MTN has launched 5G in Benin. The launch ceremony took place this Friday, November 22 at the Cotonou Convention Center, in the presence of the authorities, MTN Benin officials, technological and commercial partners and the managing directors of public and private companies

“We are honored to bring 5G to Benin, a technology that will serve as a catalyst for progress in countless aspects of life and business [...] With 5G, we are laying the foundations for innovation, economic growth, and opportunities that strengthen individuals and communities” a commented Uche Ofodile, the managing director of MTN Benin.

In 25 years of operations in Benin, MTN has introduced major developments in the telecommunications sector, such as SMS service in the early 2000s or 3G and 4G in 2012 and 2015 respectively. According to the Regulatory Authority for Electronic Communications and Post (ARCEP), the company had 8.4 million active mobile subscriptions in the 2nd quarter of 2024, representing around 50% of the market share. It also has 6.1 million active mobile Internet subscriptions, out of a total of 11 million

Beyond telecommunications, MTN has also been involved in financial inclusion with the launch of mobile money transfer services in 2010, followed by new features such as paying bills and linking bank accounts to SIM cards. MTN Mobile Money, a branch dedicated to these services, captures 86% of the Beninese market

To face increased competition since the arrival of a new operator in 2022, MTN Benin also announced in January 2024 an investment plan of 215 million USD out of three 3. The program aims to modernise infrastructure, expand the network and support the development of 5G.