MTN South Sudan Expands Network Coverage to 85% Through Infrastructure Modernisation

MTN South Sudan  is accelerating its efforts to expand reliable and sustainable digital connectivity across the country, with significant progress recorded in network coverage, availability and infrastructure modernization.

Through a strategic partnership with Communication & Renewable Energy Infrastructure (CREI), supported by development finance partners including Finnfund, MTN South Sudan has modernised more than 500 network sites, strengthening connectivity for communities across the country.

The investment and partnership have contributed to an increase in population broadband coverage from 76.6% to 85%, while network availability has improved from 97% to 99% over the past two years.

For a country where communities are often separated by vast distances and limited infrastructure, expanding network access is critical to connecting people to opportunities, services and each other.

To address this, MTN South Sudan has partnered with CREI under an Energy Service Company (ESCO) model, supporting the deployment of hybrid solar and battery energy solutions across network sites.

The approach is helping strengthen network resilience while reducing reliance on diesel-powered generation.

Mapula Bodibe, Chief Executive Officer of MTN South Sudan, said the partnership is helping MTN accelerate its connectivity ambitions.

“The support from Finnfund and CREI has allowed us to fast-track connectivity and reach more of the country, especially the remote areas where the need is greatest. We can now set truly ambitious goals, like reaching 100% population coverage.”

– Mapula Bodibe, Chief Executive Officer, MTN South Sudan

The progress represents an important step towards MTN South Sudan’s broader ambition of extending quality connectivity to more people, including communities in underserved and remote areas. Beyond expanding coverage, MTN South Sudan is also strengthening the sustainability of its network infrastructure.

The introduction of hybrid solar solutions across supported sites has helped reduce diesel consumption by more than 50%, while renewable energy’s contribution to the supported infrastructure has increased significantly.

This transition not only reduces the environmental impact of network operations but also supports more reliable connectivity by reducing dependence on fuel supply chains in areas where transportation can be challenging.

The partnership has also contributed to local economic participation, with more than 100 direct jobs created in South Sudan through CREI’s operations, alongside additional indirect employment.

For MTN South Sudan, connectivity is ultimately about enabling people and communities to participate in the digital economy. Mobile connectivity allows customers to communicate with loved ones, access digital and financial services, support businesses, access information and create new opportunities regardless of where they live.

As MTN continues to invest in its network and explore innovative ways to overcome the country’s infrastructure challenges, the company’s focus remains firmly on expanding access.

“More reliable connectivity unlocks potential just waiting to be unleashed in rural communities. With connectivity, communities go from darkness to light; it is the difference between isolation and inclusion.”

– Mapula Bodibe, Chief Executive Officer, MTN South Sudan

With its partners, MTN South Sudan is continuing to build the infrastructure needed to connect more communities and contribute to South Sudan’s digital transformation.