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Limpopo will get R332m of MTN’s network investment budget for 2026, deputy CEO of its South Africa unit Yolanda Cuba has announced on the latest stop of her countrywide tour. The funds will be used to expand and modernise its network infrastructure in Limpopo, with a focus on improving 5G coverage. The company invests billions of rand in capital expenditure locally annually, usually to build, update and maintain its network infrastructure across South Africa.South Africa’s second-largest mobile operator announced the investment during a meeting between MTN South Africa’s executives, led by Cuba, and various stakeholders, including government leaders, business stakeholders and community representatives. On Wednesday, MTN met Limpopo MEC for health Dieketseng Masesi Mashego and Polokwane mayor John Mpe.The investment is earmarked for boosting network capacity and improving service resilience across the province. MTN operates about 1,000 LTE-enabled sites in Limpopo, with more than 100 active 5G sites, “providing communities and businesses with access to reliable, high-speed connectivity”. During 2026, the company will deploy “over 100 Massive Mimo upgrades” and modernise 38 network sites.Massive multiple-input multiple-output (Mimo) is an advanced wireless technology that uses up to hundreds of antennas at a base station to serve multiple users simultaneously. For the full year to end-December the group spent R8.4bn, compared with R9.4bn in 2024, on its network in South Africa, including leases. At a group level, MTN has guided that its capital expenditure, excluding leases, for the 2026 financial year will be R39.1bn-R48.6bn, based on revenue growth guidance of “at least high teens” (15%-19%) and capex intensity of 15%-18%.In March, MTN South Africa committed to spending almost R22bn over the next three years on capital infrastructure locally, as part of President Cyril Ramaphosa’s drive to attract investment to the country. For the year to end-March, rival Vodacom spent R11.87bn on its network in South Africa, which is expected to reach R12bn in the 2027 financial year.“Reliable connectivity is fundamental to economic growth, education and innovation,” said Cuba. “Our continued investment in Limpopo reflects MTN’s commitment to ensuring that more people, businesses and public institutions can participate meaningfully in the digital economy.”The group also highlighted the MTN Foundation’s investment in the province, amounting to more than R58m in education, digital inclusion, youth development and community empowerment initiatives. “Our investments extend beyond connectivity,” she said. “We are committed to creating lasting impact by empowering communities with the digital skills, infrastructure and opportunities needed to thrive in an increasingly connected world.”In July Cuba visited the North West and announced that MTN has set aside R150m to expand and modernise its network infrastructure in the province, with a focus on improving 4G and 5G coverage. In May MTN said it would spend R480m to boost connectivity across the Free State and Northern Cape this year.Business Day
