Launched in 1994, MTN Group is a leading emerging markets mobile operator which is at the forefront of the technological changes sweeping the world. MTN invested significantly in advanced communications networks, connecting more than 203 million people in 22 countries across Africa and the Middle East.
MTN acquired Investcom, mainly under the Areeba and Spacetel brands.
As of Q4 2018, MTN is active in:
The company was founded in 1994 as M-Cell with assistance from the South African government.In 1995, it replaced its then CEO, John Beck, with Robert (Bob) Chaphe and founder Leena Jaitley.In 2001, the company reported that its controlling shareholder was Johnnic Holdings, and the chairperson was Irene Charnley. In 2002, Phuthuma Nhleko became the CEO,[10] replacing then-CEO Paul Edwards, who had invested in expansion to Nigeria.
MTN’s competitors in South Africa include Vodacom, Cell C and Telkom Mobile.
In May 2008, Bharti Airtel, an India-based telecommunications company, explored the possibility of buying MTN Group. Reliance Communications was also in talks with MTN for a “potential combination of their businesses”. In July, the two companies ended discussions regarding the merger.
In June 2008, MTN Group agreed to purchase Verizon Business South Africa, which was a provider of data services to customers in South Africa and four other African countries. The acquisition was completed on 28 February 2009.
On 26 June 2009, MTN Group’s subsidiary merged with Belgacom International Carrier Services (BICS), a subsidiary of Belgacom. The combined subsidiary functioned as the international gateway for carrier services of MTN.
In October 2012, MTN announced a partnership with Afrihost to provide DSL Broadband services in Africa.
In November 2012, South African holding company Shanduka Group acquired a minority stake in MTN Group’s Nigeria business for $335 million.
In 2014, MTN was named on the 2014 BrandZ Top 100 Most Valuable Global Brand rankings and named the Most Admired and Most Valuable Brand in Africa.MTN retained its ranking as the Most Admired and the Most Valuable African brand in 2015.
In March 2016, the company appointed Rob Shuter as chief executive officer along with founder of MTN Leena Jaitley. Shutter was replaced on 1 September 2020 when Ralph Mupita was appointed Chief Executive.
| Country | Subscribers (in millions) | Note |
|---|---|---|
 Afghanistan | 6.257 | (formerly Areeba) |
 Benin | 4.914 | (formerly Investcom) |
 Botswana | 1.722 | (operates under the MASCOM brand) |
 Cameroon | 7.684 | |
 Republic of Congo | 2.464 | |
 Eswatini | 0.969 | (operates under the MTN Eswatini brand) |
 Ghana | 17.790 | (formerly Areeba) |
 Guinea | 2.791 | (formerly Investcom) |
 Guinea Bissau | 0.752 | (formerly Investcom) |
 Iran | 44.780 | (operates under the MTN Irancell brand) |
 Ivory Coast | 11.050 | |
 Jordan | ||
 Liberia | 0.983 | (operates under the Lonestar Cell brand) |
 Nigeria | 58.197 | Has the most MTN Subscribers |
 Rwanda | 4.465 | 20% owned by Crystal Telecom Rwanda |
 South Africa | 31.191 | |
 Sudan | 7.792 | (formerly Investcom) |
 South Sudan | 1.016 | (see MTN South Sudan, formerly Investcom) |
 Syria | 5.605 | (see MTN Syria, formerly Investcom) |
 Uganda | 11.270 | MTN Uganda |
 Yemen | 4.405 | (formerly Investcom, operates under the Spacetel brand) South Africa’s MTN exits Yemen in Middle East pull-out.In 7 March 2022 YOU Yemen Oman United telecommunication Company was founded as a new brand for the previous brand MTN Yemen. |
 Zambia | 6.459 | MTN Zambia is the mobile network market leader in Zambia with a market share of 44%. |