(Ecofin Agency) - Competition is high in the Beninese mobile telephony market. Market leader MTN is stepping up investments to bolster its position against rivals Moov Africa Bénin and Celtiis.

On July 12, MTN Benin signed a partnership agreement with Ericsson to utilize solar energy to expand its coverage to 29 rural sites. The solution will also include managed services, providing preventive and corrective maintenance activities for tower sites.

"As everyone deserves the benefits of a modern and connected life, we must ensure that 'everywhere we go' in Benin, our people, whether in rural or urban areas, have access to our network. [...] By bringing connectivity to Beninese communities, we contribute MTN's support to digital economic development, empowerment of the local population, and strengthening of the network infrastructure in Benin," Uche Ofodile, CEO of MTN Benin, stated.

MTN's investment in rural connectivity comes amid increased competition in the national telecom market, with the entry of Celtiis. In its first three months of operation (October – December 2022), the subsidiary of the Benin Digital Infrastructure Company gained 599,727 subscribers, securing a 4.12% market share.

Expanding mobile coverage is expected to attract new subscribers to MTN and further solidify its leadership in the Benin mobile telecommunications market. According to statistics from the Regulatory Authority for Electronic Communications and Post (ARCEP), MTN held a market share of 57.88% at the end of the first quarter of 2023. Competitors Moov Africa Benin and Celtiis held 4.81% and 37.31% respectively, of the national mobile subscriber base.

Isaac K. Kassouwi