(Ecofin Agency) - MTN's launch of 5G comes in the year the telecom operator celebrates 25 years of presence in Benin. The South African group's subsidiary is the leader in the country's telecom sector, with a focus on innovation to maintain that position.

On November 22, MTN launched its commercial 5G service in Benin, becoming the first telecom operator to offer this advanced technology in the country. This move is part of MTN’s broader strategy to drive innovation.

"We are honored to bring 5G to Benin, a technology that will catalyze progress in countless areas of life and business. With 5G, we are laying the foundation for innovation, economic growth, and opportunities that will empower individuals and communities," said Uche Ofodile, CEO of MTN Benin.

MTN has been operating in Benin for 25 years and has introduced several significant changes to the telecommunications sector, such as the SMS service in the early 2000s and the launch of 3G and 4G services in 2012 and 2015, respectively. According to the Electronic Communications and Postal Regulatory Authority (ARCEP), MTN had 8.4 million active mobile subscriptions in the second quarter of 2024, holding about 50% of the market share. The company also reported 6.1 million active mobile internet subscriptions out of 11 million.

Diversification and Investment for the Future

Beyond telecommunications, MTN has expanded into financial inclusion. In 2010, it launched mobile money transfer services, followed by additional features such as bill payments and linking bank accounts to SIM cards. MTN Mobile Money now holds 86% of the mobile money market in Benin, according to ARCEP.

To address growing competition since the arrival of a new operator in 2022, MTN Benin announced an investment plan of $215 million over three years in January 2024. This program aims to modernize infrastructure, expand the network, and support the development of 5G.

While MTN is the first to commercially roll out 5G, the other two operators are conducting tests and are expected to offer the service to their subscribers soon. Moov Africa Benin, a subsidiary of Maroc Telecom, announced in October its plans to launch 5G commercial services in the country. Moov has 3.3 million active mobile internet subscribers, compared to 1.6 million for Celtiis, the state-owned operator which began operations two years ago.