MTN Drives Development with R52.7 Billion Tax Contribution Across 16 African Markets

MTN Group  contributed a total of R52.7 billion in taxes to revenue authorities across its markets in 2024—an amount equivalent to the cost of building more than 13,000 kilometres of new roads, using a ballpark figure of R4 million per kilometre.

The total tax contribution (TTC) includes corporate income tax, indirect taxes, operating licence fees, payroll taxes, property rates, dividend taxes, and withholding taxes. Major contributions came from MTN’s operations in Ghana (R11.7 billion), Nigeria (R9.1 billion), Uganda (R6.4 billion), and South Africa (R5.4 billion), with the remaining amount distributed across 12 other markets.

According to MTN Group Chief Financial Officer Tsholo Molefe, the TTC reflects more than just infrastructure potential. Governments can use these funds for a wide range of public services, including employing healthcare and education professionals, supporting vulnerable populations, and supplying essential goods such as medicines and learning materials.

“Using a ballpark figure of around R4 million as the cost to build one kilometre of road, our total tax contribution in the year is the equivalent of building more than 13 000km of roads. Our tax contribution is key to our licence to operate, as well as to our reputation as a responsible, compliant corporate citizen.”

-Tsholo Molefe, Chief Financial Officer, MTN Group. 

MTN Group stated that its tax contribution plays a vital role in securing its licence to operate and maintaining its reputation as a responsible, compliant corporate entity. The company’s commitment to fair tax practices also supports stable business environments in its host countries, encouraging foreign investment, job creation, and broader economic growth.

The details were shared in MTN’s annual Tax Transparency Report, which outlines the company’s economic contributions beyond corporate taxes and provides insight into the evolving tax landscape across its operating regions. The report also discloses market-specific contributions and effective tax rates.

The figures show that MTN’s West and Central Africa (WECA) region accounted for 52.8% of the total TTC, with Nigeria contributing 17.3%. Southern and East Africa (SEA) made up 17.1%, while South Africa accounted for 10.2% of the total.

MTN Group noted that its tax contributions help accelerate Africa’s digital future and contribute to delivering essential services that offer citizens dignity, opportunity, and hope. The company encourages stakeholders to review the full Tax Transparency Report  for further insights.