Telecommunications giant MTN Group is setting its sights on a significant expansion of home internet access across Africa, aiming to connect between 20 million and 30 million households over the next five years as demand for reliable broadband continues to surge.
The plan, unveiled during a recent investor call, signals a strategic shift in the company’s growth focus—from traditional mobile connectivity toward fixed home and business internet services. Chief executive Ralph Mupita said the company expects a structural change in how connectivity is consumed across the continent, with increasing reliance on stable, high-capacity internet in homes and small enterprises.
The broadband push forms part of MTN’s broader strategy, which identifies connectivity, fintech, and digital infrastructure as its three core growth pillars. According to Mupita, expanding home connectivity presents a “material opportunity,” with multiple technologies set to be deployed depending on market conditions.
In key markets such as Nigeria, the group is already scaling its broadband footprint. Its Nigerian unit added more than 281,000 home users in the third quarter of 2025 alone, while investments in fibre infrastructure have reached approximately ₦1 trillion (about $715 million), underscoring the scale of its commitment.
For decades, telecom investment across Africa has focused largely on mobile networks, enabling widespread access to voice and internet services via smartphones. However, evolving digital habits—driven by remote work, online education, streaming, and gaming—are pushing operators to rethink that model.
The shift was accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic, which exposed the limitations of mobile-only connectivity for data-intensive activities carried out at home.
To meet rising demand, MTN plans to roll out a mix of technologies, including fixed wireless access (FWA) and fibre-to-the-home (FTTH). Fixed wireless leverages existing mobile infrastructure for faster and more cost-effective deployment, while fibre offers higher speeds but requires heavier upfront investment. Mupita emphasized that the company would remain technology-agnostic, prioritizing solutions that deliver optimal customer experience and financial returns.
The strategy is also closely tied to MTN’s ambition to boost data consumption. Currently, its subscribers use just over 12GB of data per month on average—well below levels seen in markets like India, where usage is closer to 30GB at comparable price points. The gap, according to the company, reflects limited access to digital services that drive sustained engagement.
By expanding home broadband, MTN expects to unlock demand for digital offerings such as streaming platforms, online education, and gaming, while also increasing revenue per user.
Beyond residential customers, the company is targeting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), many of which are only beginning to adopt digital tools. Mobile and broadband services, MTN believes, can play a key role in enabling business operations—from payments to inventory management—particularly in informal sectors across markets like Nigeria and Ghana.
The expansion aligns with MTN’s wider infrastructure ambitions, including increased investment in data centres and fibre networks. The strategy could be further strengthened by its proposed $2.2 billion acquisition of IHS Towers, a move that would give the operator greater control over its network assets while potentially lowering long-term costs. The deal, however, remains subject to regulatory and shareholder approval.
Despite its aggressive growth plans, MTN says it will maintain capital discipline, typically allocating 15% to 18% of revenue toward network investment. The company also plans to deploy artificial intelligence to enhance network performance and improve customer experience.
Mupita likened the potential impact of AI on the telecom sector to earlier technological revolutions, suggesting Africa could once again leapfrog development stages if investments are deployed strategically.