MTN Commits $215 Million to Boost Digital Growth and Inclusion

The 7th edition of the Benin Investment Forum (BIF) will take place from 8 to 9 May 2025 at the Sofitel Hotel in Cotonou, bringing together leaders from government, business, and civil society to foster economic cooperation, attract foreign direct investment, and promote inclusive development. Organised by the Government of Benin through the Investment and Export Promotion Agency (APIEX) and the Benin Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the Forum comes at a crucial moment in Benin’s development, underpinned by structural reforms and macroeconomic stability.

MTN Group proudly joins the Forum as the Platinum and Headline Sponsor. This strategic partnership follows MTN Group President and CEO, Ralph Mupita’s market visit to Benin in January 2024, where the company reaffirmed its longstanding commitment to the country’s development as a trusted partner. MTN’s participation at BIF 2025 will be led by Senior Vice President Markets Ebenezer Asante, who will deliver a keynote address at the Opening Ceremony on the topic “MTN: Partner in Africa’s Development.” He will be joined by MTN Benin CEO Uche Ofodile and MTN Group Chief Sustainability and Corporate Affairs Officer Nompilo Morafo, both of whom will participate in high-level discussions on finance, the future of technology, and women’s leadership in business.

MTN will also take the lead in hosting the exclusive MTN Investment Night, a high-level networking engagement aimed at facilitating meaningful dialogue among investors, policymakers, and senior business leaders. As part of its broader contribution to the Forum, MTN will collaborate with the Benin Ministry of Trade and Commerce to evaluate start-up pitches, spotlighting innovative solutions from emerging entrepreneurs. Additionally, the Group will deliver an inspirational leadership masterclass, curated to inspire and equip the next generation of African business leaders with insights drawn from MTN’s journey of growth and transformation across the continent.

Having operated in Benin for more than 25 years, MTN has made significant contributions to the country’s digital infrastructure, financial inclusion, and social development. The Group has committed over $215 million in new investments through 2026, including the rollout of 5G services, expansion of fibre connectivity, and the construction of a new MTN Benin headquarters. MTN’s impact also extends into health, education, and entrepreneurship through the work of the MTN Foundation, reinforcing its belief that digital access is key to unlocking national and regional progress.”

Commenting on MTN’s commitment to the Benin Investment Forum and the country, Ebenezer Asante, MTN Group Senior Vice President, Markets stated:

Our presence at the Benin Investment Forum reflects more than sponsorship, it’s a reflection of our unwavering belief in Benin’s potential and our shared journey toward inclusive digital transformation. Through strategic partnerships rooted in national development goals, MTN is proud to be a catalyst for progress, investment, and innovation in Benin and across the continent.

– Ebenezer Asante, Senior Vice President, Markets, MTN Group

MTN’s participation in the Benin Investment Forum 2025 exemplifies the company’s belief that inclusive, resilient growth must be rooted in strategic collaboration between the public and private sectors. As a partner of choice to African governments, MTN continues to play a leading role in building the infrastructure, capabilities, and ecosystems required for nations to thrive in a digital world. Through its involvement in BIF 2025, MTN reaffirms its commitment to Benin’s development journey and to advancing Africa’s digital and economic integration.