MTN Group has unveiled an ambitious strategy to transition nearly half of its 290 million subscribers from traditional voice services to data-driven usage to advance digital connectivity across Africa.
The plan was announced by MTN Group President and CEO, Ralph Mupita, during the ongoing Mobile World Congress (MWC) in Barcelona, Spain.
Mupita said that while approximately 145 million subscribers already utilize data services, the remaining half are yet to make the shift.
This strategic focus aims to bridge the usage gap and accelerate internet adoption across the continent.
“The coverage gap is not an issue anymore, but the continent still suffers from the issue of the usage gap,” Mupita stated. “We’re seeing an explosion of data traffic and having to invest in our networks to carry the capacity that comes with more Africans using the Internet.”
MTN’s data push is part of a broader vision to enhance digital inclusion and financial empowerment through its mobile money solutions, which currently serve over 60 million active users.
The company’s mobile money services have transformed access to financial services for millions, enabling transactions, savings, and micro e-commerce activities across its markets.
As part of its growth strategy, MTN is investing heavily in network infrastructure to support increased data traffic.
Mupita explained that advancing digital technologies and increasing data usage are vital to driving Africa’s economic development.
He also noted that smartphone penetration is expected to rise significantly over the next five years, making data services even more accessible.
Industry reports presented at the MWC by the GSMA and management consulting firm Kearney indicated that mobile network operators (MNOs) like MTN are responsible for 85% of the global investment in mobile internet infrastructure.
The report highlighted that MNOs contributed $109 billion of the $127 billion annual investment in mobile internet infrastructure, far outpacing investments by cloud service providers and content providers.
John Giusti, Chief Regulatory Officer of the GSMA, acknowledged the critical role of mobile operators in sustaining digital economies.
He urged governments to create favorable policies to support these investments.
“Mobile network operators are the keystone of the Internet economy, funding the vast majority of the infrastructure that enables modern digital life,” Giusti remarked.
MTN’s focus on increasing data usage aligns with projections that internet penetration in Africa will rise from the current 30% to 40% in the next five years, driven by affordable smartphones and expanding mobile networks.
The company’s goal is to connect an additional 250 million Africans to its network within this period, enhancing digital literacy and economic opportunities across the continent.
