MTN Group CEO Ralph Mupita, speaking during a recent investor call, said the company is witnessing a major shift in how connectivity is used across Africa. He explained that more users are moving beyond mobile-only internet usage toward home and small business broadband, where stable and reliable connections are increasingly essential.
This expansion into home internet forms part of MTN’s broader strategy, which focuses on three main growth pillars: connectivity, fintech, and digital infrastructure across its African markets.
Mupita noted that MTN sees a strong opportunity to connect between 20 million and 30 million homes using a variety of technologies. In markets like Nigeria, MTN is already expanding its broadband reach, with significant growth in home users and major investments in fibre infrastructure.
Historically, telecom development in Africa has centred on mobile networks, enabling millions to access voice and internet services via smartphones. However, with the rise of digital services—such as remote work, online education, and streaming—home broadband is becoming the next key growth area. This transition was further accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic, which exposed the limitations of relying solely on mobile connectivity.
To achieve its goals, MTN plans to use a mix of technologies, including fixed wireless access (FWA) and fibre-to-the-home (FTTH), depending on what is most efficient and cost-effective in each market. Mupita emphasised that the company will remain flexible, choosing technologies based on performance and economic value rather than preference.
The strategy is also aimed at boosting data consumption among users. Currently, average data usage across MTN’s customer base remains relatively low compared to markets like India, largely due to limited access to digital services that drive higher usage.
Mupita stressed that increasing data consumption is not just about providing internet access, but also about building digital platforms and services that encourage users to stay online longer. Expanding home broadband, he said, will unlock demand for streaming, gaming, education platforms, and other digital services, ultimately increasing revenue per user.
Beyond households, MTN is also targeting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), particularly in countries such as Ghana and Nigeria. The company believes mobile and digital tools can help businesses manage payments, inventory, and customer communication more efficiently.
This home connectivity initiative is part of MTN’s broader long-term strategy focused on Africa’s growth through digital and financial inclusion. In addition to expanding connectivity, the company is strengthening its fintech ecosystem and investing in digital infrastructure such as data centres and fibre networks.
MTN’s infrastructure ambitions may be further enhanced by its planned acquisition of IHS Towers, one of Africa’s largest telecom tower operators. The deal, if approved, is expected to give MTN greater control over its network infrastructure while improving operational efficiency.
Despite these expansion plans, MTN says it will maintain disciplined investment, allocating a portion of its revenue to capital expenditure to sustain and grow its network. The company also plans to enhance customer experience through innovations such as artificial intelligence, which Mupita believes could have a transformative impact on Africa similar to the rise of mobile technology.