Tag: Sustainability
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.
Africa’s long-term prosperity will depend less on how the continent responds to issues of migration and more on how it expands economic opportunity, strengthens regional integration and enables more people to participate meaningfully.
That was the key message from MTN Group President and CEO Ralph Mupita during the Kgalema Motlanthe Foundation (KMF) Winter Seminar, where leaders from government, business, the diplomatic corps, academia and civil society gathered to examine the relationship between migration, development and Africa’s future.
“The future of Africa will not be determined by the borders that separate us, but by the economic opportunities that connect us. Governments must set predictable policy and regulations. Businesses will follow and allocate resources and capital. Together, we can build a continent where opportunity is more evenly shared and prosperity is more widely created,” he said.
As a sponsor of this year’s KMF seminar, MTN Group believes platforms that bring together diverse perspectives are essential to building practical solutions to some of the continent’s most complex challenges.
Speaking during a panel discussion, Mupita said migration should not be viewed in isolation from the broader economic conditions shaping people’s lives and economic progress.
“If our discussion ends with the language of crisis around migration, we will have treated the symptom and missed the deeper challenge. People move because opportunity is unevenly distributed. The defining question is whether we can build economies in which mobility is matched by opportunity.”
He argued that Africa’s demographic advantage would only become an economic advantage if countries invested in the conditions that allow people to participate productively. These included skills, infrastructure, finance, markets and institutions.
“MTN was born in South Africa and has grown alongside the continent. Our prosperity is inseparable from Africa’s prosperity,” Mupita said, adding that digital infrastructure and services have become increasingly important enablers of economic participation. They connect people to each other, but also to education, entrepreneurship, financial and public services, and to markets.
This is why MTN continues to support platforms that encourage thoughtful, evidence-based dialogue on issues that shape Africa’s future.
“MTN believes that Africa’s strength lies in its connectivity – not only through networks, but through people, ideas and shared identity. This initiative is about building bridges, not borders,” Mupita concluded.
Africa’s digital future will be shaped by the young people who have the opportunity to participate in it. As technology rapidly transforms industries and redefines the future of work, access to digital skills has become more than an education imperative – it’s an economic necessity.
As an organisation leading digital solutions for Africa’s progress, MTN believes expanding access to digital skills is fundamentally about expanding access to opportunity.
World Youth Skills Day, observed annually on 15 July, provides an opportunity to reflect on how digital inclusion, skills development and strategic partnerships are enabling more young Africans to participate meaningfully in the continent’s growing digital economy.
For MTN, investing in digital skills is not simply about preparing young people for the jobs of tomorrow. It is about empowering them to become entrepreneurs, innovators, creators and problem-solvers who will shape Africa’s future and drive sustainable progress across the continent.
“Africa’s future will be shaped by the ambitions and capabilities of its young people. At MTN, we believe that digital skills are the foundation, but opportunity is the true destination,” says Nompilo Morafo, Chief Sustainability and Corporate Affairs Officer, MTN Group. “Our responsibility is not only to equip youth with future-ready skills, but to help create pathways to employment, entrepreneurship and innovation that enable them to participate meaningfully in Africa’s digital economy.”
Unlocking Africa’s competitive advantage
Africa’s greatest competitive advantage lies in its young and rapidly growing population. Realising this potential requires more than just connectivity or access to technology. Young people require future-ready skills and access to opportunities that enable them to compete globally while driving innovation and growth within their communities.
The urgency is clear. Sub-Saharan Africa’s population is projected to grow by around 150 million people over the next five years. At the same time, the World Economic Forum’s Future of Jobs Report 2025 estimates that around 40% of today’s skills are becoming outdated, while approximately 22% of jobs are expected to change by 2030 as technology continues to reshape industries.
Preparing youth for this future demands more than digital literacy. It requires practical, industry-relevant skills that can translate into meaningful employment, entrepreneurship and long-term economic participation.
MTN, through the MTN Skills Academy and a growing portfolio of initiatives across our markets, is helping to build those pathways by connecting learning with opportunity.
Turning ambition into action
Across our markets, this ambition comes to life in different ways. While every community faces unique challenges, the objective remains the same: removing barriers that prevent young people from participating in Africa’s digital economy.
South Sudan
In South Sudan, MTN has partnered with the Ministry of General Education and Instruction, the Ministry of ICT and Postal Services, and the non-profit organisation Educare South Sudan to launch the zero-rated Junub Academy National E-Learning Platform.
Recognised by Educare South Sudan for expanding access to education, the platform enables teachers and learners across the country to access approved educational content without incurring data charges. This helps remove one of the biggest barriers to digital learning while supporting continuity of education in underserved communities.
The initiative is particularly significant given South Sudan’s longstanding infrastructure and education access challenges, demonstrating how digital connectivity can help bridge educational gaps.
Congo Brazzaville
In Congo Brazzaville, MTN has embraced the rapid rise of artificial intelligence (AI) by investing in young innovators developing solutions to Africa’s unique challenges.
Together with the Giovani & Mamie Foundation and BantuHub, MTN hosted GMU Tech Week 2026 in Pointe-Noire, a week-long programme designed to transform youth potential into future technology leadership.
Over five days, more than 200 participants moved beyond simply learning about emerging technologies. They engaged with industry experts, explored future-focused career opportunities and developed ideas capable of creating meaningful impact within their communities.
Côte d’Ivoire
In Côte d’Ivoire, MTN is demonstrating that digital inclusion must be accessible to everyone.
Through a partnership with the National Institute for the Promotion of the Blind (INIPA), MTN established a Braille multimedia room equipped with adapted computers and assistive technologies.
The facility enables visually impaired students to access educational resources, strengthen their digital capabilities and learn more independently, ensuring that disability is not a barrier to opportunity.
Benin
In Benin, MTN is creating stronger pathways between digital learning and employability through its flagship TITA Digital Skills programme.
Launched by the MTN Foundation in 2022 in partnership with Digital Valley and public universities, the initiative equips students and young graduates with practical, industry-relevant skills in areas including coding, digital entrepreneurship, content creation and innovation.
The programme has already trained more than 1,000 young people, with many graduates securing opportunities across local industries, while others have begun their professional journeys within MTN Benin.
From skills to opportunity
Although these initiatives address different needs, they all contribute to the same vision: enabling young Africans to participate fully in the digital economy by creating inclusive pathways to opportunity.
Whether it is a learner accessing education without connectivity barriers, a visually impaired student gaining digital independence, or an aspiring innovator developing solutions powered by AI, each initiative creates a pathway towards greater opportunity.
Today, the MTN Skills Academy is available across 11 markets and has reached more than 350,000 learners through a growing network of training and ecosystem partners, including ICT hubs.
While building digital skills is an essential first step, the true measure of success lies in what those skills make possible. Skills must lead to employment, entrepreneurship, innovation and economic participation.
As Africa’s leading digital solutions provider, MTN is committed to creating those pathways by connecting digital skills with real opportunity. Because when young people are empowered to participate fully in the digital economy, they do more than build futures for themselves. They help drive Africa’s progress.
MTN Group President and CEO Ralph Mupita has been named as a commissioner on the AI for Good Global Commission, an initiative of the United Nations’ International Telecommunication Union charged with expanding digital access, strengthening trust and accelerating economic impact through responsible AI.
“It’s an honour to be one of the founding commissioners of the AI for Good Global Commission,” said MTN Group President and CEO Ralph Mupita. “At MTN Group we believe that the developments in AI have the potential to advance health, education, food security and industrial productivity. AI must be safe, ethical and globally inclusive. These perspectives align fully with the work of this Global Commission.”
Made up of more than 40 founding members, the Commission brings together leaders from government, business and international organisations to unlock AI’s potential. It builds on the Broadband Commission for Sustainable Development, which helped shape global priorities for extending digital inclusion and economic development.
The first meeting of the AI for Good Global Commission – which is co-chaired by Rwandan President Paul Kagame and Salesforce CEO Marc Benioff – will take place this week in Geneva, Switzerland. One of the MTN Group’s strategic priorities is to ‘leverage AI for growth’, targeting R30 billion in value-creation opportunities in the next three to five years.
MTN Group is pleased to announce the appointment of Jerry Soko as Chief Executive Officer of MTN Eswatini, effective 1 July 2026.
The appointment builds on a series of leadership announcements in the first half of the year, reinforcing MTN’s commitment to strengthening its leadership bench as it executes on its Ambition 2030 strategy.
“Under Jerry’s leadership, MTN Eswatini has regained strong momentum, improving performance, strengthening operational discipline, and deepening customer engagement,” said Ralph Mupita, MTN Group President and CEO. “His track record, combined with his understanding of our operations, positions him well to lead MTN Eswatini into its next phase of growth.”
Jerry is a seasoned telecommunications executive and qualified accountant with more than 20 years of leadership experience across the ICT sector in Africa. He has served as Acting CEO of MTN Eswatini for the past seven months, during which time he has stabilised and repositioned the business for sustainable growth. His tenure has reinforced the company’s relevance in the market and strengthened trust with stakeholders.
Jerry has driven a focused organisational agenda anchored on network competitiveness, customer experience and disciplined execution. His leadership has prioritised network resilience and reliability while embedding a more customer-centric culture across the organisation.
He has also strengthened operational efficiency, enhanced cash management, and fostered strategic partnerships that support Eswatini’s broader digital development ambitions.
A strong advocate for people and culture, Jerry has cultivated a high-performance environment grounded in accountability, agility and collaboration, while placing emphasis on leadership development and succession planning.
Jerry brings extensive experience from across the MTN footprint, having held senior leadership roles, including CEO and CFO positions, in Zambia, South Sudan, Botswana and Rwanda. He also serves on several boards in a non-executive capacity.
As MTN continues to evolve from a connectivity provider to a platform business, leadership continuity and capability remain central to delivering on its strategic priorities of connectivity, fintech and digital infrastructure.
Jerry’s appointment underscores MTN’s commitment to developing and appointing proven leaders from within its markets, while leveraging the scale and expertise of the Group to deliver inclusive digital progress across Africa.
“I am not African because I was born in Africa, but because Africa was born in me.”
This powerful quote from Kwame Nkrumah, the first prime minister of a post-colonial African nation, reminds us of the fundamental cultural connection of being African.
At MTN, we celebrate Africa Day as a pan-African company both born on the continent and one that is inherently African.
We are a diverse group that serves a quarter of a billion customers – from families and friends to communities and business – across this vast continent we call home. We employ 15 000 people, representing 74 different nationalities and ethnicities in 19 markets. Of the 1 730 people who joined MTN and our subsidiaries in 2025, 87% were local – they were employed in the countries from which they originate.
“Our Pan-African roots run deep, and today we are humbled and proud to acknowledge these,” says MTN Group President and CEO Ralph Mupita. “Our continent has enormous potential, and we are committed to helping unlock this through our networks and platforms.”
MTN’s purpose is leading digital solutions for Africa’s progress.
“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 says, adding that the continent has much to gain from this demographic dividend.
MTN’s three-decade history is one of significant investment in people, technology and infrastructure. We are humbled to help create opportunities and economic value. In 2025, we generated a massive R150 billion in economic value-added across our continent, where our total tax contribution was R61.1 billion – more than the GDP of some small countries.
Our capital expenditure of R38.5 billion in 2025 reflects the sustained investment in the physical and digital assets that underpin connectivity. Investing at scale helps develop durable national infrastructure, building national digital backbones. Through the distribution of dividends to the shareholders – including pension funds – of MTN Group and our subsidiaries across our markets, we unlock value for millions.
As part of our commitment to being a good corporate citizen, we also make significant corporate social investments. In 2025, these totalled R269 million, benefiting 2.3 million people, most of them youth.
We believe in the power of technology to uplift communities, empowering the next generation of African leaders. We embed local participation across employment, ownership and procurement. This includes investing in skills development and supporting the growth of local businesses, ensuring economic value is retained and multiplied within host economies.
“Our success is irrevocably tied to the progress of the nations we serve. Together, we create jobs, develop local suppliers, build digital skills and support essential services like education, healthcare and infrastructure,” says Mupita, adding that MTN’s listings on the stock markets in Nigeria, Ghana, Uganda and Rwanda are critical levers in MTN’s localisation and value-creation journey.
“We’ve made it our goal to drive digital and financial inclusion, giving the people in the communities we serve dignity, hope and opportunity. Africa needs to chart and champion her own growth. It is up to us all to unlock Africa’s boundless potential.”
Looking ahead, Africa’s future will be defined by what we choose to build together. When Africans act with greater unity, shared purpose and collective resolve, we lay the foundation for the Africa we want: more inclusive, more resilient and more prosperous.
Ours is the youngest continent on earth, and within that youthful energy lies one of our greatest opportunities. If we invest with intent in education, skills, entrepreneurship and meaningful work, we can turn this demographic reality into a lasting dividend for generations to come.
Digital technology will be one of the great catalysts of that future. By connecting more people, expanding access to financial services, education, healthcare and markets, and giving young innovators the tools to solve African challenges with African insight, technology can help unlock progress at scale.
With sustained investment in digital infrastructure, digital skills and trusted platforms, we can help build a continent that is more connected, more competitive, and full of possibility – a confident Africa, shaping its own destiny in the digital age.
We invite you to share your voice here about what Africa means to you. You can also upload a photo to generate a personalised Africa Day image to share.
MTN Group signed a multi-year Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, to advance meaningful connectivity and digital inclusion for refugees, internally displaced persons (IDPs), asylum seekers and host communities across MTN’s markets.
Announcing the partnership, Nompilo Morafo, Group Chief Sustainability and Corporate Affairs Officer at MTN Group, said: “At MTN, we believe everyone deserves the benefits of a modern connected life”. Connectivity is not a privilege; it is foundational to dignity, protection and economic participation. When people are forced to flee, digital access becomes critical, it keeps families connected, enables access to assistance, and restores agency. This partnership reflects our conviction that inclusion must be intentional and systemic, especially for the most vulnerable.
Kelly T. Clements, UNHCR Deputy High Commissioner, added: “For displaced communities, digital access is essential to protection, resilience and opportunity. It allows people to receive lifesaving information, connect with support networks and rebuild their futures. MTN’s reach and scale across Africa make this collaboration a significant step toward closing the connectivity gap for millions.”
The partnership underscores a broader reality: in an increasingly digital world, connectivity is not secondary to humanitarian response, it is central to it. The agreement recognises a shifting humanitarian landscape across sub-Saharan Africa, where conflict, economic shocks and climate-related disasters continue to drive large-scale displacement. More than 20 million displaced people reside in markets where MTN operates. For many, exclusion is compounded by systemic digital barriers which include lack of recognised identification, unaffordable devices and data, limited broadband coverage, language constraints and low digital literacy. Without reliable connectivity, access to protection updates, humanitarian assistance, education, financial services and livelihood opportunities is severely constrained.
MTN and UNHCR are committed to making connectivity more affordable and accessible in refugee-hosting areas, expand resilient network infrastructure, and advance digital and financial inclusion through mobile money, remittance enablement and digital skills development. The partnership will also support pathways that address identity and literacy gaps, recognising that documentation and capability are often the first barriers to meaningful participation in the digital economy.
Beyond service provision, the collaboration aims to catalyse broader ecosystem change by mobilising funding and fostering multi-stakeholder partnerships that deliver measurable socio-economic impact. Implementation is expected to begin in Rwanda, Uganda and South Sudan, with a structured roadmap to scale across additional MTN markets hosting significant displaced populations. This collaboration is anchored in the ambitions of the Connectivity for Refugees initiative, that brings together international organizations, public and private sector actors towards a goal of advancing connectivity for 20 million forcibly displaced people by 2030.
MTN will participate in MWC Barcelona 2026 from 2 to 5 March at Fira Gran Via in Barcelona, joining global industry leaders, governments and investors as the sector shapes the next phase of digital infrastructure and services. Convened by the GSMA, MWC Barcelona 2026 marks the event’s 20th edition in Barcelona and remains the sector’s most influential gathering on connectivity and the digital economy.
For the first time at MWC Barcelona, MTN will exhibit from its own stand in Hall 4, providing a dedicated space for leadership engagement on the infrastructure, policy and partnership priorities shaping Africa’s digital and AI readiness.
With the event theme, “The IQ Era,” MWC Barcelona 2026 will spotlight AI-powered connectivity, next-generation networks and the systems that make digital transformation durable, secure and scalable. For Africa, AI readiness will be determined by fundamentals that can be built, financed and governed: resilient networks and supporting infrastructure, affordable access, relevant skills, and policy and regulatory certainty that supports long-term investment. MTN’s participation reflects its continued focus on strengthening these foundations through sustained network investment, expanding digital and financial services, and supporting partnerships that extend reach and reduce barriers to inclusion.
Leading the MTN delegation, Group President and CEO Ralph Mupita, in his capacity as Deputy Chair of the GSMA, will engage in high-level discussions on the enabling role of telecommunications in AI ecosystems. His participation in leadership engagements during the week will focus on the infrastructure and enabling frameworks required for responsible AI adoption at scale, particularly in emerging markets.
MTN’s broader executive team will contribute to specialised dialogues on priorities central to Africa’s digital future, including fintech innovation, digital trust and online safety, and the partnership models needed to accelerate coverage, strengthen resilience and build confidence in digital platforms.
MTN invites partners, investors, media and stakeholders attending MWC Barcelona 2026 to connect with the team in Hall 4 to engage on how Africa’s digital future is being built, and the practical collaboration required to ensure the AI era broadens opportunity rather than widening divides.
MTN Group announced today that the board of IHS Towers has accepted an offer of US$8.50 a share in a transaction that would see MTN increasing its shareholding to 100%. The potential transaction is subject to various approvals and the delisting of IHS from the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE).
Upon the completion of IHS’s announced disposals (on 11 February and 17 February 2026) of its Latin American assets, it is intended that MTN will acquire 100% of IHS’s remaining business.
IHS is one of the world’s largest tower companies, with nearly 29 000 high-quality towers in Africa serving various mobile network operators in five key MTN markets.
The proposed transaction, which follows discussions noted on 5 February 2026, marks an important step to unlock compelling value for MTN and strengthen and reintegrate its ownership of critical digital infrastructure across Africa. For IHS shareholders, it provides them with an attractive opportunity to crystallise value.
The funding for the proposed transaction of the remaining shares MTN does not already own, for a consideration of some US$2.2 billion, will be through cash of approximately US$1.1 billion on IHS’s balance sheet, along with available liquidity and debt from MTN.
MTN has approximately 24.7% shareholding in IHS. As part of the transaction, it intends to take the company private through the acquisition of all outstanding shares it does not own, pursuant to a cash merger.
By reintegrating the tower assets, MTN will be able to internalise the margin currently paid to IHS, benefit from current and future incremental third-party revenues, improve cost predictability and unlock significant long-term value embedded in its existing investment.
“This proposed transaction is a pivotal step in further strengthening MTN Group’s strategic and financial position for a future where digital infrastructure will become ever more essential to Africa’s growth and development,” saidMTN Group President and CEO Ralph Mupita. “This transaction gives us a unique opportunity to buy back our towers and strengthen our ability to be partners for progress to the nation states in which we operate.”
“For IHS customers and partners across the continent, we commit to continuing high standards of service and the right governance of what is the largest standalone and integrated tower company in Africa, enabled by the excellent people within IHS.”
Through this transaction, shareholders of IHS will receive US$8.50 per share. This translates to an 9.7% premium to the 30-day volume-weighted average price as at 4 February 2026 (the last day of trading before the release of MTN’s cautionary announcement) on the NYSE, enabling them to unlock the value of their investment.
Long-term IHS shareholder Wendel has provided a letter of support to vote in favour of the transaction and will receive full liquidity on its shares upon closing. With support from Wendel (and certain affiliates) and MTN being able to vote at a general meeting, ~40% has already been secured of a minimum two-thirds approval of voting shareholders.
IHS Chairman and CEO Sam Dawish commented: “The proposed transaction deepens our long-standing partnership with MTN as it combines Africa’s largest mobile network operator with one of its largest digital infrastructure platforms and underscores the strong connection between IHS Towers and the African continent.”
In structuring this transaction, MTN remains focused on disciplined capital allocation inclusive of shareholder remuneration going forward. No new equity issuance will be required at the MTN Group level and the funding plan allows for a short-term increase in leverage. The transaction is forecast to be accretive to net income and cash flow.
The proposed transaction is subject to IHS shareholder approval, regulatory approvals in the relevant markets and customary closing conditions.
Link to SENS
MTN, together with the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) and its strategic partners, has announced the winners of the 2025 Africa PachiPanda Challenge, concluding a continent-wide search for scalable, youth-led environmental enterprises driving Africa’s green economy.
Hosted at the MTN Innovation Centre in Johannesburg this week, the finale marked the culmination of a highly competitive process that attracted 2,484 youth-led small and medium enterprises from across multiple African markets. Guided by the theme, “Nourishing Tomorrow: Innovation for Food, Energy and Water Security,” the Challenge spotlighted commercially viable solutions addressing systemic environmental pressures while advancing inclusive, low-carbon growth.
Arnaud Njita of Cameroon won first place for nTron STEM Kit, converting plastic waste into 3D-printing filament for STEM education; Ndaman Joshua Olayinka from Nigeria secured second for BuyScrap, a tech-enabled e-waste recycling platform; and Bill Agha of Cameroon placed third for AgriCheck, a climate-smart digital agriculture solution. Together, they reflect the strength of youth-led innovation driving circular economy and climate resilience across Africa.
“Africa’s youth are not just responding to the climate challenge – they are shaping the solutions,” said Nompilo Morafo, MTN Chief Sustainability and Corporate Affairs Officer. “Through the PachiPanda Challenge, MTN is backing youth-led innovation that can scale environmental impact and unlock economic opportunities that could help enable long-term resilience for communities across the continent.”
The Challenge reflects the scale of opportunity within Africa’s climate economy. Agriculture remains central to employment yet constrained by land degradation, limited irrigation and climate volatility. At the same time, Africa’s renewable energy and water potential remains significantly underdeveloped. Innovation across food systems, energy access and water security therefore represents both a climate imperative and a strategic growth frontier.
The PachiPanda Challenge is a flagship pan-African platform for youth-led environmental innovation. The programme goes beyond ideation, equipping entrepreneurs with funding, mentorship and governance support to build investment-ready enterprises that create jobs and measurable environmental outcomes.
“What we have seen confirms that this is far more than a competition. It is a statement of intent. It shows that Africa is not waiting to be rescued by ideas from elsewhere, but is actively generating its own solutions—solutions rooted in local realities, driven by African entrepreneurs, and designed to deliver both economic value and measurable benefits for nature and communities” Alain Ononino, WWF Cameroon Country Director.
A distinguished panel of industry experts selected the winners from a diverse group of finalists spanning clean energy, food security ecosystems, circular economy solutions and waste-to-value innovations. The standard of innovation reflected the depth of Africa’s emerging climate-tech pipeline.
Jane Mammatt, ESG, Sustainability and Climate Change Partner at Deloitte, formed part of the expert judging panel “The PachiPanda Challenge highlights the growing pipeline of African innovators who are developing practical solutions to complex environmental challenges. Through the masterclass and ongoing mentoring, our focus has been to help participants strengthen their business models, governance and investment readiness, so that these ventures are well positioned to scale and deliver meaningful environmental and social impact.”
Flame Innovation Zambia, led by Agatha Mumba Mwansa, received both the Thematic Excellence Award and the Ubuntu Award for transforming waste materials into clean-energy alternatives such as fire blocks and eco-friendly household products, reducing deforestation and fuel costs while advancing circular economy principles. The Baobab Growth Award was presented to EcoDrop Project from Uganda founded by Kanyesige Pascal, Kigozi Martin Koyamu and Nyesiga Promise, for its incentive-based recycling model that rewards communities with cash, data or airtime for responsible plastic disposal, driving behavioural change at scale.
Winners will receive MTN funding to accelerate the next phase of growth, complemented by structured post-competition mentoring from Deloitte to strengthen business models, governance and investment readiness. The programme concludes with an executive immersion hosted by Wits Business School, providing finalists with exposure to leadership perspectives, enterprise development frameworks and innovation ecosystems to support scale.
By enabling youth-driven climate innovation, MTN and its partners are not only addressing environmental risk but also strengthening local ecosystems and contributing to Africa’s transition toward a more resilient, low-carbon future.