MTN Group, Africa's largest mobile operator, reported a 33% increase in first-quarter core profit for the period ending March 31, 2025. This growth was driven by strong service revenue, reduced device costs in its domestic market, and an improved macroeconomic environment.

The Johannesburg-based telecommunications giant's earnings before interest, tax, depreciation, and amortization (EBITDA) margin improved by 5.3 percentage points, reaching 44.1% on a constant-currency basis. The actual EBITDA value was not disclosed. Group service revenue increased by 10.4% overall, and by 19.8% in constant currency terms. Notably, MTN Nigeria and MTN Ghana contributed significantly to this performance, with service revenue growths of 40.4% and 39.5%, respectively. Meanwhile, MTN South Africa faced ongoing competitive pressures, particularly in the prepaid segment, but still achieved a 2.6% increase in service revenue.

In April 2025, MTN Group announced a strategic partnership with UK-based video software company Synamedia to develop a new streaming platform tailored for mobile and fiber subscribers across Africa. This initiative aims to capitalize on the rapid uptake of smartphones and improving telecommunications infrastructure on the continent. The proposed service will leverage Synamedia's cloud-based technologies to deliver both linear television and video-on-demand content, offering diverse monetization models, including subscriptions, ad-supported content, and free streaming channels with targeted advertising. Each market will benefit from a curated content strategy.

MTN Group operates in over 20 countries, including Nigeria, Ghana, and South Africa, with approximately 289.1 million subscribers as of December 2022. The company's expansion and increased profitability contribute to economic growth in the regions it operates, potentially leading to job creation and increased tax revenues. By investing in new technologies and services, such as the upcoming streaming platform, MTN is enhancing digital inclusion, providing more people with access to information and entertainment. MTN's growth may also intensify competition in the telecommunications sector, prompting other companies to innovate and improve their offerings.

MTN's partnership with Synamedia positions the company to compete against established regional platforms like MultiChoice's Showmax and international giants such as Netflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime, and Apple TV. This move highlights MTN's ambition to transform video consumption in Africa by providing high-quality and accessible content.

MTN Group's strong financial performance and strategic initiatives underscore its commitment to driving digital transformation and economic growth across Africa. As the company continues to expand its services and invest in new technologies, it is poised to play a significant role in shaping the continent's digital future.