• MTN South Africa to invest $1.3 billion in network expansion
• Funding targets broadband, 4G/5G rollout and infrastructure upgrades
• Investment aims to improve coverage and strengthen market position

MTN South Africa will invest 22 billion rand (about $1.3 billion) in its telecommunications network over the next three years, focusing on infrastructure and IT systems to expand broadband access.

Chief executive Ferdi Moolman announced the plan at the South Africa Investment Conference on Tuesday, March 31. The investment builds on the company’s capital spending of 6.8 billion rand in 2025.

“Given that broadband connectivity is essential to accelerating economic participation, this investment in network infrastructure and IT systems will have strong spillover effects, supporting entrepreneurship, innovation and growth across communities and industries,” Moolman said, according to Engineering News.

While MTN did not disclose detailed project plans, its recent priorities in South Africa include expanding rural coverage, rolling out 4G and 5G networks, and installing new base stations. The company is also improving operations, modernising existing sites, strengthening battery capacity, enhancing infrastructure security and upgrading energy systems, including ensuring generator availability.

With this investment, MTN aims to strengthen its position in South Africa’s telecommunications market by improving service quality and extending coverage to attract new subscribers while retaining its existing base.

The company reported 40.57 million subscribers at end-December 2025, giving it a market share of 29.8% and placing it second behind Vodacom. It posted revenue of 51.09 billion rand ($3.01 billion) for the 2025 financial year.

Isaac K. Kassouwi