Telecom
MTN Downbeat on Outlook for Nigeria

MTN Group gave a downbeat outlook for Nigeria, its biggest market, yesterday after losing high-end users to Gulf rival Etisalat. South Africa-based MTN, which reported a 10 percent decline in first-half earnings, is fighting to maintain its lead in Nigeria ahead of competitors such as Etisalat and India’s Bharti Airtel.
But poor network quality in vital areas of the capital Abuja and in the commercial hub Lagos, has prompted its more affluent clients to switch to Etisalat.
Sifiso Dabengwa, MTN’s Chief Executive, was frank about the network superiority of the Gulf’s second-biggest mobile phone operator.
“The key issue really for us has been to improve the data quality and speeds,” Dabengwa told reporters and analysts at the company’s results presentation. “Clearly, Etisalat’s network, from a data point view, has been better than ours.”
MTN will use the bulk of a 19 billion rand ($1.5 billion) spending package for the rest of this year to expand high-speed networks in Nigeria and South Africa, where rivals such as Vodacom Group and Cell C have slashed voice tariffs to gain market share.
However, spending on a network in Nigeria, Africa’s most populous country, is unlikely to deliver a strong enough performance to offset the impact of a sharp economic slowdown which is curbing consumers’ disposable income.
“We expect the balance of the year to remain challenging for MTN Nigeria,” the company said in its results announcement.
MTN reported a 10.3 percent fall in headline earnings per share (EPS) from a year earlier to 654 cents for January-June.
Its shares, down 6 percent this year, slipped just 0.3 percent after the results as the company had warned that headline EPS would fall by 10-15 percent.
Headline EPS is the main profit measure in South Africa and it strips out certain one-off items.
Handset supply disruptions in South Africa, due to a seven-week strike by about 2,000 entry-level staff over pay, also hurt earnings. It prompted MTN to slash its full-year forecast for subscriber growth in South Africa, its second-biggest market, by 25 percent.
Globally, its subscribers rose by just over 3 percent to 231 million during the first half.
MTN’s third-largest market is Iran and it hopes to repatriate about $1.1 billion rand in accumulated dividends frozen by international sanctions once Iran’s nuclear deal with world powers is finalised, said Brett Goschen, MTN’s Chief Financial Officer.
Telecom
MoMo PSB Brings Relief to UNILAG Students with Ultra-Cheap Bus Fares

MoMo Payment Service Bank (MoMo PSB), a fintech subsidiary of MTN Nigeria, has announced a partnership with Ogata Electric Vehicles to provide subsidised bus rides of ₦10 per fare to students of the University of Lagos (UNILAG).

MoMo PSB
The initiative, unveiled on Thursday in Lagos, is aimed at easing transportation costs for young Nigerians, particularly students, as part of MoMo PSB’s broader commitment to financial inclusion and digital accessibility.
MoMo PSB, which provides millions of Nigerians with secure financial services including transfers, savings, card services, bill payments and wallet solutions, said the transport subsidy reflects its mission to improve everyday life by reducing the cost of essential services.
The company explained that the partnership with Ogata Electric Vehicles would not only make commuting more affordable for students but also promote sustainable mobility through the use of electric buses.
Officials of MoMo PSB noted that the initiative is designed to bring “good cheer” to the UNILAG community, ensuring students can access safe, reliable and cost-effective transport while focusing on their education.
Telecom
MTN Nigeria Launches Unlimited 5G Broadband Plans to Boost Digital Inclusion

MTN Nigeria has launched its Unlimited Broadband Data plans powered by 5G technology, a move the telecoms giant says will tackle long-standing challenges of capped data limits, high costs and unstable connectivity faced by internet users across the country.

MTN Nigeria
Egerton Idehen, Chief Broadband Officer of MTN Nigeria, said the new product was designed to support high-demand users including streamers, gamers, households and businesses requiring uninterrupted connectivity.
“We’re building a broadband experience for everyday life. For content creators, remote workers, gamers, students and households. Our focus is on speed, reliability, low latency, and affordability.
“Broadband is designed to deliver seamless connectivity that empowers Nigerians to thrive in the digital economy,” Idehen said.
The plans, available in speed-based variants of 50Mbps and 100Mbps, promise lightning-fast speeds and ultra-low latency to address issues of lag and buffering. MTN said the packages would also provide affordable and flexible options to cater to diverse economic segments.
New customers who purchase a 5G router will enjoy a welcome bonus of unlimited data for the first 30 days, allowing them to experience the service before committing to long-term use.
The company explained that the initiative was part of its broader commitment to digital inclusion, enabling Nigerians to access stable connections for virtual meetings, large file transfers, online learning, high-definition streaming and professional gaming.
Customers can subscribe to the Unlimited Broadband Plans by dialling 4611#, using the MyMTN app, MTN eShop, MTN website, or visiting authorised retail outlets nationwide.
Telecom
Airtel Africa Foundation Opens Undergraduate Scholarship Portal in Nigeria

The Airtel Africa Foundation has opened applications for its Undergraduate Tech Scholarship in Nigeria, inviting first-year university students with strong academic potential to apply for financial support aimed at accelerating their studies in technology and related fields.

The scheme provides full tuition, accommodation support, and essential study materials for eligible 100-level students. It forms part of the Foundation’s F.E.E.D. agenda, which promotes Financial Empowerment, Education, Environmental Protection, and Digital Inclusion, with a focus on creating pathways for talented young people who face financial barriers.
Airtel Nigeria CEO, Dinesh Balsingh, encouraged students to take advantage of the opportunity. He noted that, “Education is one of the most powerful tools for national development,” adding that “as an organisation, Airtel is determined to build a platform for aspiring young Nigerians to learn, innovate and lead in the country’s expanding technology landscape.”
Applications are open to students pursuing courses such as Information Technology, Computer Science, Software Engineering, Data Science, Cyber Security, Artificial Intelligence, and other ICT-related disciplines at participating universities: University of Lagos, University of Nigeria Nsukka, Ahmadu Bello University, University of Benin, Obafemi Awolowo University, University of Ilorin, and Tai Solarin University of Education.
Dr Segun Ogunsanya, Chairman of the Airtel Africa Foundation, said the scholarship demonstrates the organisation’s commitment to nurturing Africa’s next generation of digital leaders. “Young Africans are brimming with talent and ambition. What many need is a fair chance to pursue their education without financial pressure. This scholarship reflects our belief that investing in their growth will strengthen communities, empower families, and expand the continent’s digital future,” he said.
Applicants must be enrolled in 100-level, have scored at least 230 in JAMB, and hold a minimum of five credits in WAEC, including English and Mathematics, in a single sitting. Required documents include Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) results, university admission letter, West African Examination Council (WAEC) certificate, student identity card, and academic transcript or university results.
The Foundation encourages qualified students across the listed institutions to apply and position themselves for a stronger start in the technology sector. Applications can be submitted at candidate.scholastica.ng/schemes/airtelfellowship2025.
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