Industry News

Demonstrating its dedication to customer engagement, youth empowerment, digital education and financial inclusion, MTN Ghana partnered and participated in the 2026 Success Africa Summit held at the UPSA Auditorium in Accra on February 7, 2026.

The summit, which serves as a vital forum for mentoring and inspiring young individuals to become visionary leaders with purpose, brought together over 1,500 students from various second cycle and tertiary institutions in Accra, providing a platform for learning, inspiration and engagement with industry leaders.

MTN Ghana’s participation in the summit reinforces its commitment to empowering young people with the knowledge and tools required to thrive in a rapidly evolving digital world.

During the summit, Tony Boateng, Manager for Fintech Distribution Commercial and Operations at MobileMoney LTD, took the opportunity to educate students on digital fraud awareness and the importance of using secure digital payment platforms for responsible financial management. He emphasised how these practices support the broader development of a resilient digital financial ecosystem. His presentation covered common fraud typologies, highlighted emerging cyber threats within the digital financial landscape, and offered practical guidance to help students protect themselves in the digital space.

Dzudzorfe Hadzor, Coordinator for Data Devices & Home at MTN Ghana, also engaged the students on data usage and introduced them to the affordable bundle offers designed to support their academic and digital needs.

MTN attendees interacted with the students and responded to their queries. The students expressed appreciation to MTN, recognising the effort the company is making to support students.

With MTN on board, the Success Africa Summit will continue its journey to more regions in the coming weeks, broadening its reach and positively impacting even more students across the country.

Source : www.businessghana.com

MTN, Africa’s leading operator in terms of subscribers, had 301.3 million customers at the end of September 2025, including 165.8 million internet users. Despite this solid base, the group is seeking to adapt to market developments in a context of accelerated digital transformation.

Bayobab (MTN Digital Infrastructure), the digital infrastructure arm of the South African MTN Group, announced a partnership with Mozambican telecom operator TMCEL on Tuesday, February 10. As part of this agreement, Bayobab will make its digital platforms available to the incumbent operator to enhance its international communications services. This initiative aligns with MTN’s ambition to evolve from a telecommunications-centric model to that of a technology company.

In a press release, Bayobab stated that TMCEL will leverage its global communications platforms, including international voice, international roaming, and IPX services, to offer its residential and business customers advanced, scalable, and high-quality services. The partnership aims to enhance the international calling experience and ensure smoother cross-border connectivity.

The company emphasizes that this launch marks an important step in its partnership strategy, which consists of supporting African operators with the same level of expertise and capacity as that deployed across its entire international footprint.

“This partnership with TMCEL is a strong example of how MTN Digital Infrastructure is expanding its reach and capabilities to support African operators ,” said Mazen Mroué (pictured), Managing Director of MTN Group Digital Infrastructure.

This initiative comes at a time when MTN, like other African telecom operators, is seeking to diversify its activities beyond traditional services. This transition is all the more strategic as digital transformation accelerates across the continent, driven by evolving usage patterns, the rise of digital services, and the emergence of new business expectations, including in the telecommunications sector.

Bayobab, a pillar of MTN’s diversification strategy

MTN has chosen to empower Bayobab by separating it from its traditional telecom business. It is with this in mind that the entity abandoned its former name, MTN GlobalConnect, in May 2023. Bayobab now aims to position itself as a world-class, open-access, Africa-centric digital infrastructure platform, serving not only the MTN Group but also third-party clients.

To achieve this goal, the company relies on one of the continent’s most extensive fiber optic networks, boasting 127,000 km of open-access fiber, a presence in 54 African countries, access to 24 submarine cables and 235 landing stations.

In parallel, Bayobab is developing high-speed, low-latency satellite solutions to bridge the digital divide in rural and isolated areas. The company is also investing in data centers to strengthen its position in colocation and cloud services for hyperscalers, businesses, and African governments.

Beyond physical infrastructure, Bayobab also offers next-generation communication platforms – voice, messaging, roaming, IPX and IoT services – designed to support business performance.

Fintech, AI: MTN is multiplying its growth levers

This diversification strategy is also reflected in other structuring initiatives. On February 5, 2026, MTN announced its intention to acquire IHS Towers, one of the leading telecom tower providers in Africa, in which it already holds a 25% stake. If the transaction is completed, the group would enter the telecom tower market, a key infrastructure for the development of mobile services. Demand for this equipment is expected to grow in the coming years, driven by the accelerated rollout of 4G and 5G, increased data consumption, growing smartphone penetration, and the expansion of coverage in rural areas.

Furthermore, Ralph Mupita, CEO of MTN, recently told the media outlet Semafor that the group was interested in acquiring fintech start-ups, particularly in payments, loans and money transfers, in order to strengthen an activity that has become one of its main growth drivers.

MTN is also strengthening its position in emerging technologies. In September 2025, the group announced it was seeking international partners to develop data centers dedicated to artificial intelligence in Africa. A month earlier, it launched the “MTN Genova” program, designed to promote the responsible use of AI to drive innovation, improve productivity, and enhance the customer experience. The program is currently limited to the group level.

Use cases already tested include optimizing energy consumption in data centers in South Africa, intelligent energy management of cellular sites in Benin, detecting fiber optic breaks in Ivory Coast, and optimizing network traffic in Nigeria. 

Source : www.extensia.tech.com

MTN Ghana’s Chief Executive Officer, Stephen Blewett, has described the company’s recent recognition as the overall winner of the MTN Group 2025 Million Dollar Challenge as a “massive acknowledgement” of the team’s performance and commitment to customers.

Speaking at the first edition of the MTN Bright Conversation, Stephen Blewett said the award, presented at the MTN Global Leadership Gathering 2026, reflects execution excellence across all business segments.

“It’s always very pleasing to be the CEO of a very successful organisation. But the reality of the success of MTN Ghana is the engaged and passionate people we have here,” he stated.

According to him, the achievement was broad-based. “It’s the first time in my career… that I’ve actually sat back at the end of the year and said, I can’t think of a single department that hasn’t done well. That’s unusual,” he noted, citing strong performances in data innovation, customer experience, network expansion, and fintech, particularly mobile money.

Beyond recognition, Stephen Blewett signalled an aggressive investment drive backed by macroeconomic stability.

“Any business wants a stable macro environment, and that’s what we got in 2025,” he said, adding that stability provides certainty for long-term capital commitments.

“We will invest over $300 million this year in Ghana. That investment’s not going to pay off in one year. So as a CEO we need to know there’s a stable economic future.”

He further highlighted that exchange rate stability enhances network investment capacity, explaining that a stronger cedi allows the company to procure more equipment for expansion and quality improvements.

Looking ahead to 2026, the CEO outlined a strategy anchored on deeper network rollout, digital transformation and customer-centric innovation.

“We want to work on the network. We need to roll out more sites… look at peri-urban areas… and even rural areas,” he said. The company also plans to expand digital self-service options through its MyMTN platform and scale support for small businesses in the digital economy.

Summing up his outlook, Mr Blewett declared, “I’m looking forward to a year of innovation… be leaders in driving innovation in Ghana and making innovation something that benefits the lives of our customers.”

Source : www.citinewsroom.com

Telecel Ghana has once again been recognized as a Top Employer, marking the eighth consecutive year the telecom operator has received the prestigious certification.

The certification, awarded by the Top Employers Institute, places the telecom operator among a select group of employers globally that have sustained high standards in workforce practices and people management across areas such as leadership, learning and development, diversity and inclusion, employee wellbeing, and workplace culture.

“For eight consecutive years, our people practices have met global benchmarks. That consistency tells us we are building a workplace where employees feel valued, supported, and empowered to grow,” said Ing. Patricia Obo-Nai, CEO of Telecel Ghana.

The Top Employers Institute assesses organizations through a detailed audit of their human resource policies and employee experience, a comprehensive process that covers six key dimensions such as People Strategy, Work Environment, Talent Acquisition, Learning, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, and Wellbeing, among others.

Telecel Ghana’s Human Resources Director, Rachael Appenteng, believes that the recognition validates the telco’s people strategy during a period of change and growth.

“Our ongoing efforts to enhance how people experience the organization continue to focus on building trust, strengthening capability, and creating inclusive systems that empower our people to bring their best selves to work. This recognition reaffirms our commitment to co-creating an enabling and supportive work culture with our employees,” Rachael said

In reaction to the bestowed recognition, Telecel Ghana employees affirmed that the collaborative and supportive workplace culture is what sets the company apart.

Torikubu Omar is a Management Information Systems & Data Science Analyst who has worked with Telecel for the last three years. She said, “This recognition as Top Employer is well-deserved because it reflects what the company embodies and our daily experience. Working at Telecel Ghana feels like belonging to a community that truly sees and supports you. There’s space to learn, to speak up, and to grow professionally and personally as well.”

For Telecel Ghana, the eighth consecutive Top Employer certification comes at a time when the telco’s is expanding its connectivity footprint and investing significantly in technological infrastructure. Against that backdrop, Telecel Ghana believes that a strong internal workplace culture will remain central to improving performance and trust.

The Top Employers Institute is the global authority for recognising excellence in people management practices, certifying organisations that meet rigorous international standards as employers of choice. In 2025, it certified nearly 2,500 companies across 131 countries and regions, collectively impacting more than 14 million employees worldwide.

Source : www.citinewsroom.com

The Ghana Investment Fund for Electronic Communications (GIFEC) has carried out an on-site assessment of rural telephony infrastructure in several communities within the Ellembelle Municipality of the Western Region.

Led by the Director of Corporate Affairs, Ms. Francisca Mawufemor Adjei, a technical team visited communities including Aluku, Dump, Aidoosuazo, and Atuabo to evaluate current network coverage, identify connectivity gaps, and determine the infrastructure needed to improve telecommunication services.

The District Chief Executive of Ellembelle, Joseph Kwesi Armah Agyekum, joined the team throughout the inspection.

The exercise is part of GIFEC’s ongoing efforts to expand access to electronic communications in unserved and underserved areas, bridging the digital divide and enhancing connectivity nationwide.

Findings from the site visits will inform the planning and rollout of future projects, ensuring residents in these communities gain access to reliable and efficient telecommunication services.

source : www.myjoyonline.com

MTN Ghana emerged as the top-performing operation across the MTN footprint and was crowned the overall winner of the MTN Group 2025 Million Dollar Challenge. 

The company picked up a total of six major awards, reaffirming its status as one of the Group’s most consistent and forward-driving businesses.

The feat was announced at the MTN Global Leadership Gathering (GLG) 2026, where leaders from across the Group converged to celebrate breakthrough performance and innovation.

MTN Ghana’s win underscores its market-leading execution, strong financial and operational performance and its ability to scale strategic platforms across Fintech, Enterprise, and Consumer segments. 

Other awards

Other awards won by MTN Ghana, according to a statement, include the Million Dollar Challenge 2025 – Connectivity (Enterprise); Million Dollar Challenge 2025 – Connectivity (Consumer), and Million Dollar Challenge 2025 – Fintech (MoMo Ghana).

The rest are the CEO of the Year – Fintech, which went to Shaibu Haruna, who heads MoMo Ghana, and the Overall CEO of the Year, first Runner-Up, which was picked up again by Mr Haruna.

Powerful endorsement

Speaking on the company’s outstanding achievement, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of MTN Ghana, Stephen Blewett, said: “This recognition is a powerful endorsement of the relentless commitment, creativity and execution excellence of our teams.”

He added that winning the overall Million Dollar Challenge and leading across critical platforms such as Fintech, Enterprise and Consumer showed that MTN Ghana was not only delivering strong results, but building sustainable platforms for future growth.

“I am immensely proud of our people and the discipline with which they continue to deliver on our strategy,” Mr Blewett added.

Context

The GLG 2026 brought together senior leaders from across MTN’s operating companies to assess progress, refine strategic priorities and reinforce the leadership standards required to navigate an increasingly competitive and complex digital landscape.

MTN Ghana’s performance at the 2025 Million Dollar Challenge positions the business as a benchmark for excellence within the MTN Group and highlights the company’s commitment to innovation, customer value creation and long-term growth.

MTN Ghana Foundation, in partnership with Cal Bank, will lead the 2026 “Save A Life” Blood Donation Drive with an ambitious target to collect 7,000 units of blood in a single day to support the National Blood Service and regional hospital blood banks across the country.

The nationwide event is scheduled for Friday, 13th February 2026, from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, with donation centres activated across all 16 regions of Ghana. Major collection points will be set up at the MTN Ghana Head Office, MobileMoney Ltd office at the Stanchart Building and Cal Bank Head Office at Ridge, Accra, alongside 44 designated centres nationwide to ensure maximum public participation.

Speaking ahead of the exercise, Samuel Bartels, Acting Chief Corporate Services and Sustainability Officer at MTN Ghana, underscored the urgency and impact of the initiative: “Ghana still faces a significant blood shortage and every unit donated becomes a lifeline for someone’s parent, child, friend, or colleague. This campaign is not just another event. It is an act of love, a demonstration of leadership and a reaffirmation of our MTN value to lead with care.”

He called on all eligible donors, corporate institutions and the public to participate: “Blood is an essential resource, and the need for it never stops. We are appealing to Ghanaians everywhere—if you are able, please join us at any of the designated centres.

Your donation could save a mother, a child, or someone in emergency care. Together, we can make a real and lasting impact.”

Members of the public can access the full list of donation centres on MTN Ghana’s website and official social media platforms.

Since its inception in 2011, the MTN “Save a Life” campaign has grown into one of the country’s most impactful voluntary blood donation programmes. The initiative was launched in response to repeated appeals from the National Blood Service to address critically low blood supplies. To date, it has mobilised over 35,000 units of blood, helping save thousands of lives and supporting hospitals in life‑saving emergency and routine care.

The 2026 edition builds on this legacy—strengthening partnerships, expanding reach, and reinforcing MTN Ghana Foundation’s longstanding commitment to national health and community wellbeing.

source : www.thebftonline.com

Chief Executive Officer of MobileMoney LTD, Shaibu Haruna, has been named Fintech CEO of the Year, in a recognition that highlights the growing strength of Ghana’s fintech industry on the global stage.

In a press statement congratulating Mr Haruna, MobileMoney LTD was also praised for winning the Fintech Largest and Most Valuable Platform award.

MTN Ghana also picked up major honours, winning the Largest and Most Valuable Platform award for Connectivity across Consumer and Enterprise.

According to the statement, the awards underscore the “incredible work being done in Ghana’s fintech and telecom sectors” and reflect progress toward the organisation’s vision “to lead the delivery of a bold new digital world to our customers.”

The statement further dedicated the awards to the staff of MobileMoney LTD and MTN Ghana, and to all stakeholders, acknowledging their contributions to making MoMo and MTN Ghana stand out internationally.

“A hearty congratulations to all other award winners and runner-ups,” the statement added.

SOURCE : www.myjoyonline.com

The Chief Executive of Telecel Group, Moh Damush, has called on African governments and regulators to ease cross-border payment systems to accelerate intra-African trade and deepen economic integration across the continent.

Speaking at the Africa Prosperity Dialogues 2026, Mr. Damush said seamless, affordable, and efficient digital payment platforms are critical to unlocking the full potential of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).

He noted that despite policy progress under the AfCFTA, payment bottlenecks continue to limit the ability of businesses to trade easily across borders.

“Through the expansion of cross-border payment corridors, for cross border payments interoperability we become enablers of regional integration, resilience, and inclusive economic growth”, he said.

Telecel Group, a leading pan-African telecommunications company, was a strategic partner to the Africa Prosperity Dialogues 2026, reinforcing its commitment to driving digital connectivity, financial inclusion, and trade across Africa.

The partnership, according to the company, reflects its broader ambition to support conversations and solutions that promote economic growth and private-sector participation.

Addressing participants on the final day of the Dialogue, Mr. Damush emphasised that as a technology and communications enabler, Telecel is championing initiatives aimed at simplifying cross-border transactions and expanding market access for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs).

“We support entrepreneurship at scale through ASIP, our startup and innovation platform, enabling early-stage ventures to access mentorship, technology, networks, and markets. ASIP success stories reflect tangible impact, startups that have refined their products, expanded across borders, created thousands of jobs, and attracted follow-on investment; demonstrating how intentional support can translate innovation into sustainable growth”. 

He explained that improving payment interoperability will significantly reduce transaction costs and improve competitiveness for African businesses.

Mr. Damush further noted that enabling SMEs to trade beyond national borders is essential to inclusive growth under the AfCFTA framework, adding that collaboration between governments, regulators, and the private sector is key to achieving this goal.

Telecel says its partnership with the Africa Prosperity Dialogues aligns with its vision of connecting Africa, enabling digital transformation, and supporting sustainable economic growth across markets, positioning the company as a key player in Africa’s evolving digital and trade ecosystem.

SOURCE : www.myjoyonline.com

The Chief Executive Officer of Telecel Group, a leading African telecommunications operator, Moh Damush, has called for deliberate investment in digital connectivity and skills development across Africa, stressing that empowering SMEs, women, and young people is essential for sustainable economic growth on the continent.

Speaking at the Presidential and Business Leaders’ Dialogue during the Africa Prosperity Dialogues (APD) 2026 in Accra, Mr Damush said Africa’s vast natural and human resources would remain underutilised without the digital infrastructure and skills needed to convert them into scalable economic solutions.

“Resources alone are like seeds kept in a jar, full of potential, but dormant,” he said. “It is knowledge, connectivity, and digital trade that turn them into solutions that transform lives.”

Mr Damush emphasised the importance of building a digital single market to unlock the full benefits of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), noting its potential to serve a unified market of over 1.4 billion people through seamless cross-border payments, e-commerce, and data-driven trade.

According to him, Africa’s single market can only succeed if it is shaped from the grassroots by traders, creators, and innovators, particularly SMEs, women, and youth, who form the backbone of the continent’s economy.

“SMEs account for over 90 per cent of African businesses, while young people make up more than 60 per cent of our population. Yet too often, they are treated as beneficiaries rather than builders. Empowering SMEs, women, and youth is not charity; it is an economic necessity,” Mr Damush stated.

He noted that women-led businesses are 17 per cent more likely to adopt digital tools when cross-border trade barriers are reduced, highlighting connectivity as a critical enabler for women’s economic participation and youth innovation.

Telecel Group, which operates across several African countries with its largest presence in Ghana, is investing heavily in initiatives that promote digital inclusion, entrepreneurship, and skills development.

These include the Africa Start-Up Initiative Programme, DigiTech Academy, and Startocode, which aims to train 100,000 Ghanaian youth under the Government’s One Million Coders Programme. The company’s Women in Business initiative also supports women-led SMEs with access to digital tools, financing, and training.

The Africa Prosperity Dialogues 2026, held from 4th to 6th February at the Accra International Conference Centre, brought together heads of state, policymakers, business leaders, investors, entrepreneurs, and youth advocates under the theme: “Empowering SMEs, Women & Youth in Africa’s Single Market: Innovate. Collaborate. Trade.”

As Africa continues to grapple with high unemployment and uneven access to digital technologies, Mr Damush said closing the digital divide must be seen as both an economic and social imperative.

“Connectivity isn’t just an economic tool; it’s an equaliser. If we get this right, Africa will not simply prosper—it will redefine prosperity,” he concluded.

SOURCE: myjoyonline.com