JOHANNESBERG, Mar 5 – MTN Group has entered a multi year agreement with UNHCR to expand digital access for displaced populations across its African markets, as connectivity becomes more closely tied to economic and social inclusion.
The partnership focuses on refugees, internally displaced persons and host communities, many of whom face limited access to mobile services and digital tools. MTN, led by CEO Ralph Mupita, has in recent years positioned its network and mobile money platforms as part of a broader push toward digital and financial inclusion across the continent.
Under the agreement, both organisations will work to improve network coverage in underserved areas while supporting access to affordable devices, data services and digital skills. The collaboration also considers barriers such as lack of formal identification and low literacy levels, which continue to limit participation in the digital economy.
The initiative is expected to begin in countries including Rwanda, Uganda and South Sudan, with plans to extend to other MTN markets over time. These regions host a significant share of Africa’s displaced populations, where access to reliable connectivity often remains uneven.
