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MTN Group eyes banking licences and AI data centre expansion
MTN Group is pursuing a multi-pronged expansion strategy focused on fintech and digital infrastructure. CEO Ralph Mupita announced that the telecommunications giant is exploring banking licences in select African markets. This move would allow the company to accept deposits and lend directly from its own balance sheet, transitioning from a model of third-party bank partnerships to direct credit origination.
In tandem with its fintech ambitions, MTN is investing in digital infrastructure through Africa Data Hub Holding. In partnership with an undisclosed UAE-backed investor, the company plans to develop 150MW of AI-enabled data centre capacity, initially targeting Nigeria and South Africa to meet rising demand for high-performance computing.
Technological upgrades are also underway, with MTN and Ericsson completing a cloud-native migration of the MoMo platform in four countries, including Ghana. This modernization has reportedly reduced processing loads by 86% and improved API response times by 80%. Additionally, MTN Ghana has been recognized as the 2026 Africa PMO of the Year by the Project Management Institute.
Entities
Africa Data Hub Holding · Ericsson · MOPO · MTN Group · Nigeria · Project Management Institute · Ralph Mupita · South Africa · World Bank
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [○ 1 SOURCE] MTN Ghana was named the 2026 Africa PMO of the Year by the Project Management Institute. techfocus24.com
- [● 5 SOURCES] MTN will hold a minority stake in the Africa Data Hub Holding venture. 360mozambique.com · marketnewsng.com · theghanareport.com · nairametrics.com · lagostelevision.com
- [● 6 SOURCES] MTN plans to develop 150MW of AI-enabled data centre capacity in Nigeria and South Africa. lagostelevision.com · marketnewsng.com · theghanareport.com · nairametrics.com · www.myjoyonline.com · +1 more
- [● 7 SOURCES] The data centre project will be executed through Africa Data Hub Holding in partnership with an undisclosed UAE-backed investor. lagostelevision.com · marketnewsng.com · techtrendske.co.ke · theghanareport.com · nairametrics.com · +2 more
- [● 2 SOURCES] MTN Ghana's service revenue increased by 32.3% in constant-currency terms in the first half of 2026. asaaseradio.com · www.ghanamma.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] MTN completed the migration of its MoMo platform to a cloud-native architecture in four countries, including Ghana. cauris.africa
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The MoMo cloud migration reduced processing load by 86% and improved API response times by 80%. cauris.africa
- [● 8 SOURCES] MTN Group is evaluating the acquisition of banking licences in select markets to enable direct lending from its own balance sheet. 360mozambique.com · chale.news · investorsking.com · www.ecofinagency.com · www.financialafrik.com · +3 more
- [○ 1 SOURCE] MTN Ghana was named 2026 Africa PMO of the Year. techfocus24.com
- [● 5 SOURCES] MTN is developing 150 megawatts of AI-enabled data centre capacity in Nigeria and South Africa. lagostelevision.com · marketnewsng.com · theghanareport.com · www.myjoyonline.com · nairametrics.com
- [● 7 SOURCES] The strategy to obtain banking licences will be applied selectively and gradually. 360mozambique.com · chale.news · investorsking.com · www.ecofinagency.com · www.financialafrik.com · +2 more
- [○ 1 SOURCE] MTN migrated its MoMo platform to a cloud-native architecture in four countries, including Ghana. cauris.africa