MTN Smashes Records: Surpasses 300 Million Subscribers Across Africa Well Before 2025 Target!

MTN Group, a leading telecom operator in Africa, has proudly announced that its subscriber base has exceeded 300 million across the continent. This milestone was revealed during the company’s recent annual Ambassadors Appreciation Dinner, marking a significant achievement in its growth journey.

According to a statement released on Friday, MTN Group’s accomplishment aligns with its strategic vision, “Ambition 2025.” This milestone highlights the company’s dedication to advancing digital connectivity and fostering financial inclusion throughout Africa.

The event brought together a distinguished gathering of diplomats, senior executives, and officials from MTN’s various markets. Ralph Mupita, MTN Group’s President and CEO, called on all partners to strengthen collaborations and boost investments to fast-track Africa’s digital transformation.

Mupita stressed the importance of unity among African nations, especially in light of the uncertainties surrounding foreign aid, which many countries depend on. He views MTN’s success in digitally connecting the continent as a testament to the power of collective effort.

“This is Africa’s time to take charge of its economic and social progress. We must look inward for solutions and empower our communities,” he stated.

MTN Group President and CEO, Ralph Mupita
Ralph Mupita

MTN’s half-year financial report for 2025, released in August, showed a 4.7% growth in subscribers, reaching 297.7 million. Within just two months, the company added over 3 million new users across its 16 African markets.

This achievement not only reinforces MTN’s leadership in Africa’s telecom sector but also demonstrates its extensive network’s capacity to bridge digital gaps in both urban and rural communities.

Mupita also praised the dedication of MTN’s employees, affectionately known as MTNers, for their perseverance and commitment despite challenges. He highlighted their active involvement in the annual 21 Days of Y’ello Care initiative, which aims to expand digital and financial access, especially in underserved areas.

“We salute our Y’ello Care volunteers whose enthusiasm and dedication inspire us all. Their efforts have been crucial in helping MTN reach this milestone of serving over 300 million customers within just three decades since our inception in South Africa,” he added.

MTN Group's 2025 Annual Ambassadors Appreciation DinnerMTN Group's 2025 Annual Ambassadors Appreciation Dinner
Ambassadors Appreciation Dinner

Moreover, the group’s chairman expressed appreciation to the diplomatic corps for their continuous support and collaboration in driving innovative initiatives. Mupita reiterated that such partnerships are essential to achieving Agenda 2063, the African Union’s blueprint for transforming the continent into a competitive global force.

Agenda 2063, launched in 2013, provides a comprehensive framework for inclusive and sustainable socio-economic development, divided into five consecutive ten-year plans. MTN believes that enhancing digital connectivity across African households is key to realizing this vision.

MTN Group: Harnessing Strengths Across Its Various Divisions

In addition to surpassing the 300 million subscriber milestone, MTN’s subsidiaries have earned several prestigious awards.

MTN Nigeria received a Special Mention Award for the innovative scale of its Y’ello Boxes and MoMo Market Storm initiatives, which significantly advance financial and digital inclusion for women, traders, and small enterprises.

The company’s mobile money platform, MoMo, was honored with the inaugural Platform Business Award, recognizing its pivotal role in bridging financial service gaps through digital innovation. MTN Uganda was awarded the SEA Region Award for expanding digital access via computer labs and solar-powered health centers.

MTN Eswatini also received top government accolades for integrating MoMo to streamline essential public services and boost digital literacy.

In Cameroon, MTN earned the WECA Region Award for its community-driven digital centers that empower locals to co-create solutions, fostering grassroots innovation.

MTNMTN

MTN Group’s financial results for the first half of 2025 also reflected strong momentum.

Service revenue rose by 22.4%, driven primarily by robust performances in Nigeria and Ghana. This growth underscores MTN’s ability to navigate complex macroeconomic conditions, including stabilizing inflation and currency fluctuations in key markets.

Headline earnings per share (HEPS) saw a dramatic turnaround, soaring over 350% to 645 cents, a significant recovery from a 256-cent loss in the first half of 2024. This performance aligns with MTN’s projections, showcasing disciplined management and operational excellence.

Read More: MTN Group reports 22.4% surge in service revenue for H1 2025, fueled by Nigeria, Ghana, and fintech innovations.