Brand Africa has named MTN Group the number one African brand that is doing good for people, society, and the environment in a new category of annual awards inspired by businesses shifting from profit to purpose.
Brand Africa also named MTN as the
most admired African brand recalled spontaneously.
“As we celebrate Africa Day, we
are greatly encouraged to receive this accolade, which recognises our work to
deliver on our strategic priority to create shared value with ESG at the core,” said MTN
Group President and Chief Executive Officer Ralph Mupita. “It motivates us to keep focused on providing
leading digital solutions for Africa’s progress and to ensure that everyone
enjoys the benefits of a modern connected life.”
The new award category acknowledges MTN’s contributions
towards empowering people, supporting sustainable societal development, and
preserving the environment. Through our broad range of initiatives
and alliances, MTN Group demonstrates dedication to making a positive
difference in the lives of Africans.
Understanding that commitment needs to translate into action, our
advances in this regard in 2022 include ensuring greater digital inclusion by
extending broadband (including rural) coverage to almost 88% of the population
in our markets; contributing approximately R149 billion in economic
value-added to society; and reducing GHG emissions by around 13.9%^ as part of
journey to achieve net zero emissions by 2040.
“This award would not have been
possible without the support of the many stakeholders with whom we engage every
day. I would like to thank them all – among them, our customers, our employees,
governments and regulators, and society at large across our 19 markets,” added
Mupita as he acknowledged the role of the Group’s partners in its achievements
in connecting the unconnected, uplifting communities and protecting the planet.
In April, Brand Finance assigned MTN the highest ‘sustainability
perceptions value’ of all companies in its ‘South Africa 100 2023’ survey in
which the Group retained the rank as South Africa’s most valuable branD.
By: Nana Appiah Acquaye