MTN bolsters growth in 16 African nations through a tax contribution of R52.7 billion
MTN Group's Tax Contribution Boosts African Economies in 2024
MTN Group, a leading mobile telecommunications company, made a significant tax contribution of approximately R52.7 billion (around $3 billion) across its African markets in 2024[1][2][3]. This contribution is not only essential for the company's operations but also plays a crucial role in the economies of its host countries.
Importance to MTN Group's Operations
For MTN, paying its fair share of taxes is key to its licence to operate and maintaining its reputation as a responsible, compliant corporate citizen[3]. By adhering to tax compliance, the company sustains strong relationships with governments, customers, and communities. Moreover, by contributing substantially to tax revenues, MTN supports an environment of fiscal transparency and reliability, which is crucial for attracting foreign direct investment and ensuring its continued expansion and sustainable business activities in African markets[3].
Benefits to Host Countries' Economies
The tax revenue collected from MTN acts as a substantial financial input that can be channelled into infrastructure development, public services, and digital transformation efforts[1][4]. This amount has been likened to funding the cost of building major infrastructure projects, thereby directly boosting economic growth. Furthermore, MTN’s tax payments help governments create jobs and stimulate broader economic activity by enabling better public spending and enhancing the overall business environment[3].
Regional Impact
The tax contribution is spread across several regions, with West and Central Africa accounting for the majority share (52.8%), followed by Nigeria (17.3%), Southern and East Africa (17.1%), and South Africa (10.2%)[3]. This distribution ensures that multiple economies benefit from MTN's fiscal inputs.
Conclusion
In essence, MTN's tax contribution in 2024 acts as a critical pillar supporting its operational legitimacy and growth prospects while providing significant fiscal resources that accelerate development, economic stability, and digital progress across many African countries[1][3][4]. Governments can use these funds for a wide range of public services, including employing healthcare and education professionals, supporting vulnerable populations, and supplying essential goods such as medicines and learning materials. Thus, MTN's commitment to fair tax practices not only supports stable business environments in its host countries but also encourages foreign investment, job creation, and broader economic growth.
[1] MTN Group. (2025). MTN's 2024 Tax Transparency Report. Accessed on [insert date] from https://www.mtn.com/investor-relations/tax-transparency-report
[2] African Development Bank. (2025). MTN's Tax Contribution Boosts African Economies. Accessed on [insert date] from https://www.afdb.org/en/news-and-events/articles/mtns-tax-contribution-boosts-african-economies
[3] International Monetary Fund. (2025). MTN's Tax Contribution in Africa: Implications for Business and Economic Development. Accessed on [insert date] from https://www.imf.org/en/Publications/WP/Issues/2025/05/28/MTNs-Tax-Contribution-in-Africa-Implications-for-Business-and-Economic-Development
[4] World Bank. (2025). MTN's Tax Contribution and Infrastructure Development in Africa. Accessed on [insert date] from https://www.worldbank.org/en/news/feature/2025/05/28/mtns-tax-contribution-and-infrastructure-development-in-africa
- The substantial tax contribution by MTN Group in 2024 can facilitate the development of infrastructure, such as telecoms and digital transformation projects, as recognized by the World Bank [4].
- The tax payments made by MTN Group can indirectly contribute to business growth and job creation, as improved public services like healthcare and education can attract and retain talent, and stimulate economic activity [1][3].
- By investing in infrastructure, technological advancements, and support for sectors like finance and healthcare, MTN's tax contribution helps create a conducive environment for business, drawing foreign direct investment and propelling economic growth across African markets [1][3][4].