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MTN Nigeria Pushes Group Subscribers to 229.2m

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The telecoms environment remains challenging across MTN’s markets, with persistent price competition and regulatory challenges, the company anticipates stability in operating trends over the balance of the year.

This is according to Sifiso Dabengwa, president and CEO who outlined the group’s performance for the four months to April at the company’s annual general meeting today.

“As traditional voice revenue remains under pressure, data, digital services and mobile money remain key areas of focus for MTN. In addition, improving customer experience in all of our operations, cost optimisation and the execution of our infrastructure sharing strategy remain central to our strategy,” said  Dabengwa.

Subscriber base
MTN Group has increased its subscriber numbers by 8% year-on-year (YOY), growing its total base to 229.2 million as at the end of April.

The increase was supported by MTN Nigeria, with about 1.5 million net additions, said Dabengwa.

MTN’s South African business recorded 133 000 net additions and was impacted by challenges experienced in the prepaid distribution channel. “However, in the month of April, MTN SA recorded 168 000 net additions.”

Increasing minutes 
Total minutes on MTN’s network increased by 14% YOY, while total minutes on the South African network are up 137% YOY, an increase Dabengwa puts down to the reduction in tariffs over the past 18 months.

“The operation remains focused on the network rollout to ensure the network is adequately positioned to sustain the growth in both voice and data traffic.”

Although Nigerian minutes were down 2% year-to-date (YTD), MTN expects its recently revised promotions to drive incremental traffic volumes over the balance of the year.

Recorded revenue
While MTN ‘s YTD organic revenue increased marginally, reported revenue declined YOY, with the weaker exchange rates being a drag of some 6%. This was predominately driven by the Naira which has weakened by 9% against the rand over the same period in the prior year.

While Nigeria has continued to see quarterly sequential improvements in local currency revenue, the revenue for the four months to 30 April is down approximately 1% YOY.

Service revenue in the South African operation continue to show positive momentum and was 3.3% higher YOY. The challenges experienced with handset distribution have, however, resulted in a 21% YOY decline in handset sales and negatively impacted total revenue growth.

Iran, Ghana, Uganda and Sudan recorded healthy revenue growth for the period, while revenue in Cameroon was negatively impacted by the recent introduction of a new competitor.

“Data revenue across the group continued to deliver satisfactory growth in most of our markets, increasing by 18% YOY and now contributes 21% to total revenue compared to 17% for the same period last year,” said Dabengwa. “This remains a key focus area for the business.”

EBITDA decline
MTN’s earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) has declined when compared to the same period last year, largely due to weakness in the Naira relative to the rand. Despite lower than anticipated revenues, the group continues to execute well on cost optimisation initiatives across the majority of our operations.

In Nigeria, the EBITDA margin was negatively impacted by both the tower transaction as well as increased dollar denominated costs related to the weaker exchange rate.

The EBITDA margin in SA continues to benefit from the cost initiatives implemented in the second half of 2014, said MTN.

EBITDA margins in Ghana and Cameroon in particular have been negatively affected by the weakness in currencies and the by dollar denominated expenses.

Total Capital expenditure (capex) is flat YOY and, while currently below budget, we expect full year capex of R30 billion. “Importantly, we expect a total capex investment of R10 billion for MTN South Africa in the year,” added Dabengwa.


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Telecom

NCC Orders Telcos Inform Subscribers of Data Breach within 48 Hours

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Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has directed telecom operators in the country to notify affected customers of any data breach within 48 hours ( that is two day) of detecting such unauthorised infringement.

NCC Orders Telcos Inform Subscribers of Data Breach within 48 Hours

This directive was  contained in the revised Internet Code of Practice 2026 by the NCC, on Friday.

The document seeks to define the rights and obligations of telecom operators in handing the rights of internet users to an open internet.

In the move to protect customer information, Mobile Network Operators (MNOs) and Internet Service Providers (ISPs) are to take necessary measures to protect customers’ data from unauthorised use, disclosure, access or breach.

Telecom operators must now notify affected customers within 48 hours of detecting a compromise through text message, email or any other effective means. As contained in Chapter 3.4 of the regulation titled “Data Breach Notifications,”

The telecoms companies are also directed to notify the NCC of such a breach not later than 48 hours after determining such a breach.

Where full details of the breach are not immediately available, the provider shall issue a preliminary notification within the same period and furnish a comprehensive update within Fourteen (14) days thereafter, or within such extended period as the Commission may approve,” part of the section reads.

The guidelines, according to NCC, are in tandem with the provisions contained in the Nigerian Data Protection Act 2023 and Part VI of Schedule 1 of the Consumer Code of Practice Regulations 2024.

The regulation also joins other agencies’ policies, ensuring protection. Agencies such as the Nigeria Data Protection Commission (NDPC) and the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) protect consumers against misuse of personal data, identity theft, financial loss, and reputation damage.

The review comes at a time when privacy becomes core amid frequent breaches and illegal harvest of data such as biometric, national IDs, financial information, traffic and usage, and others.

Regulations are necessary for the proper handling, consent, and regulatory compliance regarding sensitive data, ensuring it is only processed for legitimate purposes.

Under Chapter 3.5, the Internet Code of Practice 2026 addressed the handling of harvesting of transactional data by notifying and getting approval from the NCC of any usage by a third party. It noted that the NCC approval will be defined by a review and assessment of such access and “its potential effects on national considerations, consumer information and personal data.”


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Globacom Promotes Valentine Gifting with Huge Discounts on Smartphones

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Globacom has announced a Valentine Smartphone promotion, which provides incredible savings on a variety of high-end smartphones from top manufacturers including Tecno, Samsung, and Infinix.

Starting on February 9, the promotion provides substantial price reductions on a number of Samsung models, including the Galaxy Z Fold 7, Galaxy A07, Galaxy A56 5G, Galaxy A36 5G, and Galaxy A26 5G. Customers who buy any of the phones will also receive a complimentary travel pouch and charger, as well as up to 18GB of extra data for six months, only available on the Glo network.

Along with other Infinix models, Tecno devices are also offered at attractive discounts, giving customers a large range of smartphones to fit a variety of tastes and price ranges.

The goal of the Glo Valentine promotion is to provide customers with the best possible deals on carefully chosen smartphones that are renowned for their cutting-edge technology, stylish designs, and dependable performance. The offer, which includes alternatives to suit a range of budgets and lifestyles, reaffirms Globacom’s dedication to customer happiness, digital adoption, greater data usage, and client centricity.

The company revealed that the promotion aligned with customers’ expectations during celebratory seasons, when demand is highest for quality smartphones at affordable prices. The company added that its partnership with trusted global and regional brands such as Samsung, Infinix, and Tecno ensures that customers enjoy premium features without compromising on value.

“The Valentine season is about connection, and what better way to stay connected than with a smartphone that fits your needs and aspirations,” the company stated. “This promo gives our customers the chance to get their dream smartphones at some of the best prices of the year, along with generous data bonuses to keep them connected,” the company disclosed.

Customers are encouraged to visit Gloworld outlets nationwide to take advantage of the Valentine Smartphone Promo while stocks last.

 


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GBB Expands Broadband to 13 Underserved Communities In 2025

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Galaxy Backbone Limited (GBB) has recorded a significant milestone in Nigeria’s digital transformation journey by advancing broadband connectivity to 13 underserved institutions and communities nationwide in 2025, reinforcing its position as the nation’s digital backbone and a trusted partner in national development.

Guided by its mandate to enable a digitally inclusive Nigeria, GBB deliberately extended connectivity to locations within reach of its infrastructure footprint, particularly institutions with strong potential for productive use but limited readiness for immediate commercial engagement. Through this effort, the organisation continues to unlock opportunity, stimulate innovation, and support sustainable growth across critical sectors of the economy.

The expansion reached three Federal Universities, two Local Government Areas, and eight Federal Secretariats, strengthening digital capabilities in education and public administration while enhancing service delivery across the country.

GBB also extended reliable broadband connectivity to strategic and cultural landmarks such as the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, underscoring its commitment to supporting national infrastructure that drives economic activity, mobility, and global connectivity.

These deployments highlight Galaxy Backbone’s resolve to bridge the digital divide and empower institutions that shape Nigeria’s future. They demonstrate the measurable national impact of GBB’s infrastructure investments and reflect the tangible progress of the Integrated Digital Transformation Strategy (IDTS), further solidifying the organisation’s role as the platform upon which government institutions and communities can confidently build their digital future.

More importantly, the milestone illustrates that GBB’s work extends beyond technology by enabling education, improving governance, supporting economic participation, and connecting citizens to opportunity.

The initiative aligns with the Federal Government’s broadband penetration objectives and complements national programmes such as Project 774 – Universities’ Hostel Connectivity, ensuring coordinated, scalable, and sustainable impact across the country. Commenting on the achievement, Galaxy Backbone noted that every new connection brings Nigeria closer to a more inclusive digital economy while reinforcing the infrastructure required for innovation and national competitiveness.

As implementation continues, GBB remains committed to expanding access, pushing boundaries, and delivering on the promise of a fully digital nation, with further updates expected as additional phases of the deployment progress.

Galaxy Backbone Limited is the Federal Government’s digital infrastructure and shared services provider, dedicated to delivering secure, reliable, and scalable ICT solutions that support efficient governance, innovation, and sustainable national development.

 


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