MTN Uganda reported a profit after tax of Ush678.8 billion for the year ended 31 December 2025, driven largely by strong growth in data consumption, fintech services, and network expansion. The telecom operator recorded total revenue of Ush3.6 trillion, a 13.6% year-on-year increase, while service revenue rose 13.4% to Ush3.57 trillion.
“As we conclude the Ambition 2025 strategy, I am pleased with the achievements delivered by MTN Uganda over this period,” said Sylvia Mulinge, Chief Executive Officer of MTN Uganda.
Mulinge said the company’s performance was supported by continued network investment, innovation, and favorable macroeconomic conditions, including low inflation and a stable Ugandan currency.
Overall, the results highlight how growing demand for mobile internet and digital financial services is reshaping telecom revenues in Africa, with operators increasingly relying on data and fintech platforms to drive growth beyond traditional voice services.
Africa’s Telecom Sector Is Under Pressure to Find New Revenue
Across Africa, telecom operators face mounting pressure as traditional voice and SMS revenues decline due to internet-based communication platforms.
Consumers are rapidly shifting toward data-heavy services, including video streaming, social media, and digital banking. At the same time, telecom companies must invest billions in network upgrades to support 4G and 5G connectivity, while maintaining affordable services in highly competitive markets.
In Nigeria, TechMedia Africa reported that profit of MTN Nigeria soared to N1.11 trillion in 2025. Fueled by hike in data and call tariffs, as well as a surge in internet usage, MTN’s total revenue skyrocketed by 54.9% to reach N5.20 trillion. Data revenue, in particular, remained a powerhouse, jumping to N2.78 trillion as the company expanded its 4G and 5G network coverage.
In many countries, like with Nigeria’s MTN, telecom firms are also expanding into financial technology through mobile money platforms, which have become a major driver of financial inclusion across the continent.
Uganda mirrors this trend. According to the Bank of Uganda, mobile money transactions now represent a significant share of the country’s digital payments ecosystem, while smartphone adoption continues to grow as internet access expands.
Data Expansion and Fintech Services Drive Growth
MTN Uganda’s results show that data and fintech services have become its strongest growth engines.
Data revenue rose 28.8% to Ush1.0 trillion, supported by an 18.6% increase in active data users to 12 million and a 51.2% surge in data traffic. Smartphone penetration on the network also increased to 42.8%, driven partly by device financing programs that allow customers to acquire smartphones more easily.
Fintech services delivered even stronger momentum. Revenue from mobile financial services grew 17.3% to Ush1.1 trillion, with the company reporting 14.7 million fintech subscribers, up 6.5% year-on-year.
Transaction volumes increased 16.8% to 5 billion, while transaction value climbed 23.3% to Ush195.5 trillion. Advanced fintech services—including payments, lending, and savings—now account for 30.6% of fintech revenue, reflecting deeper adoption of digital financial tools.
To support this growth, MTN Uganda invested Ush549.4 billion in network expansion, pushing 4G population coverage to 88.6% and 3G coverage to 96.2%. The company also expanded its 5G rollout to 126 sites, bringing 5G population coverage to 19%.
Digital Infrastructure Is Powering Africa’s Digital Economy
The continued expansion of telecom infrastructure and mobile financial services has far-reaching implications for Africa’s digital economy.
Mobile internet access enables millions of Africans to participate in digital commerce, remote work, and online education, while mobile money platforms provide financial services to people who previously lacked access to banks.
In Uganda, growing smartphone penetration and mobile payments adoption are helping to accelerate digital inclusion and economic participation, particularly among young entrepreneurs and small businesses.
Telecom investment also supports job creation across the digital ecosystem, from infrastructure deployment and fintech services to app development and digital commerce.
Looking ahead, MTN Uganda expects further growth as Uganda’s economy expands. The Bank of Uganda projects economic growth of between 6.5% and 7.0% in the 2025/26 financial year, driven by investment inflows, exports, and tourism recovery.
For MTN Uganda, sustained investment in data infrastructure, home broadband, and fintech services will remain central to maintaining growth as Africa’s digital transformation accelerates.