MTN Commits $2 Billion Annually to Network Upgrades Across Africa – CEO
MTN Group is investing $2 billion every year to expand and upgrade its network infrastructure across Africa, as part of its ongoing shift from 3G to 5G and its mission to improve connectivity for underserved communities.
Group President and CEO Ralph Mupita disclosed the figure during a recent interview with Bloomberg TV, emphasising that the company’s consistent capital expenditure is focused on network improvements, capacity expansion, and wider coverage in remote areas.
“We’ve been able to buy more with that envelope,” Mupita said, noting that MTN’s ability to extract value from its budget is the result of smart procurement and not mere luck. With average revenue per user ranging between $2 and $5 across most of its markets, the company is under pressure to make every dollar count.
He explained that while MTN’s overall spending remains steady, falling technology costs have allowed the company to achieve more with the same budget over time. The group currently operates in 17 countries and serves over 280 million subscribers, with Nigeria remaining its largest market.
In Nigeria, MTN’s financial results for the year ended December 31, 2024, showed a major jump in capital expenditure, which rose by 168.3% to ₦1.53 trillion. However, a significant portion of that was attributed to tower lease renegotiations. Stripping out lease-related costs, spending on fibre optics, base stations, and other infrastructure slightly declined to ₦443.5 billion from ₦449.3 billion in 2023, highlighting a more cautious approach in non-lease investments.
Addressing broader geopolitical concerns, Mupita carefully distanced MTN from tensions between global tech powers. “We try to be neutral,” he said, referring to the ongoing U.S.-China tech rivalry. He added that African companies, including MTN, are focused on execution and performance rather than taking sides in geopolitical conflicts.
On artificial intelligence, Mupita expressed cautious optimism. While AI adoption is still in its early stages across the continent, he noted progress in the inclusion of African languages in AI models—a development he likened to the mobile phone revolution.
He concluded by reaffirming MTN’s long-term strategy: “This is not a luxury spend. It’s a deliberate investment in Africa’s digital future.”
