Mupita: MTN plans $2bn capital expenditure for SSA network infrastructure in 2025
The CEO of MTN Group, Ralph Mupita says the telecommunications company is earmarking about $2 billion in capital expenditure with about 90 per cent of the investment going into building wireless networks across sub-Saharan Africa this year. In a chat with CNBC Africa, he notes sustained investment in network infrastructure, improved expense management, and recent macroeconomic stability in Nigeria have helped drive MTN’s stronger financial performance in the first quarter of the year.
Fri, 02 May 2025 12:25:27 GMT
Disclaimer: The following content is generated automatically by a GPT AI and may not be accurate. To verify the details, please watch the video
AI Generated Summary
- The $2 billion capital expenditure plan will focus on building wireless networks in sub-Saharan Africa, with 90% of the investment allocated to this area.
- Sustained investments in network infrastructure and improved expense management have driven MTN's stronger financial performance in the first quarter.
- MTN is prioritizing digital transformation, financial inclusion, and innovative digital offerings to enhance connectivity and drive growth across the region.
MTN Group, one of Africa's leading telecommunications companies, is set to boost its network infrastructure in sub-Saharan Africa with a staggering $2 billion capital expenditure plan for the year 2025. The CEO, Ralph Mupita, revealed in an exclusive interview with CNBC Africa that a significant portion of this investment - around 90% - will be allocated towards the construction of wireless networks across the region. This strategic move aims to enhance the quality of service for MTN's 84 million customers, ensuring a seamless and high-quality connection.
Mupita attributed MTN's robust financial performance in the first quarter of the year to sustained investments in network infrastructure and improved expense management. He highlighted the positive impact of recent macroeconomic stability in Nigeria, emphasizing that these factors have contributed to driving the company's earnings upwards. The CEO expressed satisfaction with the company's progress, noting that maintaining a high-quality network and meeting service obligations remain a top priority for MTN.
Reflecting on the challenges faced in 2023 and 2024, Mupita acknowledged the major net losses incurred due to currency fluctuations. However, with the stabilization of the Naira and a more favorable macroeconomic environment, MTN witnessed a transition from financial strain to profitability. He emphasized the importance of currency stability and favorable policies in driving growth and attracting international investors to the region.
Discussing the future outlook for MTN, Mupita outlined the company's focus on digital transformation and financial inclusion across sub-Saharan Africa. With plans to allocate a substantial portion of the capital investment towards wireless networks, MTN aims to enhance digital penetration and drive connectivity in the region. The CEO highlighted the exciting opportunities in the FinTech sector, particularly in Nigeria, emphasizing the untapped potential for financial inclusion in the market.
Furthermore, MTN is venturing into new digital offerings such as MTN TV, focusing on local content curation to complement existing platforms like Netflix. The company also plans to explore opportunities in gaming and other digital services, expanding its portfolio beyond traditional connectivity services.
In conclusion, Mupita emphasized MTN's commitment to advancing digital inclusion, enhancing network infrastructure, and driving innovation across sub-Saharan Africa. The company's $2 billion capital expenditure plan underscores its dedication to providing cutting-edge telecommunications services and expanding its digital footprint in the region.
Get this delivered to your inbox, and more info about about our products and services. By signing up for newsletters, you are agreeing to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
