Despite challenges from lower international voice traffic and currency instability, MTN digital Infrastructure (Bayobab) secured new infrastructure deals worth R148.2 million and rolled out about 19 000km of fibre, boosting the group’s total fibre footprint to more than 127 000km.
However, according to MTN Group CEO Ralph Mupita, consolidated external revenue from the MTN Digital Infrastructure platform fell 15.3% to R2.8 billion in the first half of the year ended in June.
Despite these difficulties, he disclosed that Bayobab's EBITDA increased by 54.8% year on year (YoY) to R0.9 billion as a result of focused cost optimisation.
He continued: “The fibre segment delivered strong growth in external revenue of 39.5%, underpinned by the successful conclusion of new fixed connectivity infrastructure contracts, revenue contributions from new FibreCos on the African continent, as well as sustained efforts to expand the network and improve service delivery.
“We continue to build out fibre infrastructure across our footprint, including the East African Corridor, launched during Q2, which provides redundant and resilient fibre infrastructure across the West and East African markets.”
Regarding the Communication Platforms segment, he stated that the company's external income fell 20.8% year on year due to lower international voice traffic as greater smartphone penetration accelerated substitution by OTT players.
Despite these hurdles, Mupita remained positive, stating that MTN Digital Infrastructure, Bayobab, has continued to expand its global reach through new strategic alliances and product offering improvements.
He explained: “As the business continues to execute its growth strategy, it remains committed to delivering digital infrastructure solutions that drive network transformation and power the digital economy across Africa.
“This commitment is further reinforced by MTN’s strategic decision to expand its infrastructure footprint through medium-term investment in AI-grade data centres. This will position the Group to support sovereign cloud, AI services and next-generation digital innovation across the continent.”
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