MTN drives South Africa’s digital future

by SAVIOUS KWINIKA
JOHANNESBURG – MTN South Africa has announced plans to invest nearly R22 billion over the next three years in network infrastructure and IT systems, reinforcing its commitment to the country’s digital transformation and economic growth.

Broadband connectivity is increasingly recognised as a critical driver of economic participation.

By strengthening its network and IT capabilities, MTN SA aims to enable entrepreneurship, innovation, and sustainable growth across communities, industries, and regions.

Speaking at the South Africa Investment Conference (SAIC) in Sandton, MTN SA CEO Ferdi Moolman highlighted the company’s recent investments: “In 2025 alone, MTN SA invested R6.8 billion across our footprint. Over the three years to 2028, we expect to invest a total of R22 billion in South Africa.”

These investments complement MTN SA’s broader contributions to the country, including tax revenue, job creation, and digital skills development.

The subsidiary of MTN Group—one of 15 mobile operations across Africa—continues to play a central role in South Africa’s socioeconomic development.

In 2024, MTN SA contributed almost R5.4 billion in taxes, spanning corporate taxes, indirect taxes, operating licence fees, payroll taxes, property rates, dividend taxes, and withholding taxes.

“Alongside our network investments, job creation, and digital skills initiatives, MTN’s contributions create meaningful socio-economic impact nationwide,” Moolman said.

“They are critical to our licence to operate and our reputation as a responsible corporate citizen.”

Serving over 40 million subscribers and consistently ranked as South Africa’s most valuable brand, MTN SA is a trusted partner to government, supporting national priorities such as digital and financial inclusion, infrastructure development, and economic growth.

MTN employs more than 4,000 people locally, with a strong focus on graduate talent development.

As a Level 1 B-BBEE contributor, MTN SA drives inclusive growth, spending over R9.8 billion with black-owned suppliers and R18.9 billion with black women-owned suppliers in 2024.

Through the MTN SA Foundation, the company has invested over R1.1 billion since 2009 in community initiatives.

Highlights include more than 400 multimedia centres reaching 220,000 learners, digital skills training for over 16,000 educators, and the MTN Online School, which now serves 470,000 learners.

Entrepreneurship programmes have introduced over 36,000 learners to business principles, while digital skills training for more than 3,500 unemployed youth and support for 365 SMMEs have contributed to over 300 jobs created.

MTN’s participation in the SAIC underscores its enduring partnership with government and its commitment to advancing South Africa’s socioeconomic and digital priorities.

– CAJ News