The operator celebrates 25 years in Benin and is investing $215 million in the country
Pan-African operator MTN Group has officially launched 5G networks in Benin and the Republic of Congo (Congo-Brazzaville). The operator has been piloting its 5G mobile network in Republic of Congo since 28 October 2022 and reportedly launched commercial services last month so the new announcement is the official official launch of the network. In Benin, MTN’s 5G service is live initially in Cotonou and Abomey-Calavi.
MTN’s 5G journey began in June 2020 with the first commercial launch in South Africa. Since then, it has expanded our 5G offering in Africa to Nigeria, Uganda and Zambia, and now Congo-Brazzaville and Benin. Trials are underway in South Sudan. In 2023, MTN rolled out 2,251 5G sites. In the first half of 2024, it added another 829 5G sites.
MTN Group chief technology and information officer Mazen Mroue said: “The launch of 5G in Benin and Congo-Brazzaville underscores MTN’s role in shaping the digital future of Africa. 5G is more than a technological advancement – it is the foundation for innovation, economic growth, and the creation of new opportunities. We are pleased to support the evolution of a connected, inclusive and prosperous Africa.”
Over in Benin, MTN piped rivals Moov Africa Benin and government-owned Celtiis to be the first to launch 5G. Moov Africa is close, given it is taken online registrations for people to tour its 5G showroom. In 25 years of operations in Benin, MTN has introduced major developments in the telecommunications sector, such as the SMS service in the early 2000s and 3G and 4G in 2012 and 2015 respectively, according to Agence Ecofin.
According to the Regulatory Authority for Electronic Communications and Posts (ARCEP), the company had 8.4 million active mobile subscriptions in the 2nd quarter of 2024, representing around 50% market share. It also has 6.1 million active mobile Internet subscriptions, out of a total of 11 million.
“We are honoured to bring 5G to Benin, a technology that will serve as a catalyst for progress in countless aspects of life and business […] With 5G, we are laying the foundation for innovation, economic growth and opportunities that strengthen individuals and communities,” said MTN Benin managing director Uche Ofodile (above, far right).
Money offer
Ecofin added that MTN has also been involved in financial inclusion with the launch in 2010 of mobile money transfer services, followed by new features such as bill payment and linking bank accounts to SIM cards. MTN Mobile Money, a branch dedicated to these services, has managed to capture 86% of the Beninese market according to the regulator.
To face increased competition since the arrival of a new operator in 2022, MTN Benin also announced in January 2024 an investment plan of $215m over three years. The pledges were made during an MTN Group leadership visit to Cotonou, which included meeting with Benin’s President Patrice Talon (above). The new 5G network is some of the fruits of that investment.
Pictured (L-R): MTN Group chief sustainability and corporate affairs officer Nompilo Morafo, MTN Benin chairman Amadou Raimi; MTN Group president and CEO Ralph Mupita, Benin president Patrice Talon, MTN senior VP for markets Ebenezer Asante and MTN Benin CEO Uche Ofodile.