Africa’s largest mobile operator, MTN Group, is positioning artificial intelligence, digital infrastructure and deeper connectivity expansion at the heart of its next phase of growth.
This strategic shift came into sharp focus as Group President and CEO Ralph Mupita took centre stage at MWC Barcelona 2026 this week, outlining how the telco plans to evolve from a traditional telecoms provider into a technology-driven platform business for Africa’s digital future.
Speaking to Mobile World Live on the sidelines of the conference’s opening day, Mupita said MTN’s recently concluded Ambition 2025 strategy had laid a firm foundation, but the next five years would be defined by AI-enabled networks, fintech scale and home connectivity.
“AI is still early for us, but it is already improving customer experience, optimising our network operations and enhancing workforce productivity. It will become a core pillar of our growth story,” he said.
MTN, which serves nearly 300 million subscribers across Africa, arrived in Barcelona with what Mupita described as a “strong delegation” aimed at positioning the group not just as a telecom operator, but as a technology platform business for the continent.
For the first time, the giant telco is exhibiting from its own stand in Hall 4 at the Fira Gran Via, signalling its ambition to shape policy and partnership conversations around Africa’s digital and AI readiness.
In his capacity as deputy chair of the GSMA, Mupita also met Spain’s King Felipe VI yesterday and Spanish President Pedro Sánchez at the opening dinner marking 20 years of MWC in Barcelona.
Taking to LinkedIn, Mupita highlighted the two powerful meetings that spoke volumes about the status of Africa’s number one telecoms operator.
“Meeting the King of Spain, and the president of Spain in my capacity as deputy chairman of the GSMA at the opening dinner of MWC Barcelona 2026. Thank you to MWC Barcelona and the amazing people of this city… Strong MTN delegation and attendance this year, where AI / Agentic AI are thematics,” he wrote on his LinkedIn page.
Beyond the optics, MTN’s agenda is substantive with the group expanding fibre, data centres and tower assets, including its $2.2 billion acquisition of IHS Towers’ African portfolio, to strengthen control of critical infrastructure.
“When IHS revised their strategy, we went into conversation with them to buy our towers back. This will be a critical part of our digital infrastructure,” said Mupita.
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