• MTN’s Bayobab signed a partnership with Mozambique’s TMCEL to provide international voice, roaming and IPX services.

• MTN served 301.3 million subscribers as of September 2025, including 165.8 million internet users.

• MTN seeks growth through infrastructure, fintech acquisitions and artificial intelligence initiatives, including a bid for control of IHS Towers.

Bayobab, the digital infrastructure arm of South Africa’s MTN Group, announced on February 10, a partnership with Mozambican telecom operator TMCEL. Bayobab will provide its digital platforms to the state-owned operator to strengthen its international communications services. MTN aims to evolve from a traditional telecom operator into a technology company.

Bayobab said in a statement that TMCEL will rely on its global communication platforms, including international voice, international roaming and IPX services, to deliver advanced, scalable and high-quality services to retail and enterprise customers. The partnership aims to improve international call quality and ensure smoother cross-border connectivity.

The company said the launch marks a key milestone in its partnership strategy. Bayobab intends to support African operators with the same level of expertise and capacity that it deploys across its international footprint.

“This partnership with TMCEL is a strong example of how MTN Digital Infrastructure extends its reach and capabilities to support African operators,” said Mazen Mroué, Chief Executive Officer of MTN Group Digital Infrastructure.

Bayobab, a Pillar of MTN’s Diversification Strategy

MTN separated Bayobab from its traditional telecom operations to accelerate diversification. The entity dropped its former name, MTN GlobalConnect, in May 2023. Bayobab now positions itself as a world-class, open-access digital infrastructure platform focused on Africa and serving both MTN and third-party clients.

The company relies on one of the continent’s most extensive fiber networks. Bayobab claims 127,000 km of open-access fiber, a presence in 54 African countries, access to 24 subsea cables and 235 points of presence.

In parallel, Bayobab develops high-speed, low-latency satellite solutions to reduce the digital divide in rural and remote areas. The company also invests in data centers to strengthen its position in colocation and cloud services targeting hyperscalers, enterprises and African governments.

Beyond physical infrastructure, Bayobab offers next-generation communication platforms, including voice, messaging, roaming, IPX and IoT services, to support enterprise performance.

Fintech, AI: MTN Multiplies Growth Levers

MTN reinforces its diversification strategy through additional initiatives. On February 5, 2026, MTN announced its intention to take control of IHS Towers, one of Africa’s largest telecom tower providers, in which it already holds a 25% stake. If the transaction closes, MTN will enter the telecom tower market, a segment that underpins mobile service expansion. Analysts expect demand for towers to grow as operators accelerate 4G and 5G deployments, increase data capacity, expand smartphone penetration and extend rural coverage.

Ralph Mupita, MTN’s Chief Executive Officer, told Semafor that the group considers acquiring fintech start-ups in payments, lending and remittances to strengthen a business line that has become a major growth driver.

MTN also strengthens its positioning in emerging technologies. In September 2025, the group announced that it sought international partners to develop artificial intelligence-focused data centers in Africa. One month earlier, MTN launched the “MTN Genova” program to promote responsible AI use to drive innovation, productivity and customer experience improvements. The program currently operates at group level.

MTN has already tested AI use cases across several markets. The group optimized data center energy consumption in South Africa, implemented intelligent energy management for cellular sites in Benin, deployed fiber cut detection systems in Côte d’Ivoire and optimized network traffic in Nigeria.

This article was initially published in French by Isaac K. Kassouwi

Adapted in English by Ange J.A de BERRY QUENUM