MTN Group Celebrates 30 Years of Connecting Africa, Reaching 300 Million Customers Across Its Markets

MTN Group  has reached a major milestone in its Ambition 2025 strategy, announcing that it now serves over 300 million customers across its markets. The achievement was revealed during the company’s annual Ambassadors Appreciation Dinner, held on Wednesday, which brought together African diplomats, public sector leaders, and MTN executives to celebrate collaboration and shared progress in driving the continent’s digital transformation.

A Milestone for Ambition 2025

The announcement marks a defining moment in MTN’s journey to extend connectivity and digital inclusion across Africa. The Ambition 2025 strategy, launched to position MTN as a leading digital solutions provider, aimed to reach 300 million users by 2025 — a target now achieved ahead of schedule.

“The time is now for Africa to take charge of its own socioeconomic progress. We need to look within for solutions and to develop our own communities.”

– Ralph Mupita, Group President and CEO, MTN 

Mupita highlighted how, despite global economic uncertainty, MTN’s employees and partners continue to deliver impact through grassroots innovation and community engagement.

Recognising Impact Through Y’ello Care

The event also celebrated the 2025 edition of MTN’s 21 Days of Y’ello Care campaign, themed “Connecting at the Roots: Connecting communities through the use of digital tools.” The initiative mobilised MTN employees across the continent to develop digital solutions that enhance access to education, financial inclusion, and essential services in underserved communities.

“Y’ello Care embodies our belief that everyone deserves the benefits of a modern connected life. Progress is ultimately built through people – our ideas, commitment and compassion. I am grateful to MTNers, partners and community collaborators who continue to bring this belief to life.”

– Nompilo Morafo, Group Chief Sustainability and Corporate Affairs Officer, MTN  

Top performers from MTN’s markets were honoured for their outstanding community-driven projects:

• MTN Eswatini earned top honours for its Government in Your Hand initiative, integrating MoMo to deliver public services and promote e-governance.

• MTN Cameroon received the WECA Region Award for establishing digital centres that foster local innovation.

• MTN Uganda won the SEA Region Award for enhancing digital inclusion through solar-powered health centres, computer labs, and vocational training.

• MoMo won the inaugural Platform Business Award for expanding digital and financial inclusion.

• MTN Nigeria received a Special Mention Award for its Y’ello Boxes and MoMo Market Storm initiatives, which empower women and small businesses.

Driving Africa’s Digital Future

Mupita expressed gratitude to Africa’s diplomatic community for their continued partnership in supporting an enabling environment for innovation and investment.

He reaffirmed MTN’s commitment to the African Union’s Agenda 2063, emphasising that “the journey is ambitious but achievable, grounded in partnership and guided by a vision of an inclusive digital future.”

Through continued collaboration, investment, and innovation, MTN aims to deepen digital and financial inclusion and empower millions more Africans to connect, create, and thrive.