MTN Nigeria has been recognized as the fastest 5G provider in West and Central Africa (WCA), according to Ookla Speedtest Intelligence data for Q2 2024. Following an investment of over $120 million in 5G infrastructure, the telco recorded download speeds of 95.62 Mbps and upload speeds of 17.01 Mbps—its highest performance to date.
This achievement reinforces MTN’s dominance in Nigeria’s telecom sector, where it holds 50% of the market. Its high-speed 5G network currently serves 2.6 million subscribers, making it the leading provider in Nigeria’s growing 5G market, which reached 3.3 million subscribers as of September 2024.
Launched in September 2022, MTN’s 5G network initially covered seven major cities, including Lagos, Abuja, and Port Harcourt. By 2023, coverage expanded to 11% of the population, with over 2,100 5G sites deployed nationwide.
MTN’s speeds outpace both regional subsidiaries such as MTN Ghana and MTN Côte d’Ivoire and competitors like Airtel, whose 4G download and upload speeds lag behind at 30.35 Mbps and 10.28 Mbps, respectively.
In addition to expanding 5G, MTN Nigeria continues to invest in its 4G infrastructure while leading regional adoption of next-generation networks. 5G penetration in Nigeria grew significantly, from 17.2% in Q1 2023 to 35.7% in Q2 2024, surpassing South Africa’s 31.6%.
Industry analyst Karim Yaici noted, “The impact of 5G has so far been limited to Nigeria as it is still in its early stages in most of the region. MTN is keen to expand 5G coverage across its footprint.”
Despite the rapid growth, competitors like ISP Mafab Communication, which acquired a 5G license in December 2021, have yet to roll out services. Meanwhile, MTN Nigeria accounts for 79% of Nigeria’s 5G users, further cementing its position as a market leader in advanced telecommunications.
