating dialogue, reinforcing compliance-driven partnerships, and promoting responsible innovation, we are contributing to the development of resilient financial infrastructures that uphold the rule of law and deliver sustainable value across Africa.”

The MTN Fintech Summit 2025 is set to become a cornerstone platform for Africa’s digital transformation journey, highlighting the critical role of fintech in bridging gaps in access, opportunity, and innovation.

MTN Group notes the recent Business Day editorial commentary. It is incorrect to suggest that the leadership changes announced alongside interim results on 18 August 2025 were not explained to stakeholders.

As communicated in the SENS announcement of 18 August, the rationale was clear: the changes follow a review of the strategy by the Group Board of Directors and are intended to strengthen strategy execution and delivery over the next three to five years as we look beyond 2025, supporting MTN’s work to accelerate Africa’s digital future.

The fact that the Group decided – in addition to the H1 results announcement – to publish a separate SENS announcement entitled “Group strategic review and operating model changes to support execution / Changes to the board of MTN South Africa” underscores the seriousness with which MTN took this comprehensive disclosure.

In addition to the SENS announcement, these changes were explained in the Group’s interim results presentation; during investor and media calls, meetings and interviews; and directly to employees through numerous internal engagements – like the Open Session held with staff on 18 August and in communications across other internal platforms. They were also unpacked directly with members of our Executive Committee, including at a three-day off-site gathering.

Stakeholders were provided with links to the premiere episode of MTN’s Y’ello Chair podcast, which was produced in collaboration with Business Day. This was also made available on our www.mtn.com landing page.

We continue to engage with shareholders in our H1 results roadshow, the first leg of which our leadership has just completed in South Africa. During these meetings, our executives engaged with major shareholders. The next stage of the roadshow takes our leadership to investors in the United Kingdom and United States.  

Across all channels, the message has been consistent: these leadership transitions are deliberate, strategic, and aligned with the Group’s medium-term objectives.

A key quote from MTN Group President and CEO Ralph Mupita during the results presentation sums it up: “I think the key feature is that the same team that has been executing is still the same team that we’ve appointed to take the strategy forward. Some people have been moved around in terms of different roles, but the aim is still to create value as we look three to five years out.”  

MTN remains committed to transparent, accurate, and timely communication with all stakeholders in line with regulatory requirements and best practice. In line with our commitment to good governance, we are available to engage with stakeholders through our Press Office (MTNGroup.PressOffice@mtn.com) and Investor Relations (investor.relations@mtn.com).

MTN Group’s purpose is to enable the benefits of a modern connected life for everyone across our markets. Our strategy is to lead digital solutions for Africa’s progress. 

We serve 298 million customers across 16 markets. We are committed to respecting and protecting human rights within our markets and sphere of influence. Our digital products and services play a critical role in advancing and protecting human rights. We strive to provide these products and services in a manner that does not impede or infringe on the rights of people.

Since 2006, MTN Group has held a minority investment in Irancell, which is not under MTN Group’s operational control. Under the current sanctions regime against Iran, the company has not deployed any capital into the business and has not extracted capital or dividends.

MTN has a robust ethics and compliance programme that is designed to ensure compliance with law, including international trade and sanctions regulations.

MTN Group has deep sympathy for those who have been injured or lost loved ones as result of the tragic conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan. MTN Group is respectfully defending cases brought against it by plaintiffs in the United States, as the company was not involved in those tragic events, and maintains that the plaintiffs have sued the wrong defendants in the wrong courts.

MTN has been approached, through its external US counsel, regarding a US Department of Justice (DoJ) grand jury investigation relating to MTN Group, its former subsidiary in Afghanistan and Irancell. MTN is cooperating with the DoJ and voluntarily responding to requests for information. MTN exited its Afghanistan business in early 2024.

MTN has not been charged with any violations of the law. As we are dealing with an ongoing investigation, MTN is limited in what it can say at this time.  We will provide further information when we are able to do so.

MTN continues to deliver strong operational and financial performance, with robust growth across our markets and a clear focus on connecting and empowering communities.

MTN is committed to the highest standards of ethical business practice and compliance with international laws where they are applicable. We are engaging transparently and constructively with all relevant authorities and will continue to do so.

For direct quotes from MTN Group President and CEO Ralph Mupita on this matter, see The Y’ello Chair Vodcast.

For our initial reporting of the DoJ investigation, see our H1 2025 results announcement.

MTN Group has significantly advanced its internal cloud capabilities by certifying over 1250 employees through the Microsoft Enterprise Skills Initiative (ESI). Over the last 12 months, MTN has certified more employees than any other Microsoft customer in Africa. This reflects MTN’s sustained investment in workforce development as a core pillar of its digital transformation agenda.

This achievement forms part of MTN’s broader cloud strategy, launched in 2022 under Project Nephos, which began with the establishment of its Cloud Centre of Excellence (CCoE) and a strategic five-year partnership with Microsoft. The initiative is designed to build enterprise-wide capability in cloud technologies and deliver measurable business value across operations and customer experience.

Delivered through a structured and comprehensive curriculum, the Microsoft ESI programme covered a range of critical areas, including Azure Fundamentals, Apps and Infrastructure, Data and AI, Security, DevSecOps and Data Management. This extensive training initiative has equipped MTN employees across its markets and platform businesses with the necessary skills to effectively leverage cloud technologies, driving innovation and improving operational efficiency.

“The scale and pace of certification across the Group have been remarkable, led by MTN South Africa and MTN Nigeria, with strong engagement from our other operating companies, including Fintech, Bayobab – our digital infrastructure business and Chenosis – our API marketplace. The Microsoft ESI programme has provided a structured learning path that enables employees to build meaningful technical depth and apply these skills in their roles,” said Nikos Angelopoulos, MTN Group Chief Information Officer, expressing his satisfaction with the programme’s outcomes.

“We are encouraged by this recognition and remain focused on growing digital capabilities within MTN and the societies in which we operate, while building the digital platforms that will power Africa’s transformation,” he added.

Beyond technical proficiency, the ESI programme has contributed to a culture of continuous learning and professional development within MTN. It supports the Group’s commitment to nurturing future-fit talent and embedding scalable digital capabilities that align with MTN’s long-term digital and operational goals.

Alkis Flemetakis, Account Director at Microsoft, highlighted the strategic importance of the ESI programme for MTN: “Our collaboration with MTN Group through the ESI programme has been instrumental in supporting their digital transformation journey. By equipping their workforce with advanced cloud skills, MTN is well-positioned to drive innovation and deliver exceptional value to their customers.”

Building on this momentum, MTN plans to deepen its engagement with Microsoft by expanding the programme to include advanced certifications in Artificial Intelligence (AI), Security, and Modern Workplace. This next phase supports MTN’s transition to a cloud-native, platform-led organisation and underscores its commitment to enabling scalable, technology-driven impact across the markets it serves.

Initiatives like the ESI are fundamental to MTN’s long-term strategy to build future-fit talent, accelerate cloud adoption, and lead digital transformation across Africa. By equipping its people with critical capabilities, MTN is strengthening its position as a technology-driven platform business, committed to unlocking inclusive growth and long-term value.

MTN Group is pleased to announce an important development in the delivery of its Ambition 2025 strategy with the approval by shareholders of MTN Uganda of the structural separation out of MTN Mobile Money (U) Limited.

The strategic intent of Ambition 2025 is ‘leading digital solutions for Africa’s progress. The separation across MTN operations of the fintech and MoMo businesses from the GSM businesses aims to drive accelerated scale, efficiency and better service delivery to customers.

“This approval – at a rate of 99.9% – by MTN Uganda shareholders is an important milestone in the Group’s strategic evolution and delivery of our platform strategy,” said MTN Group President and Chief Executive Officer Ralph Mupita.

MTN Uganda is the first of the listed MTN subsidiaries that have sought and secured approval from their shareholders to structurally separate the fintech business. A similar process will be followed at other listed subsidiaries in due course.

At an extraordinary general meeting (EGM) in Ghana in May, Scancom PLC (MTN Ghana) outlined details of its plans to restructure its MoMo subsidiary in line with national financial regulations as well as the Group’s strategy. 

The approval by shareholders in Uganda at an EGM on Tuesday, 22 July, is in line with statutory requirements in that country, which seek to support the growth of digital services. The completion of the transaction remains subject to regulatory approvals and other customary conditions.

In 2024, the MTN Group served more than 63 million active monthly MoMo users in 14 of its 16 markets. They carried out more than 20 billion transactions worth in excess of US$320 billion.

MTN Group is aware of recent media reports regarding its minority investment in Iran. Some of these reports contain false and misleading information.

Since 2006, MTN Group has held a 49% investment in Irancell, which is not under MTN’s operational control. MTN does not benefit from this interest. The Group has not extracted any capital or dividends, nor deployed any capital into, the Iran business since May 2018, when US sanctions were re-imposed against Iran. This was after the US exited the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action deal.

MTN ensures strict adherence to global sanctions regulations and maintains legal and ethical compliance across markets.

Among media reporting afresh on our interest in Iran is Polity.

In 2020, MTN Group resolved to simplify its portfolio and focus on its pan-African strategy, announcing its intention to exit the Middle East in an orderly manner. MTN Group’s strategy is to lead digital solutions for Africa’s progress. As at 31 March 2025, we served 297 million customers across 16 markets.

We are committed to respecting and protecting human rights within the markets we serve and our broader sphere of influence. Our digital products and services play a critical role in advancing and protecting human rights. We strive to provide these in a manner that does not impede or infringe on the rights of people.

In the US, MTN is a defendant in litigation related to the Anti-Terrorism Act. MTN has deep sympathy for those who have been injured or lost loved ones as a result of the conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan. MTN Group respectfully defends these cases as the Company was not involved in those tragic events. We regularly provide updates on these cases (including in our 2024 Annual Financial Statements) in which the Group has not been found guilty by any court of any wrongdoing.

MTN Group is chaired by Mcebisi Jonas. South African President Cyril Ramaphosa served as Chairman of MTN Group more than 12 years ago. He resigned in May 2013. Any suggestion that MTN has input into the foreign policy of South Africa is false and misleading. MTN Group’s business decisions are separate from the South African Government’s foreign policy.

MTN Group is pleased to announce the appointment of David Behr as Group Chief Enterprise Business Officer, reporting to the MTN Group Chief Commercial Officer, effective 1 July 2025.  In this role, David will lead the Group’s integrated Enterprise Business function, following the recent consolidation of Converged Solutions and the Group Enterprise Business Unit into a single, streamlined structure.

This development follows strategic work initiated earlier this year to streamline MTN’s commercial operations. The integration forms part of the Group’s broader ambition to drive Commercial Excellence by improving alignment across Go-To-Market channels and strengthening synergies across functions. It positions MTN to more effectively deliver comprehensive, end-to-end enterprise solutions, while expanding its capabilities as a systems integrator and provider of managed services.

Commenting on the appointment, Selorm Adadevoh, MTN Group Chief Commercial Officer, said: “We are excited to welcome David to this new role as we continue to transform our enterprise business for the future. With his experience and leadership, we are confident that MTN will be better positioned to deliver integrated, next-generation solutions that enable Africa’s progress.”

As Group Chief Enterprise Business Officer, David will oversee the growth and execution of MTN’s enterprise strategy, including voice and data services and next-generation solutions such as Internet of Things (IoT), Cyber Security, Unified Communications, and Cloud.

David brings over two decades of leadership experience in telecommunications and technology, having held senior roles across multiple geographies. Prior to this appointment, he served as CEO of MTN Converged Solutions, where he led portfolio transformation across key markets. His career also includes leadership roles as CEO of Liquid C2 and Cloudmania, as well as Group Chief Product Officer and Group Chief Digital Officer of Liquid Telecommunications.

He holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from Harvard Business School and a Master of Engineering from the University of Bristol.

This appointment reflects MTN’s ongoing commitment to fostering Africa’s progress through technology, innovation, and inclusive growth.

One click can change a life: new series empowers youth to report online harm

MTN, Africa’s leading mobile network operator, has partnered with MTV Base, the number one youth and pop culture brand in Africa, to launch the Room of Safety, an innovative, youth-led movement to raise awareness about online child safety and promote positive digital behaviours across the continent.

The collaboration forms part of MTN’s Help Children Be Children campaign and leverages the reach and influence of platforms like MTV, MTV Base, and MTV’s digital channels to drive meaningful change. Central to the initiative is the launch of Room of Safety, a powerful 10-part short-form series premiering on 20 July 2025 at 15:00 on MTV Base, DStv channel 322, and on @MTVBaseSouth and @MTVBaseAfrica social handles.

Through relatable storytelling and youth-driven content, the series aims to spark dialogue, raise awareness, and equip young people with the knowledge and tools to navigate online risks. With its multi-platform distribution, the campaign is positioned to reach millions of young Africans, catalyse community conversations, and influence safer digital behaviour across the continent.

The series features Paramount’s Culture Squad member, Craig Nobela, alongside a dynamic lineup of young African influencers including Yanda Woods, LordKez, Foyin Ongunrombi, Azana, MajorSteez, Melissa Nayimuli, Mawelele and Naledi.

“As technology evolves, we’re seeing serious risks, AI misuse, online stalking, and exploitation, mirror and sometimes intensify the harm we once associated only with the physical world. At MTN, we believe access must go hand-in-hand with protection. Through our partnership with MTV Base on Room of Safety, we’re amplifying the voices of young people to speak to, and stand up for, each other, creating a safer, more conscious digital future,” said Marina Madale, MTN Group Executive Sustainability and Shared Value.  

“For two decades, MTV Base has been at the forefront of shaping youth culture and using our platform to spotlight issues that matter. From HIV awareness to gender equality and mental health, we’ve consistently championed content that drives change. With Room of Safety, we’re continuing that legacy, empowering young people to navigate the digital world safely and confidently. This partnership with MTN is a powerful step in protecting the next generation and ensuring their voices are heard,” said Monde Twala, Senior Vice President and GM of Editorial at Paramount Africa.

A growing concern across Africa

Recent research conducted by Ipsos in partnership with MTN across Nigeria, South Sudan, and Zambia reveals alarming trends in online behaviour among children aged 8–17:

• 1 in 10 children in Nigeria and South Sudan reported being harassed online.
• 20% of children in South Sudan reported being bullied online — the highest among the three countries.
• In Nigeria, 79% of adolescents aged 13–17 spend more than an hour online daily, increasing their exposure to risky online behaviour.
• 30–40% of teens across the three countries admitted to adding strangers to their messaging apps.
• In Juba, children who spend more than an hour online daily are 17 times more likely to engage in risky online behaviour.

These findings underscore the urgent need for digital education and protective mechanisms tailored to African youth.

Empowering youth and parents alike

MTN is committed to creating a safer digital environment for children through a holistic approach that extends beyond awareness to action. As part of its Help Children Be Children initiative, MTN is supporting the strengthening of in-country reporting portals and child helplines, while also working to make the Africa Online Safety Portal accessible across the continent, particularly in countries that lack national platforms.

The reporting portal enables users to report URLs containing CSAM, which are reviewed by expert analysts and removed, often within an hour. This initiative is especially critical in regions where only 20–22% of children are aware of existing child protection portals, yet over 80% want service providers to offer ways to report abuse directly.

By bridging these gaps, MTN together with MTV Base aims to ensure that every African child, regardless of location, can access vital safety information, report harmful content, and connect to support services that protect their digital wellbeing.

A call to action

Protecting children online in Africa demands urgent, collective action. We must close the data gap, fast-track fit-for-purpose regulation, scale digital literacy in schools, and strengthen collaboration across sectors. With emerging threats like AI misuse and online exploitation, the time to act is now.

Through Room of Safety, MTN and MTV Base are using their reach to turn awareness into action, equipping youth and those who support them with the tools to stay safe, speak up, and stand together. We call on young people, parents, educators, and leaders to be part of building a safer digital Africa for the next generation.

To find out more about child online protection, visit: www.mtn.com/child-online-protection/ 

#HelpChildrenBeChildren #RoomOfSafety #MTN #MTVBase  

MTN and its digital platform business, Chenosis, in partnership with TransUnion Africa, has launched TransUnion Telco Data Score, a first-of-its-kind credit scoring solution that uses mobile phone call data records to help millions of South Africans with limited or no formal credit history gain access to financial services.

This alternative data scoring model leverages Call Data Records (CDR), which reflect patterns in mobile phone network usage behaviour and correlates it to an individual’s financial behaviour. By using telco data as a proxy for financial reliability, the TransUnion Telco Data Score enables lenders to accurately assess New-to-Credit (NTC) consumers and expand access to safe, affordable credit.

Helping the Financially Excluded

According to TransUnion estimates, over 1.4 million credit-invisible South Africans open new credit accounts each year, contributing to more than four million new accounts over the past three years. Yet traditional scoring models often fail to assess this segment accurately, leaving more than 16 million adults outside the formal credit system.

Approximately 35% of New-to-Credit consumers are under the age of 25, many of whom are new to the workforce and often use credit to buy clothing for work, highlighting the need for innovative tools that support younger, digitally active individuals who may lack a conventional credit footprint. Successfully integrating these and other excluded consumers into the economy could add approximately R173 billion¹ to South Africa’s GDP.

“With over 500 million² people across the continent excluded from formal financial systems, the scale of the challenge is undeniable. Traditional data models fail to reflect the realities of African consumers, leaving millions without access to credit and the opportunities it enables. Financial inclusion isn’t just part of our mission, it’s our mandate,” said Lee Naik, CEO of TransUnion Africa.

“That’s why we believe the only way forward is to think differently, to lead with bold, African-born solutions. Innovations like TransUnion Telco Data Score, designed for Africa, by Africa, are helping us responsibly harness mobile data at scale. In doing so, we’re not only expanding access to credit, but we’re also unlocking economic potential, accelerating inclusive growth, and reshaping the future of finance across the continent.”

Creating Opportunity with Consent and Compliance

The use of CDR data is subject to explicit consumer consent and is managed in compliance with South Africa’s Protection of Personal Information Act (POPIA). MTN is responsible for consent management and will ensure that Chenosis, MTN’s API marketplace, facilitates the connection between MTN’s data ecosystem and partners like TransUnion in a secure and scalable manner.

“This partnership demonstrates how mobile technology and secure data sharing can support positive change in the financial sector and unlock new opportunities for millions of South Africans,” said Selorm Adadevoh, Group Chief Commercial Officer, MTN Group. “We are committed to ensuring that data is used responsibly, with the customer’s interests at the forefront. This is a model of what responsible innovation can look like.”

Empowering Lenders and Growing the Economy

For lenders, the TransUnion Telco Data Score has demonstrated a 25–35% improvement in predictive performance over previous alternative data models, based on recent pre-launch validations across the retail and banking sectors.

By adopting TransUnion Telco Data Score, lenders can better predict user behaviour and support responsible lending by ensuring that credit users at risk of default are not overexposed and can be effectively supported throughout their credit journey.

Importantly, the product also helps New-to-Credit consumers establish and build their credit footprint over time. According to TransUnion data, low-risk individuals significantly increase their credit exposure within 18 months of becoming credit active, underscoring the long-term benefits of responsible financial inclusion strategies.

“With Chenosis, we enable collaboration between mobile operators and solution providers while maintaining high security and compliance standards,” said Waseem Amra, GM – Products and Platforms. “This partnership highlights how secure data access can support innovation in financial services that can transform lives.”

This partnership between Transunion Africa, MTN, and Chenosis reflects the growing trend of using diverse data sources to create more accurate and inclusive financial access. Integrating mobile network insights into credit scoring provides a practical and scalable way to reach more individuals, while maintaining high standards of privacy and compliance.

“With this inclusive innovation, TransUnion has taken the lead in creating an impactful solution to one of the continent’s most pressing challenges – finding responsible pathways to greater financial inclusion that will unlock opportunities for individual and national growth. By turning mobile data into meaningful opportunity, we have set the standard in making transformation possible by showing how technology can be used in groundbreaking alternative ways. Together with MTN and Chenosis, we are building a future where every South African, regardless of their financial history, has the chance to be seen, to be trusted, and to thrive,” Naik concluded. “When financial institutions can measure risk more effectively, they can lend more confidently, and more consumers can access opportunity, and that’s a win for everyone.”