MTN Group inked a multi-year Memorandum of Understanding with UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, to provide meaningful connectivity and digital inclusion to over 20 million displaced individuals living in the telco's markets.
The company, Africa's largest telecoms operator, said in a statement that the partnership reflects a bigger reality: in an increasingly digital world, connectivity is not secondary to humanitarian response, but rather fundamental.
It went on to explain that the agreement recognises a changing humanitarian picture in Sub-Saharan Africa, where conflict, economic shocks, and climate-related disasters continue to force widespread displacement.
The telco said: “More than 20 million displaced people reside in markets where MTN operates. For many, exclusion is compounded by systemic digital barriers which include lack of recognised identification, unaffordable devices and data, limited broadband coverage, language constraints and low digital literacy. Without reliable connectivity, access to protection updates, humanitarian assistance, education, financial services and livelihood opportunities is severely constrained”
Beyond service provision, the collaboration aims to catalyse broader ecosystem change by mobilising funding and fostering multi-stakeholder partnerships that deliver measurable socio-economic impact.
Implementation is expected to begin in Rwanda, Uganda and South Sudan, with a structured roadmap to scale across additional MTN markets hosting significant displaced populations.
This collaboration is anchored in the ambitions of the Connectivity for Refugees initiative, which brings together international organisations, public and private sector actors towards a goal of advancing connectivity for 20 million forcibly displaced people by 2030, MTN Group said.
Nompilo Morafo, Group chief sustainability and corporate affairs officer at MTN Group, Commented: “We believe everyone deserves the benefits of a modern connected life.
“Connectivity is not a privilege; it is foundational to dignity, protection and economic participation. When people are forced to flee, digital access becomes critical, it keeps families connected, enables access to assistance, and restores agency. This partnership reflects our conviction that inclusion must be intentional and systemic, especially for the most vulnerable.”
Kelly T. Clements, UNHCR deputy high commissioner, added: “For displaced communities, digital access is essential to protection, resilience and opportunity. It allows people to receive lifesaving information, connect with support networks and rebuild their futures. MTN’s reach and scale across Africa make this collaboration a significant step toward closing the connectivity gap for millions.”
Share
