Bayobab, the digital infrastructure arm of South Africa’s MTN Group, has expanded its services to third-party African telecom operators through a new partnership with Mozambique’s state-owned operator TMCEL, as the group accelerates its transition from a traditional mobile operator into a technology and digital infrastructure company.
In a statement issued on February 10, Bayobab said it had signed an agreement with TMCEL to provide international voice, roaming and IPX services, aimed at strengthening the Mozambican operator’s international communications capabilities.
Under the partnership, TMCEL will leverage Bayobab’s global communications platforms to deliver scalable and high-quality services to both retail and enterprise customers. The companies said the collaboration is expected to improve international call quality and enable more seamless cross-border connectivity.
“This partnership with TMCEL is a strong example of how MTN Digital Infrastructure extends its reach and capabilities to support African operators,” said Mazen Mroué, chief executive officer of MTN Group Digital Infrastructure.
Bayobab described the agreement as a key milestone in its broader partnership strategy, noting that it intends to offer African operators the same level of expertise and network capacity that it deploys across its international footprint.
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A cornerstone of MTN’s diversification drive
Bayobab sits at the centre of MTN’s diversification strategy, which seeks to reduce reliance on traditional voice revenues and position the group for long-term growth in data, infrastructure and digital services.
MTN separated the business from its core telecom operations and rebranded MTN GlobalConnect as Bayobab in May 2023. The entity now operates as an open-access digital infrastructure platform focused on Africa, serving both MTN’s internal needs and third-party clients.
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Bayobab relies on one of the continent’s most extensive fibre networks. The company says it operates around 127,000 kilometres of open-access fibre, has a presence in 54 African countries, access to 24 subsea cable systems and operates 235 points of presence across the region.
Alongside fibre, Bayobab is developing satellite-based connectivity solutions designed to deliver high-speed, low-latency services to rural and remote areas, where terrestrial infrastructure remains limited. The company is also investing in data centres to expand its colocation and cloud services, targeting hyperscale technology firms, enterprises and African governments.
Beyond physical infrastructure, Bayobab provides next-generation communications platforms, including voice, messaging, roaming, IPX and internet-of-things services, positioning itself as a full-service digital infrastructure provider.
Fintech and towers add momentum
MTN is reinforcing its transformation through parallel growth initiatives in fintech, infrastructure ownership and emerging technologies.
On February 5, 2026, the group announced its intention to take control of IHS Towers, one of Africa’s largest independent telecom tower companies, in which MTN already holds a 25% stake. If completed, the deal would mark MTN’s entry into the tower ownership segment, which underpins mobile network expansion across the continent.
Analysts expect demand for telecom towers to grow as operators accelerate 4G and 5G rollouts, increase data capacity, expand smartphone penetration and extend coverage to underserved rural areas.
MTN is also exploring acquisitions in fintech, a segment that has emerged as a major growth driver. Group chief executive Ralph Mupita told Semafor that MTN is considering acquiring start-ups in payments, lending and remittances to strengthen its financial services portfolio.
As of September 2025, MTN served 301.3 million subscribers across its markets, including 165.8 million internet users, highlighting the scale of its digital customer base.
Artificial intelligence push
The group is also investing in artificial intelligence as part of its long-term technology strategy. In September 2025, MTN said it was seeking international partners to develop AI-focused data centres in Africa. A month earlier, it launched the “MTN Genova” programme to promote responsible AI use to drive innovation, productivity and improvements in customer experience.
MTN has already tested AI applications across several markets, including optimising data centre energy consumption in South Africa, deploying intelligent energy management systems for cell sites in Benin, implementing fibre cut detection in Côte d’Ivoire and optimising network traffic in Nigeria.
Together, the initiatives underline MTN’s ambition to reposition itself as a pan-African technology and digital infrastructure player, leveraging scale, partnerships and advanced technologies to drive future growth.
