MTN Rebounds To Profit In 2025, Raises Dividend

Tuesday 24th March 2026

By inAfrika Newsroom

MTN 2025 profit rebound was confirmed on Monday after Africa’s largest telecoms operator reported a return to profitability and announced a higher dividend and a multi-year share repurchase plan, following a turbulent period marked by currency volatility in key markets.

MTN reported a pre-tax profit of 47.4 billion rand for the year ended December 31, reversing a restated pre-tax loss of 4.1 billion rand in 2024, Reuters said. The turnaround was driven by strong performances in MTN Nigeria and MTN Ghana, along with cost savings. Total service revenue rose 22.7% to 218.5 billion rand, with Nigeria and Ghana delivering particularly strong growth, Reuters reported.

The results matter across Africa because telecoms are not only consumer services; they are economic infrastructure. MTN’s network supports mobile money, enterprise connectivity, and digital platforms used by SMEs and public services. When telecom groups stabilise cash flows, they generally have more room to invest in network quality, rural coverage, and capacity expansion, though capex decisions remain sensitive to currency risk and regulatory constraints.

MTN announced a 500 cents per share dividend, up 45%, and set a new shareholder remuneration policy targeting 40–60% of equity free cash flow for dividends or buybacks. The board approved a share repurchase plan of up to 6 billion rand over three years starting in 2026.

Investors also watch MTN because its earnings often reflect macro conditions in major African markets. Currency volatility, inflation and policy uncertainty can affect consumer spending and data usage. The Nigerian market, in particular, has been a major swing factor for MTN performance.

For regulators, the question is how profitability intersects with consumer affordability and competition. Telecoms groups often face pressure to expand coverage and quality while keeping prices accessible, especially when data has become essential for education, commerce and public services.

MTN 2025 profit rebound: headline numbers

MTN 2025 profit rebound included a return to pre-tax profit of 47.4 billion rand, service revenue growth to 218.5 billion rand, a higher dividend, and an approved buyback plan, Reuters reported.