Representatives of MTN South Sudan and government officials.

Despite the challenges of the market, MTN South Sudan has received a new operating licence from the National Communication Authority, allowing it to operate in the country for another 15 years.

MTN stated that the new licence imposes essential obligations that would directly affect citizens, providing an opportunity to dramatically improve service quality, increase network coverage to reach more communities, and foster real innovation in the digital space.

The company went on to say the milestone represents a significant step forward in aligning its operations with the country's changing legal and regulatory landscape, allowing it to plan and invest strategically in the infrastructure and technologies that will power the East African country's future connectivity.

This comes after MTN Group president and CEO Ralph Mupita expressed sadness over the impact of the country's civil war on the company's operations last week, but he confident that peace will be restored soon.

He said: “The operating conditions are very challenging; there is a civil war going on between the Rapid Forces and the Sudanese Army. It’s almost two years since the civil war broke out in Sudan, at a tremendous cost of human life.

“Our teams are operating largely from Cairo, Egypt, to manage the operations, and we have staff and customers that have been displaced from their homes.

“It remains challenging but the operation is finding its own growth at the moment. We continue to watch the space; hopefully the war comes to an end. It’s a big part of Africa; it’s a market with potential great growth in peaceful conditions.”

Commenting on the new licence, MTN South Sudan CEO, Ali Monzer said: “This milestone affirms our commitment to driving national growth through technology and connectivity.”

He underlined MTN's commitment to continuing to provide meaningful telecom, financial and digital solutions that benefit individuals, businesses and communities across South Sudan.

“This is more than just a licence; it's a reaffirmation of our dedication to being a key enabler of economic and social development in South Sudan for the next 15 years and beyond,” said MTN in a statement.