Main Mobile Network Operators and Service Providers in Africa

The African telecommunications market is dominated by several large groups that shape mobile Internet access across the continent. According to an article by Agence Ecofin, five major players stand out: MTN Group, Vodacom, Airtel Africa, and Orange.

MTN Group

Originally from South Africa, MTN operates in over 17 African countries. The group has approximately 230 million subscribers, making it the largest mobile operator on the continent. MTN continues to invest heavily in expanding its 4G networks and deploying 5G, particularly in Nigeria and South Africa.

Vodacom

A subsidiary of Vodafone, Vodacom primarily operates in Southern Africa, with a strong presence in South Africa, Tanzania, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Mozambique, and Lesotho. Vodacom has about 205 million subscribers. The group is investing in expanding 4G coverage and launching 5G services in select markets.

Airtel Africa

A subsidiary of Indian giant Bharti Airtel, Airtel Africa is active in 14 countries, mainly in East and West Africa. It has around 163 million subscribers. The group focuses on expanding its 4G services and developing mobile financial solutions.

Orange

Although based in France, Orange is a key player in Francophone Africa, operating in 18 countries. Orange Africa serves around 160 million customers. The group is investing in improving network coverage and developing mobile financial services such as Orange Money.

Other Notable Operators

Several regional operators also play significant roles:

• Ethio Telecom : The historical operator in Ethiopia with over 60 million subscribers.
• Axian Telecom : Present in Madagascar, the Comoros, Tanzania, and Togo, with recent investments to expand network coverage.
• Africell : Operates in Angola, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Sierra Leone, and The Gambia, with around 12 million subscribers.
• Maroc Telecom: Active in 11 West and Central African countries, investing in service quality and network expansion.

These operators face challenges such as the need to expand network coverage in rural areas, reduce consumer access costs, and manage increasing competition. However, they also benefit from opportunities linked to the rapid growth in demand for mobile data services, digital financial services, and innovative solutions aimed at improving digital inclusion across the continent.