As part of our commitment to connecting communities across Africa, MTN Group hosted leaders of Africa’s diplomatic and public sector at its annual Ambassadors Appreciation Dinner on Wednesday, where we were delighted to announce that we had reached our Ambition 2025 strategic target of serving 300 million customers.

The gathering brought together diplomats and senior officials; the CEOs from across MTN’s markets; and members of the MTN Group Executive Committee to strengthen collaboration, investment and policy alignment in support of the continent’s digital transformation.

“The time is now for Africa to take charge of its own socioeconomic progress. We need to look within for solutions and to develop our own communities,” said MTN Group President and CEO Ralph Mupita, referencing global geopolitical uncertainty which had curtailed the foreign aid on which large parts of our continent had typically depended.

Mupita drew encouragement from MTNers and their communities who weren’t deterred by the challenges they face, choosing rather to roll up their sleeves in the annual 21 Days of Y’ello Care campaign and work together to extend digital and financial inclusion, particularly in rural, remote and underserved areas.

“Tonight, we celebrate our Y’ello Care employee volunteers and take inspiration from their can-do attitude. We also celebrate their dedication which has led to the Group meeting a strategic milestone by serving more than 300 million customers a mere three decades since the start of our first commercial operation in South Africa.”

MTN Group Chief Sustainability and Corporate Affairs Officer Nompilo Morafo said the 2025 Y’ello Care campaign – themed “Connecting at the Roots: Connecting communities through the use of digital tools” – illustrated how collaboration and innovation translate into progress across communities.

Through initiatives developed by employees and local partners, it demonstrated how digital tools are expanding opportunity and improving everyday life across Africa.

“Y’ello Care embodies our belief that everyone deserves the benefits of a modern connected life, while reminding us that progress is ultimately built through people – our ideas, commitment and compassion,” she said. “I am grateful to MTNers, partners and community collaborators who continue to bring this belief to life.”

• MTN Eswatini received top honours for its Government in Your Hand initiative, which integrates MoMo to deliver essential public services and build digital literacy, advancing national e-governance and inclusion.
• MTN Cameroon earned the WECA Region Award for its community-driven digital centres that empower citizens to co-create local solutions, strengthening participation and innovation at the grassroots.
• MTN Uganda won the SEA Region Award for expanding digital inclusion through computer labs, solar-powered health centres, and vocational training, equipping communities with digital skills, connectivity, and access to essential services.
• MoMo, the winner of the inaugural Platform Business Award, was recognised for driving financial inclusion through digital training, entrepreneurship support, and technology-enabled healthcare access.
• MTN Nigeria received a Special Mention Award for the scale and innovation of its Y’ello Boxes and MoMo Market Storm initiatives, which deepen digital and financial inclusion for women, traders, and small business owners.

Additional recognition went to operations across MTN’s markets for projects exemplifying MTN’s values. Connecting purpose with action, MTNers help build societies that are more inclusive, more resilient and more hopeful.

Mupita thanked the diplomatic community for its continued partnership and for supporting an enabling environment that fosters sustainable investment and innovation.

He noted that this spirit of collaboration remains vital as Africa advances toward the goals of Agenda 2063, reaffirming that the journey is ambitious but achievable, grounded in partnership and guided by a vision of an inclusive digital future.