MTN reaffirmed its broader purpose of “leading digital solutions for Africa’s progress,” stressing that unity among Africans is key to unlocking long-term prosperity, particularly for the continent’s youth, who are expected to form the world’s largest workforce by 2040.
MTN Group has marked Africa Day with a reflection on its identity as a pan-African organisation, highlighting its deep roots on the continent and its ongoing commitment to driving digital and economic progress across Africa.
The company anchored its message on a quote from Kwame Nkrumah, the first prime minister of a post-colonial African nation: “I am not African because I was born in Africa, but because Africa was born in me.”
Describing itself as both born in Africa and inherently African, MTN said it serves more than a quarter of a billion customers across 19 markets on the continent, supported by a workforce of about 15,000 employees representing 74 nationalities and ethnicities. The company also noted that in 2025, 87% of new hires across its operations were local to the countries in which they were employed.
“Our Pan-African roots run deep, and today we are humbled and proud to acknowledge these. Our continent has enormous potential, and we are committed to helping unlock this through our networks and platforms.”
– Ralph Mupita, President and CEO, MTN Group
MTN reaffirmed its broader purpose of “leading digital solutions for Africa’s progress,” stressing that unity among Africans is key to unlocking long-term prosperity, particularly for the continent’s youth, who are expected to form the world’s largest workforce by 2040.
The telecoms group also highlighted its financial and operational footprint, noting that in 2025 it generated R150 billion in economic value-added across its markets, contributed R61.1 billion in taxes, and invested R38.5 billion in capital expenditure to strengthen digital and physical infrastructure.
In addition, MTN reported R269 million in corporate social investment in 2025, reaching about 2.3 million people, most of them young people, through community-focused programmes.
“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. 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.”
– Ralph Mupita, President and CEO, MTN Group
Looking ahead, MTN emphasized that Africa’s future will depend on collaboration, investment in youth, and expansion of digital infrastructure. The company said technology will play a central role in connecting people, expanding access to essential services, and enabling innovation across the continent.
It concluded that sustained investment in digital systems, skills, and platforms will help build a more connected and competitive Africa, while inviting people to share what Africa means to them as part of its Africa Day engagement campaign.
