MTN has taken the top position in the 2026 Kantar BrandZ Top 30 Most Valuable South African Brands ranking, with Kantar valuing the brand at US$5.345 billion, an increase of 124% since 2024. The recognition reflects the strength of the MTN brand as the Group continues to expand access to connectivity, digital and financial services across Africa.

Produced by global research and analytics company Kantar, BrandZ combines financial performance with consumer perceptions to assess the value a brand contributes to its business and its potential for future growth. The 2026 South African study draws on the views of more than 49,000 consumers across 890 brands and 57 categories.

The recognition comes as MTN begins the next phase of its strategy under Ambition 2030, with a renewed focus on delivering a leading customer experience and extending digital and financial inclusion across Africa. For MTN, the ranking is both an acknowledgement of the confidence placed in the brand and a reminder that this confidence must continue to be earned through the experience and value it delivers.

“We appreciate this recognition and are grateful to our customers for the confidence they continue to place in MTN, and to our people and partners for the work that earns it every day,” said MTN Group President and CEO Ralph Mupita.

“As we deliver Ambition 2030, we remain focused on delivering a consistently better customer experience, extending digital and financial inclusion and creating meaningful value across our markets. By connecting people, businesses and communities, we will continue to support shared growth and Africa’s progress.”

The Kantar recognition follows Brand Finance’s 2026 rankings, which named MTN South Africa’s and Africa’s most valuable brand for the 13th consecutive year. Together, the findings provide independent recognition of the strength and continued relevance of the MTN brand.