(Ecofin Agency) - South African telecoms group MTN announced last October 8 it will invest $120 million in South Sudan over the next three years. The company wants to improve and upgrade its network in the country.

The information was revealed during a courtesy call by MTN Group Chairman Mcebisi Jonas and MTN Group CEO Ralph Mupita to the South Sudanese President Salva Kiir. The leaders discussed several issues of mutual interest related to the digital development of South Sudan.

The MTN delegation was also in Nigeria where the company plans to improve broadband access through investment in 4G and 5G, once the licenses are issued.

Currently, South Sudan has a mobile penetration rate of 23.1% compared to 8% for the internet, according to Hootsuite and We Are Social's Digital Report 2021. The country’s telecom market still has many opportunities to offer in both the voice and data segments as well as in mobile money.

Muriel Edjo