MTN Group highlights over $10 billion investment in Nigeria, calls for deeper South Africa-Nigeria cooperation 

According to a statement from the company, MTN Group Chairman Mcebisi Jonas stated this during a high-level visit by South Africa’s Minister of Trade, Industry, and Competition, Parks Tau, to its headquarters in Johannesburg.

Mcebisi emphasized the importance of stronger bilateral ties between Nigeria and South Africa as the African continent stands on the brink of major transformation.

“MTN’s journey exemplifies what is possible when two great nations collaborate. As Nigeria’s largest South African investor, our presence has never been just a commercial venture but a platform for inclusive development. 

“Since commencing operations in Nigeria in 2001, we have invested more than US$10 billion in the country’s digital infrastructure.  

“Today, MTN Nigeria serves over 80 million subscribers, employs thousands directly, and supports hundreds of thousands of livelihoods across its extended value chain,” he said.

Despite its significant contributions, the MTN Chairman acknowledged that Nigeria’s business environment poses ongoing challenges.

“Our presence in Nigeria has never been just a commercial venture; it has always been a platform for inclusive development,” Mcebisi added.

Looking ahead, the MTN Chairman pointed to the upcoming South Africa–Nigeria Trade and Investment Summit, scheduled for later this year in Abuja, as a critical milestone.

The Summit, he said, offers a platform to resolve long-standing bilateral issues, encourage policy reforms, and deepen institutional dialogue between the two nations.

“The Summit serves not merely as a diplomatic engagement, but as a catalyst for reciprocal market access and the advancement of private sector-led solutions,” he noted.

As a pan-African operator, MTN emphasized its active role in laying the digital groundwork for the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

This includes investments in cross-border mobile connectivity, digital payment systems, and entrepreneurship-enabling platforms, essential infrastructure to turn the free trade agreement into a functional economic reality.

However, Mcebisi warned that AfCFTA’s success will depend not just on tariff reductions and regulatory alignment but also on digital and physical infrastructure that allows businesses and people to connect seamlessly across borders.