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The 2024 Africa PachiPanda Challenge, an initiative by MTN Group in partnership with WWF and FNB WesBank, concluded this week with a powerful celebration of Africa’s emerging eco-entrepreneurs. Hosted in Johannesburg, South Africa, the grand finale brought together the brightest young minds from across the continent, united by a shared vision for environmental sustainability and inclusive growth.

The initiative was designed to spotlight Africa’s next generation of environmental leaders and equip them with the tools, mentorship, and networks needed to scale their climate-smart solutions. Finalists from Nigeria, Cameroon, Zambia, and South Africa were invited to participate in a transformative two-day programme, which included expert-led masterclasses on business development, sustainable innovation, and impact measurement, culminating in a vibrant finale event that showcased the continent’s most promising green ventures.

Among the standout innovators, chosen by a distinguished panel of judges for its outstanding scalability, measurable impact, Moses Afopezi of Cameroon claimed first prize for his project AgricFresh, a tech-enabled platform designed to reduce post-harvest loss by professionalising farm management and enhancing market access. By integrating solar-powered cold storage systems, AgricFresh helps extend the shelf life of crops and supports a more efficient, climate-resilient agricultural ecosystem.

Olabisi Rafatu Emmanuel from Nigeria earned second place, and Jean Blaise Seka, also from Cameroon, secured third, with both recognised for their impactful, community-driven solutions that address local environmental challenges with creativity and ingenuity.

“Congratulations to Moses Afopezi and the AgricFresh team for this well-deserved recognition. Their work reflects the kind of grounded, forward-thinking innovation that communities across Africa urgently need,” said Nompilo Morafo, MTN Chief Sustainability and Corporate Affairs Officer. “The Africa PachiPanda Challenge is one of the ways we’re working with partners to support climate entrepreneurship that is practical, inclusive, and rooted in real local needs.”

Innovation, particularly in climate-tech and sustainable development, is increasingly recognised as a cornerstone of inclusive growth. According to the African Development Bank, every dollar invested in climate-resilient infrastructure yields four dollars in economic benefits. Initiatives like the Africa PachiPanda Challenge are helping to unlock this potential by equipping young innovators with the tools to scale locally rooted solutions. From digital platforms for waste management to energy-efficient technologies for agriculture, these ventures reflect the ingenuity of a generation that is redefining what progress looks like, bold, green, and built from the ground up.

WWF echoed their commitment to supporting youth-led solutions. WWF-Zambia Chief External Engagement Officer Fungai Musana, as the lead for the Africa lag said, “WWF is proud to be part of a historic moment, the successful execution of the inaugural Africa PachiPanda Innovation Challenge. This trailblazing, youth-led initiative marks a first of its kind on the African continent. A huge congratulations to the winners for their cutting-edge innovations! And to all participants, well done for stepping up and being part of this incredible journey. WWF is honoured to collaborate with MTN Group in empowering the next generation of sustainable leaders. We believe the ideas born from this challenge have the power to drive meaningful, lasting change for communities and the environment across Africa.”

Adding further support, FNB WesBank underlined the critical role that green innovation plays in Africa’s future, Kyle Durham Head of Sustainability at FNB Commercial, added that FNB, in partnership with WesBank is thrilled to be a part of the Africa PachiPanda Challenge and to support this groundbreaking initiative. The event has been a showcase of inspiring and visionary solutions to unique challenges, and AgricFresh stands out as a shining example of the innovation, passion, and dedication that young eco-entrepreneurs bring to the table, creating lasting impacts for a sustainable future.

As the overall winner of the Africa PachiPanda Challenge, Moses Afopezi AgricFresh project will receive USD 5000, along with ongoing mentorship and strategic support from MTN Group, WWF, UNDP, GSMA and other partners to expand the reach and impact of their innovation. Moses shared a brief insight on his experience: “Never did I imagine that the path to an international stage would be paved by the work we are doing at the grassroots level with AgricFresh. The recognition we’ve received fills me with immense joy and hope for the farmers whose lives we aim to improve. With the knowledge and prize, we’re now empowered to expand our reach to two more communities in Cameroon’s war-affected regions.”

Through this initiative, MTN, together with WWF and FNB WesBank, reinforces its commitment to supporting ideas that deliver lasting value for the environment and local communities. With a footprint in 16 markets across Africa, MTN recognises the unique responsibility and opportunity to provide young innovators with the visibility, resources, and support they need to thrive.

This challenge is a testament to how MTN is embedding sustainability into the way it operates, by investing in people and purpose, with a long-term view toward shared prosperity.

As Africa continues its journey toward inclusive digital transformation, one truth has become clear: unlocking the potential of girls and young women in ICT is not only a question of equality — it is a cornerstone of sustainable development. This Girls in ICT Day, MTN reaffirms its commitment to empowering the next generation of female digital leaders across the continent, aligning with the African Union’s Agenda 2063 and its broader goals for gender equality, innovation, and inclusive economic growth.

Despite notable progress in many sectors, the gender gap in technology and science remains wide. According to the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), only about 30% of the global tech workforce is female. In Africa, this gap is often more pronounced due to structural barriers, socio-cultural norms, and unequal access to digital tools and education. UNESCO reports that just 28% of women worldwide pursue STEM careers, and those numbers drop significantly in low- and middle-income countries. The implications of this disparity are profound — not just for individuals, but for entire economies.

However, the data also tells a more hopeful story: one of opportunity. Research suggests that if gender gaps in labour force participation and digital inclusion were closed, Africa could see a GDP boost of over $300 billion by 2025. Increasing women’s participation in ICT is not a peripheral concern — it is an economic and social necessity. For MTN, empowering girls with digital skills, confidence, and opportunity is not just a moral imperative — it is a strategic investment in Africa’s future.

This vision is already coming to life through MTN’s initiatives across several of its markets. In Liberia, the Next Gen programme is reimagining what access to STEM education looks like. Specifically designed for young women from non-STEM backgrounds, the programme delivers interdisciplinary training in STEAM — science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics. Participants like Sasha and Amaze represent a new generation of learners who are building bridges between creativity and technology. By equipping young women with both technical expertise and problem-solving skills, the programme opens doors to careers in fields that were once considered out of reach.

In South Africa, MTN is driving inclusion through innovation-focused programmes like the Women in Digital Business Challenge and the Digital Skills for Digital Jobs initiative. These platforms provide not only critical technical training — including in high-demand areas like artificial intelligence, coding, and cybersecurity — but also access to mentorship and funding. This integrated approach ensures that women are not only prepared for the jobs of the future, but are also positioned to create and sustain their own businesses. Many of the programme’s alumni have gone on to launch startups, lead digital transformation in their communities, and contribute to a growing ecosystem of women-led innovation in Africa.

In Cameroon, MTN’s impact is equally profound. At the Yaoundé V Social Centre, over 250 girls have completed practical ICT training courses that range from digital literacy and e-commerce to social media marketing. These skills are not just theoretical — they translate directly into income-generating activities. Many of the programme’s graduates have since launched their own small enterprises, proving that when girls have the right digital tools, they can drive economic development at the grassroots level. This kind of transformation is exactly what Agenda 2063 envisions: communities where women are empowered agents of change, shaping local economies and contributing to national growth.

MTN’s commitment to gender equality in the digital age extends beyond programme delivery. It is embedded in our broader strategy to mainstream gender considerations across all areas of development. This includes creating pathways for leadership and decision-making roles for women within the tech ecosystem, supporting women entrepreneurs with access to capital and business networks, and advocating for policy environments that prioritise digital inclusion.

Education remains central to this mission. MTN recognises that without access to foundational and advanced learning opportunities in science and technology, millions of girls will be left behind in the digital revolution. That is why our initiatives are designed to reach underserved communities, tackle stereotypes about women in tech, and create safe, supportive environments for girls to explore, experiment, and excel in ICT fields.

As we mark Girls in ICT Day, it is important to recognise that the stakes are high. This is not simply about bridging a digital divide — it is about shaping a digital future that reflects the full diversity of Africa’s potential. Whether in Monrovia, Johannesburg, or Yaoundé, the stories emerging from MTN’s initiatives reveal a powerful truth: when girls are empowered with knowledge, resources, and opportunity, they become architects of progress.

Africa’s journey toward inclusive, tech-driven development will not be complete without the full participation of its daughters. At MTN, we are committed to making sure they are not only included, but empowered to lead. Because doing for tomorrow means investing in the girls who will build it today.

MTN Group on Monday reported a solid underlying operational and financial performance for 2024 – and a particularly strong second half. This strong performance was affected by a sharp drop in the value of the currency of one of our largest markets, Nigeria; and impairments in conflict-hit Sudan

This meant that even though the Group’s service revenue and earnings before interest, tax and amortisation (EBITDA) in constant-currency terms grew by around 14% and 10% respectively, they were negatively affected in reported rand terms.

In the year to 31 December 2024, service revenue of R178 billion was down by some 15% in reported terms, and reported EBITDA (before once-off items) of R60 billion was a third lower than it was in 2023. Basic earnings per share swung by 758 cents in 2024 to a loss of 531 cents.

Adjusted headline earnings per share (HEPS) decreased by 32% to 816 cents, impacted mainly by the sharp devaluation in the naira. With a relatively more stable naira in the second half of 2024 and stronger results from MTN South Africa, second half adjusted HEPS showed strong momentum.

The Board of Directors declared a dividend of 345 cents a share (up from 330 cents in 2023) as the Group reported strong commercial momentum and maintained its guidance over the medium term. The Board, further, anticipates paying a minimum ordinary dividend of 370cps for the 2025 financial year.

We serve 291 million subscribers in 16 markets and progressed key strategic priorities and sustained a healthy financial position as well as balance sheet flexibility in 2024.

“Alongside execution of our commercial strategies, our continued capital investment of R30 billion to strengthen the quality and capacity of our networks enabled us to capture the opportunities in data and fintech across our markets,” said Group President and CEO Ralph Mupita, adding that data traffic accelerated by a third, as data subscribers grew by 8% to 158 million active users.

The volume of fintech transactions on MTN’s networks rose by 15% to more than 20 billion valued at over US$320 billion, while the number of active Mobile Money (MoMo) users rose by just less than 1% to 63 million, slowed by initiatives in key fintech markets to enhance the quality, stickiness and profitability of our overall fintech ecosystem.

Data revenue decreased by 12% on a reported basis, but increased by almost 22% in constant-currency terms. Fintech revenue increased by 11% on a reported basis, but by almost 29% in constant currency. As part of our expense efficiency programme (EEP), we realised sustainable savings of R3.8 billion in 2024.

Performance was underpinned by adhering to disciplined capital allocation as well as expense efficiencies. We are well on track to achieve our EEP target of R7-8 billion between 2024 and 2026.

MTN South Africa sustained a resilient overall performance, with service revenue growth of 3.1% to R43.2 billion for the year, underpinned by improved network availability and commercial initiatives. In the latter part of the year, the business delivered some encouraging acceleration in key commercial metrics, with prepaid data revenue returning to growth from November.

MTN Group advanced the execution of our key strategic initiatives in the year. These included the signing of definitive agreements with Mastercard for a minority investment into the Group Fintech structure, as well as the disposal of MTN Afghanistan, MTN Guinea-Bissau and MTN Guinea-Conakry, which further enhanced the Group’s focus and risk profile.

In Nigeria, we renegotiated tower lease contracts, which allow MTN Nigeria to better manage adverse macroeconomic impacts on the business. In Ghana and Uganda, we increased local ownership in our operations. In South Africa, we extended the MTN Zakhele Futhi broad-based black economic empowerment transaction.

“This underscores our dedication to transformation and creating shared value and remains integral to our future success,” Mupita said of the Group that celebrated 30 years of operations in 2024.

Other shared value wins included further reductions in the Group’s Scope 1 and 2 emissions as well as widening access to broadband internet access to cover 93% of the population in our markets. Advancing broadband in rural and remote areas is critical to our work to extend digital and financial inclusion across Africa.

In terms of our economic value-added to the communities we serve, MTN contributed approximately R155 billion in the year, including around R206 million in corporate social investment programmes across our host nations.

Looking ahead, Mupita said although there remained some macroeconomic and geopolitical uncertainties in the near term, he was encouraged by trends in various indicators. These included inflation (which showed signs of abating in the second half of 2024), reduced forex volatility (particularly of the naira), as well as the tariff adjustments in Nigeria which we started to implement in February 2025. These prompted MTN Nigeria to re-instate its medium-term guidance.

“MTN Group is well positioned to capture the exciting opportunities in our markets and deliver on our medium-term objectives to sustain growth, create shared value in nation states and communities, and unlock value for our stakeholders,” he said.

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At MTN Group, we believe that when women thrive, communities prosper. As the world celebrates International Women’s Day (IWD), we reaffirm our commitment to empowering women across Africa and beyond by using our technology and resources to make a tangible difference in the lives of women entrepreneurs.

The theme of IWD 2025 is “For ALL Women and Girls: Rights. Equality. Empowerment”. It calls for collective action to unlock equal rights, power and opportunities for women and girls everywhere, and MTN is leading the way.

“Women entrepreneurs are not only catalysts for economic growth but are also pivotal in transforming communities and industries,” said MTN Group Chief Sustainability and Corporate Affairs Officer Nompilo Morafo.

“From building innovative tech startups to supporting local economies, female entrepreneurs are challenging the status quo, breaking barriers and paving the way for a brighter, more inclusive future,” she added.

Despite their immense potential, however, women face unique challenges, including limited access to finance, resources, mentorship and technology.

“It’s time for society to take collective action and support these women who are already making an impact,” said Morafo. “At MTN, we believe that when women thrive, communities thrive. This IWD, we reaffirm our commitment to empowering female entrepreneurs by bridging digital and financial gaps, enabling them to access financial services, connect with markets and grow their businesses.”

MTN Group, operating in 16 countries across Africa and the Middle East, is focused on creating a digital ecosystem that enables women to break free from the constraints of inequality. By leveraging our wide-reaching mobile technology and financial services, MTN is helping to bridge the gender gap in entrepreneurship, offering women the tools, connections and resources they need to succeed.

Here are just a few ways MTN is actively empowering female entrepreneurs and supporting women’s rights and equality:

1. MTN Mobile Money: Empowering women through financial inclusion

One of the most powerful ways MTN is empowering women entrepreneurs is through MTN Mobile Money (MoMo), our mobile financial service. In many African countries, women face obstacles in accessing traditional banking services, often due to geographical barriers, lack of documentation or societal norms. MoMo is changing that by offering a safe and convenient way for women to manage money, make payments and access financial services right from their mobile phones.

In Uganda, for example, Joyce Ssebugwawo, a small-scale farmer and businesswoman, uses MoMo to sell her produce to customers in remote areas, allowing her to reach a wider market. By accepting payments digitally, she can reduce the risk of cash theft and streamline her business operations. MoMo has also enabled her to save, invest and access loans, directly contributing to the growth of her business and her financial independence.

MTN is committed to ensuring that women across our markets can easily access mobile money services and financial literacy programmes, helping them take control of their economic future.

2.Local Impact: Women entrepreneurs across MTN’s markets

Across MTN’s countries, from Nigeria to South Africa, Cameroon to Côte d’Ivoire, women entrepreneurs are benefiting from MTN’s initiatives. In South Africa, MTN has partnered with local incubators and accelerators to provide women-led startups with mentorship, access to investors and digital tools to help them scale.

In Ghana, MTN has rolled out the MoMo Entrepreneurship Programme, which supports women entrepreneurs by helping them integrate digital payment solutions into their businesses. Women who were previously selling goods in informal markets are now able to accept payments via MoMo, gaining access to a broader customer base and enhancing their financial security.

The impact of women entrepreneurs is undeniable, but their journey is far from easy. They face financial, social and cultural challenges that hinder their progress. However, as MTN demonstrates through our initiatives, the path to equality, rights and empowerment is not just a distant ideal—it is happening now, one digital connection at a time.

As we celebrate IWD 2025, MTN calls on governments, businesses and individuals to continue supporting women entrepreneurs. We must break down the barriers, remove the obstacles and ensure that women have the resources, the rights and the opportunities they need to thrive.

MTN marks three decades of operations, celebrating a legacy of connecting people, changing lives, and driving economic growth across South Africa and the African continent.

“As we reflect on this significant milestone, we express our sincere gratitude to all our stakeholders, past and present, across multiple jurisdictions, for their support,” said MTN Group President and Chief Executive Officer Ralph Mupita. “We couldn’t have achieved this remarkable success without you.”

Since its inception in 1994, MTN has evolved from a small South African start-up with 20 employees into a global telecommunications leader, employing over 17,500 individuals representing more than 70 nationalities across 18 diverse markets.

In South Africa, MTN’s impact has been profound. The company’s network now reaches 97% of the population, providing a foundation for digital inclusion and economic empowerment. By investing in cutting-edge technologies like 4G and 5G, MTN has ensured that South Africa remains at the forefront of technological advancement. A recent study by KPMG showed that MTN South Africa’s contribution to the country’s GDP is substantial, making it a key player in the national economy.

The evolution of handsets and the proliferation of apps have democratised access to information and essential services, from financial solutions to healthcare, education, and entertainment. This has been a game-changer for individuals and businesses alike.

MTN’s influence extends far beyond South Africa. In 2023, the MTN Group recorded over R220 billion (more than US$11 billion) in revenue, a testament to its market leadership and the growing demand for digital services across Africa. This success has driven the company’s market capitalisation to over R150 billion, solidifying its position as one of the continent’s most valuable companies.

Across Africa, MTN connects millions, empowering them with essential communication tools and access to vital services. More than 149 million people rely on MTN’s network for data access, fuelling a digital transformation that is reshaping industries and societies. Additionally, MTN Mobile Money (MoMo) provides over 65 million individuals with access to financial services, driving financial inclusion and economic empowerment in underserved communities.

MTN’s commitment to socio-economic development is evident everywhere. In 2023, the Group’s total tax contribution to governments across markets was nearly R62 billion (over US$3.3 billion), supporting vital public services and infrastructure development. MTN’s operations also generated some R159 billion in economic value, creating jobs, stimulating economic activity, and fostering digital innovation.

From the outset, the Group has been driven to make a social impact. Launched in 2001, the first MTN Foundation had an annual budget of R22 million. In 2023, MTN spent ten times that – R220 million – in corporate social responsibility across markets, with a special focus on developing digital skills to enable the digital economy.

Furthermore, both MTN Group and MTN South Africa have achieved Level 1 Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment status, underscoring their commitment to diversity, inclusion, and social transformation.

MTN’s dedication to giving back is embodied in the annual “21 Days of Y’ello Care” initiative, which has been extended to 30 days this year to commemorate the 30th anniversary. Kicking off on 01 June 2024 under the theme “Learn Today, Lead Tomorrow: Education for Rural and Remote Communities,” this initiative mobilises MTN employees across the continent to dedicate their time and resources to enhance educational opportunities. This year, the focus is on bridging the educational divide in rural and remote areas, providing digital learning tools, and supporting educational infrastructure to empower the next generation of leaders within these communities.

MTN’s 30-year journey is a testament to the transformative power of technology and the unwavering spirit of innovation. Looking to the future, MTN remains dedicated to bridging the digital divide, empowering individuals and communities, and driving Africa’s sustainable and inclusive progress through cutting-edge digital solutions.

The collaboration aims to harness satellite monitoring, AI, mobile connectivity, and cloud computing to provide critical early warning information to millions across the continent.

On the sidelines of COP 28, weather intelligence and climate adaptation leader Tomorrow.io, and MTN Group, Africa’s largest mobile operator, leveraging a Microsoft Azure technology grant from Microsoft’s AI for Good Lab, have joined forces to unveil a pioneering initiative designed to facilitate an infrastructure to provide life-saving early warnings and critical weather information to at-risk populations of more than 300 million people across Africa.

Through this partnership, MTN’s vast customer base will be able to receive early warning notifications about severe weather events, generated through Tomorrow.io’s weather intelligence and Microsoft Azure, via MTN’s broad set of mobile services facilitating timely evacuations and preparedness actions.

At the core of the initiative is the integration between Tomorrow.io’s hyperlocal bespoke weather engine – which include cutting-edge satellite data, generative-AI, and deep learning modeling capabilities – Microsoft’s Azure cloud computing platform, and MTN’s mobile network services, enabling the infrastructure for seamless dissemination of localised, impact-based weather information to communities with limited accessibility across the continent. By establishing the service, the partnership will seek to collaborate with local meteorological departments in participating countries to enable users with access to additional critical weather information.

“This collaboration with MTN Group and Microsoft is a significant stride towards harnessing the power of mobile connectivity and cloud computing to help democratise access to early warning information to all at risk,” said Rei Goffer, Co-founder and Chief Strategy Officer at Tomorrow.io. “By providing actionable weather intelligence, we are empowering communities to make informed decisions and thrive amidst an increasingly unpredictable climate.”

“Data and AI have the potential to unlock life-changing weather information for people around the world,” said Juan Lavista Ferres, Vice President and Chief Data Scientist, Microsoft “and this work will help to get that information in the hands of those most impacted and allow them the opportunity to take action in advance of extreme weather events as a result of the changing climate.”

While the partnership will initially launch in Western Africa, the plans for growth include all African countries where MTN operates.

Signing the agreement on the sidelines of COP28, MTN Group Chief Sustainability & Corporate Affairs Officer, Nompilo Morafo remarked: “Our partnership with Tomorrow io. and Microsoft is a significant step in the realisation of UN’s drive to ensure early warning systems for all by the end of 2027.”

“With human-induced climate change leading to more extreme weather conditions, the need for early warning systems is more crucial than ever. Early warning systems like this can play a meaningful role in decreasing the number of deaths and reducing the losses and damages resulting from hazardous weather, water or climate events in Africa,” she said.

“As a pan-African mobile operator, a technological solution that reduces risk and co-creates value with our partners for our customers was a deliberate decision. The dissemination of life-saving information should be a benefit of a modern connected life,” said Chika Ekeji, MTN Group Chief Strategy and Transformation Officer. “This initiative underscores MTN’s commitment to leveraging technology in addressing the most pressing climate challenges facing our communities.”

Over time, the collaboration will also introduce a range of subscription-based value-added services, tailored to support crucial sectors such as agriculture, and aligning with the broader United Nations’ focus on leveraging technology for sustainable development.

In the first half of 2023, MTN Group delivered resilient results, advanced our strategy by partnering with Mastercard on the MTN fintech business, and progressed plans to exit Afghanistan. This was achieved in a difficult operating environment marked by elevated inflation, weaker local currencies and regulatory developments across our 19 markets.

“We delivered a resilient performance in H1 23 and made good strategic progress against a tough macro backdrop,” said MTN Group President and CEO Ralph Mupita.

“In South Africa, we were very encouraged by the improved network availability on the back of our power-resilience investment, resulting in a stronger Q2 23 performance than Q1 23,” he said. By end-June, MTN South Africa’s network availability was more than 90% despite severe electricity shortages across the country.

“In Nigeria, we delivered a very strong operational result, having navigated the cash shortages in Q1 23 and increased inflation,” Mupita said. “The policy changes implemented in Nigeria in Q2 23 have short-term negative impacts, but we see these as being very constructive for the investment climate in the medium to longer term.”

MTN Group’s service revenue grew 15% to almost R108 billion in constant-currency terms. This was driven by increases in revenue from data services of 24% and from fintech services of 22%. Revenue from voice services increased 6% in the period. 

At the end of June 2023, we had 292 million subscribers with whom we worked to create shared value. This subscriber base – 4% higher than the same period last year – benefited from lower data rates and improved access to broadband services.

To facilitate the digital economy, we increased the number of active data users by more than 7% to nearly 140 million; reported a 19% increase in overall data traffic; and improved data affordability by reducing the average effective rate per megabyte by more than 22%.

We continued to invest in world-class networks and platforms for the people of Africa, committing R17.2 billion in capital expenditure in the first six months of 2023. The Group’s balance sheet remained strong, with all key metrics well within the limits of our loan covenants.

Driven by solid revenue growth and improved efficiencies, adjusted headline earnings per share (HEPS) increased by 25% to 749 cents and adjusted return on equity (ROE) expanded by one percentage point to 24.4%. These were in line with our medium-term guidance.

The MTN Group Fintech business delivered on our rapid expansion plans. The volume of transactions increased by 37% to 8.3 billion in the first half of the year. These were executed by 61 million active MoMo customers.

Following the bespoke process to identify and potentially introduce strategic minority investors into MTN Group Fintech, we executed commercial agreements with Mastercard to support the acceleration and growth of our fintech business’s payments and remittance services.

MTN and Mastercard also signed a memorandum of understanding which provides for a minority investment by Mastercard into Group Fintech based on a total enterprise valuation of about US$5.2 billion for the business on a cash and debt-free basis. Signing of the definitive investment agreements is expected to occur in the very near term as we approach finalisation of customary due diligence. The closing of the investment will be subject to customary closing conditions.

We continued to work to simplify our portfolio. The process for MTN Group to exit Afghanistan in an orderly fashion through the sale of our entire shareholding to Investcom AF, and affiliate company of M1, remains well on track. The transaction received conditional regulatory approval to proceed, pending the submission of relevant documentation to the Afghanistan Regulatory Authority.

Looking ahead, MTN will keep working to create shared value across our markets. “We are focused on the continued execution of our Ambition 2025, which remains relevant in the current macroeconomic volatility and presents attractive scope for growth,” said Mupita.

“As we manage the challenges in our operating environment, as well as the near-term impacts on our top-line and margins, we maintain our medium-term guidance.” 

MTN Group is pleased to announce that we have joined the Global Network Initiative (GNI), signalling our commitment to strengthen and innovate our digital human rights efforts.

The GNI is a multi-stakeholder organisation whose mission is to protect and advance freedom of expression, privacy, and other key digital human rights by setting a global standard for responsible decision-making for companies across the information and telecommunications sector.

“Our commitment to digital human rights is an integral part of our business strategy and sustainability framework and is embedded in the highest levels of our governance structures. This membership is one example of our commitment to continuously evolve and innovate our approach in addressing human rights risk and the way we conduct our business,” says MTN Group Chief Sustainability and Corporate Affairs Officer Nompilo Morafo.

“We believe that digital and financial inclusion cannot be achieved without deliberate efforts to respect the rights of all. MTN’s GNI membership allows us to explore new ways of safeguarding the rights of our customers and other stakeholders using the power of collective learning and collaboration with multiple stakeholders,” she adds.

GNI members commit to implementing the GNI Principles, which are based on internationally recognised laws and standards for human rights, including the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights and the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights.

The GNI Principles, along with the GNI and Implementation Guidelines, provide a framework for responsible company decision-making in support of freedom of expression and privacy rights.

“GNI and its 90 members will greatly benefit from MTN’s perspective, and we are particularly pleased to be continuing to expand into new geographies. We look forward to working with MTN to help protect the human rights of its customers and stakeholders,” said GNI Executive Director Jason Pielemeier.

The GNI regularly facilitates opportunities for members to contribute to shared learning and provides a forum for collective advocacy with governments and other key stakeholders in support of laws and policies that promote and protect freedom of expression and privacy.

MTN’s digital human rights framework adopts a pragmatic approach to systematically entrench digital human rights across the Group. Implementing the GNI Principles on Freedom of Expression and Privacy will further strengthen our approach.

MTN Group has linked the remuneration of senior executives with the Group’s environmental, social and governance (ESG) targets. This supports the delivery of our Ambition 2025 strategy, and in particular the strategic priority to ‘create shared value’, with ‘ESG at the core’.

The variable elements of executive compensation – both short-term incentives (STIs) and long-term incentives (LTIs) – now depend on progress on three ESG goals: reaching Net Zero; enhancing diversity and inclusion; and extending rural broadband.

“Effectively managing our environmental, social and governance impacts is critical to reaching Ambition 2025,” said MTN Group President and Chief Executive Officer Ralph Mupita in the Group’s recently released Sustainability Report.

“We have made great progress overall and continually strive to meet the increasingly high standards our stakeholders demand regarding our ESG impact. To this end, we have linked 2022 executive renumeration for STIs and LTIs to ESG.”

In March, MTN Group’s 2021 results showed a 16% reduction in scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas emissions; an increase in the representation of women across the Group to 39%; and an increase to 83% in rural broadband coverage.

MTN is committed to reducing scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions by 47% by 2030 and reaching Net Zero by 2040; achieving workforce gender equality by 2030; and extending rural broadband coverage to 95% by 2025.

MTN’s strategic intent is ‘Ambition 2025: Leading digital solutions for Africa’s progress’. In 2021, we took a step change in our approach to ESG, placing it at the core of our strategy. This aligns with our work to advance the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals through our business activities and our support of governments, communities and customers. We are committed to bridging the digital divide and furthering financial inclusion to advance the attainment of the goals.

MTN Group has joined forces with the Internet Watch Foundation (IWF) Meta, ICMEC (the International Centre for Missing and Exploited Children) and Child Helpline International, with the support of the United Nations office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), to launch the Help Children be Children campaign and the Child Safety Online Africa Portal to increase public awareness of the impact of Child Sexual Abuse Material and help prevent its spread in target countries on the African continent.

From 2019 to 2020, the number of reports received by the National Centre for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) of child sexual abuse images and videos uploaded from the African continent grew by a staggering 81% to almost 2,4 million.

This new campaign is aimed at raising awareness of the gradual increase of Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM) and how it can be reported by the public in target countries. Additionally, the campaign will help train law enforcement and child helplines in target countries, positively engage policymakers and stakeholders through roundtables, to join the global fight against CSAM.

Nompilo Morafo, Chief Sustainability and Corporate Affairs Officer said, “Protecting children online is a global challenge, which requires a global approach. As we lead digital solutions for Africa’s progress, we have a critical role in ensuring that every African child is kept safe online. In alignment with our African values, we need to join forces to create a safe online village for our children. One where they are free from fear, humiliation, and abuse. One where they can have a normal childhood.”

MTN funded the development of the Child Safety Online Africa Portal and awareness campaign in partnership with the IWF. The portal is aimed at eradicating the spread of child sexual abuse online and provides internet users with a tool to report any record of child sexual abuse material available online across the continent. 

Emma Hardy Communications Director at the IWF said “We have successfully launched 49 portals all around the world, including 23 in Africa, providing a tool to report illegal imagery to millions. Through the portals, the IWF and its partners such as MTN are working with governments, law enforcement units and other organisations to enable every single person to report child sexual abuse material online.”

Images and videos of child sexual abuse show real children who have been victims of some of the worst forms of abuse. By reporting child sexual abuse material online through the portal, photos and videos will be assessed by IWF’s experienced analysts and removed from the internet if confirmed to be child sexual abuse in nature.

David Miles, Head of Safety at Meta for Europe, Middle East and Africa said: “For more than a decade, we’ve been an industry leader in child safety around the world. We’ve helped build the tools used to investigate this terrible crime, rescue children and bring justice to victims. While we invest heavily in industry-leading tools to prevent such abuse from happening in the first place, it’s also important we spread awareness through campaigns and partnerships like this one so no child should ever have to face this abuse, whether offline or online.”

Bob Cunningham, President & CEO of the International Centre for Missing and Exploited Children, said, “The prevalence of child sexual abuse material (CSAM) is a growing threat in Africa and around the world. Every time abusive images are viewed or shared, children are revictimised. Therefore, it is essential that CSAM is reported, and local authorities have the tools and capacities to protect child victims. This awareness campaign is a crucial step to reaching parents, caregivers, and communities to help prevent future abuse before it happens.”

Patrick Krens, Executive Director at Child Helpline International said: “If we want to be more effective and efficient in our combat against online sexual exploitation and abuse of children and young people we must invest more time, money and human resources in the 3Ps of Prevention, Protection and Prosecution. For all three areas it is important to listen to what children have to say to us and each other. Every child has a voice, and we believe that no child should be left unheard.”  

Carmen Corbin, Advisor for the United Nations office on Drugs and Crime, Global Programme on Cybercrime in Africa said “Building strong capacities in the national criminal justice sectors in Africa to investigate and prosecute online child exploitation is one of our programme’s priorities. But we are also aware that public awareness and prevention campaigns are the first line of defence that will make communities, families, and children able to avoid and report child sexual abuse material online. We want a safer Internet for all children, a place where they can learn, play and develop their talents without being threatened by predators”.

While 23 countries in Africa have already stepped up and developed their own portal or hotline, the Child Safety Online Africa Portal will be accessible in countries where there is not yet a reporting mechanism to ensure even more countries on the continent are able to report child sexual abuse material.

To help children be children today, for tomorrow, report child sexual abuse material through this portal: africachildsafety.com