MTN Group has reported strong operational and financial results for 2025, marking a successful close to its Ambition 2025 strategy and setting the stage for its next growth phase.

The telecoms giant said it delivered “excellent” performance across key markets, driven by strong commercial execution and increased investment in network capacity, coverage and quality.

“We reported very strong commercial outcomes led by MTN Nigeria and MTN Ghana; a resilient performance from MTN South Africa; robust free cash flow; improved return generation; and a 45% jump in the dividend,” the company said.

Group President and CEO Ralph Mupita described the year as a milestone period for the business.

“The Group’s overall performance in 2025 was excellent. In the final year of our Ambition 2025 strategy, we were proud to have exceeded the 300 million customers milestone in line with our priority to deepen digital and financial inclusion,” he said.

As of December 31, 2025, MTN said it served more than 307 million voice customers, 172 million data users and 70 million Mobile Money subscribers across 16 markets.

The company recorded a surge in data demand, with traffic rising 27% and average monthly usage per customer increasing to 12.5GB from 10.8GB.

Its fintech platform also expanded, driving a 15% rise in transaction volumes to over 23 billion transactions, with total value exceeding $500 billion.

MTN said it invested R38 billion into its networks and platforms during the year, supporting improved service delivery and customer growth.

In terms of financial performance, the Group reported a nearly 25% increase in service revenue to R218 billion, supported by improved macroeconomic conditions.

In constant currency terms, MTN Nigeria and MTN Ghana recorded significant growth, with service revenue rising by 54.9% and 35.9%, respectively, while MTN South Africa posted a 2% increase amid a competitive market.

Earnings before interest, tax and amortisation rose to R98.5 billion, supported by R3.6 billion in cost efficiencies. The Group also returned to profitability, with basic earnings per share rebounding from a loss in 2024, while adjusted headline EPS grew by 67%.

MTN declared a dividend of 500 cents per share, up from 345 cents in 2024, exceeding its earlier guidance.

The company also announced a R6 billion share buyback programme as part of an enhanced shareholder remuneration framework, while reaffirming its medium-term financial targets.

Looking ahead, MTN unveiled its Ambition 2030 strategy, which will focus on three core platforms: connectivity, fintech and digital infrastructure.

“We are hugely excited about Africa’s potential and are well-positioned to leverage our scale, footprint and brand leadership to capture the significant structural growth opportunities identified.

"We are committed to accelerating our impact and empowering the people, businesses and nation states we serve,” Mupita said.

The Group added that it contributed about R150 billion in economic and social value across its markets, expanded broadband coverage to more than 94% of the population, and reduced data costs by an average of 14%.