MTN Group, Africa’s largest telecommunications company, said it contributed R61.1 billion ($3.76 billion) to tax authorities across its markets in 2025, underlining the company’s growing role in supporting public finances in some of the continent’s biggest economies.

The payments, disclosed in MTN’s 2025 Tax Transparency Report, cover corporate income tax, indirect taxes, payroll taxes, licence fees, withholding taxes and dividend taxes paid across the group’s operations. The company said the contributions help governments fund public services, infrastructure projects and broader economic development in the countries where it operates.

MTN tax footprint spans 16 markets

For MTN, the report is also part of a broader effort to show how the business contributes beyond subscriber growth and earnings. The telecom giant operates in 16 markets across Africa and the Middle East, serving more than 300 million customers.

“Our tax contribution reflects the scale of our operations and our long-term presence in these markets,” MTN Group Chief Financial Officer Tsholofelo Molefe said in the foreword to the report. “The taxes we pay to governments across diverse and dynamic markets enables them to serve their citizens — helping fund infrastructure, public services and economic development.”

Ghana remained MTN’s largest source of tax contribution during the year, with MTN Ghana paying R16.9 billion ($1.04 billion) to revenue authorities. MTN Nigeria followed with R10.5 billion ($646.6 million), while MTN Uganda contributed R8 billion ($492.7 million). MTN Côte d’Ivoire paid R6.5 billion ($400.3 million), ahead of MTN South Africa at R4.8 billion ($295.6 million) and MTN Cameroon at R3.9 billion ($240.2 million).

MTN strengthens tax transparency push

The company said the figures were independently assured, offering investors, regulators and policymakers a clearer picture of the group’s fiscal contribution across its footprint. Molefe added that the report reinforces MTN’s focus on transparency, tax governance and responsible corporate conduct.

The latest disclosure comes as MTN continues to recover from a difficult period marked by currency pressures, inflation and regulatory challenges in some of its key markets. In 2025, the Johannesburg-based telecom group posted one of its strongest financial rebounds in recent years, helped by growth in Nigeria, Ghana and South Africa.

Service revenue climbed 22.59 percent to R226.71 billion ($13.45 billion), up from R188 billion ($11.15 billion) a year earlier. Nigeria remained a major earnings driver for the group, while Ghana and South Africa also delivered strong contributions.

MTN Nigeria head-office, MTN Plaza. 1, Awolowo Road, Falomo Roundabout. Ikoyi, Lagos.

MTN rebounds after prior losses

MTN also returned to profitability during the year, posting a profit of R47.43 billion ($2.81 billion) after reporting losses previously. The rebound marked a major turnaround for the telecom giant as it benefited from improving operating conditions in several markets and continued demand for mobile and data services.

Its customer base continued to expand across its operations. MTN added 16.3 million subscribers in 2025, bringing its total subscriber base to 307.2 million users across 16 markets. The increase highlights continued demand for mobile connectivity and digital services across Africa, where telecom companies remain central to financial inclusion and internet access.

MTN’s balance sheet also strengthened. Total assets rose 15.51 percent to R498.71 billion ($29.58 billion), compared with R431.73 billion ($25.6 billion) previously. Total equity increased 23.38 percent to R169.73 billion ($10.07 billion) from R137.57 billion ($8.16 billion).