MTN Group has become the first African telecom operator to reach 300 million subscribers across its markets. Ralph Mupita, Group President and CEO announced the milestone at the annual Ambassadors’ Appreciation Dinner.
Driven by Ambition 2025 Strategy
Hitting the 300 million figure was a core objective of MTN’s “Ambition 2025” strategy. The company reached the landmark by adding millions of new customers in quick succession:
- The group added 6.2 million new customers in 2024.
- An additional 6.7 million customers were acquired in the first half of 2025 alone, pushing the total past 300 million.
The majority of these subscribers are concentrated in three key markets as of mid-2025:
- Nigeria: 84.7 million users (the largest share).
- Iran: 56 million users.
- South Africa: 39.8 million users.
Shifting Focus: Beyond Mobile
While celebrating the subscriber milestone, CEO Mupita confirmed that the company’s strategic focus is already shifting to the “next frontier” of digital services:
- Fintech: The MoMo mobile money platform is central to this phase, aiming to extend financial access in regions with limited traditional banking.
- Digital Infrastructure & Connected Home: MTN is accelerating the deployment of fibre and expanding its “smart home” offerings, such as “MTN Sky Premium.”
Mupita stated, “We’re delighted to have met our 2025 target, but our focus now shifts to fintech, digital infrastructure and the connected home.” This massive growth underscores the role of connectivity as foundational for economic growth and inclusion across Africa.
