Bharti Airtel (Formerly MTN stake attempt) in South Africa

Bharti Airtel’s Strategic Moves in Africa Amidst MTN Group’s Financial Challenges

Johannesburg, October 14, 2025 – In recent developments, India’s Bharti Airtel has been actively enhancing its presence in the African telecommunications market, particularly through its subsidiary, Airtel Africa. This strategic expansion comes at a time when South Africa’s MTN Group, a major player in the continent, is grappling with significant financial setbacks.

Airtel Africa’s Stake Increase

On February 21, 2025, Bharti Airtel announced plans to increase its stake in Airtel Africa by up to 5%, aiming to bolster its foothold in the region. Currently, Airtel Africa Mauritius Limited, a subsidiary of Bharti Airtel, holds a 57.29% stake in Airtel Africa plc. The proposed acquisition is set to be completed by March 31, 2025, through one or more cash transactions. (business-standard.com)

MTN Group’s Financial Decline

In contrast, MTN Group has faced a challenging financial period. In the third quarter ending September 30, 2024, the company reported an 18.5% decline in service revenue, dropping to 127.4 billion rand ($6.99 billion) from 156.3 billion rand the previous year. This downturn was primarily attributed to the devaluation of the Nigerian naira and operational issues in Sudan. (reuters.com)

MTN Uganda’s Financial Maneuvers

Adding to MTN’s financial complexities, MTN Uganda secured a 370 billion shilling ($100 million) syndicated loan in December 2024 to finance network expansion. This move underscores the company’s efforts to strengthen its position in the competitive Ugandan market, where it faces stiff competition from Bharti Airtel’s local unit. (reuters.com)

Industry Collaborations and Speculations

Despite the financial challenges, MTN Group and Airtel Africa have engaged in strategic collaborations. In March 2025, both companies agreed to share mobile phone network infrastructure in Uganda and Nigeria. This partnership aims to reduce investment costs while expanding service coverage, particularly in rural areas. (reuters.com)

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However, recent market speculations have emerged regarding potential acquisitions. In September 2025, MTN Group’s CEO, Ralph Mupita, clarified that the company is not in active discussions to acquire Telkom, despite earlier reports suggesting a revival of acquisition talks. He emphasized the need for market consolidation in South Africa’s telecom sector but did not exclude the possibility of future negotiations. (reuters.com)

Conclusion

As Bharti Airtel continues to expand its influence in Africa, particularly through increased investment in Airtel Africa, MTN Group faces financial challenges that may impact its strategic decisions. The evolving dynamics between these telecommunications giants will significantly influence the African telecom landscape in the coming years.