MTN - from the tip of Africa to the top of the world

MTN has again emerged head and shoulders above its peers on the continent, topping the list as the highest-ranked African brand in the prestigious Millward-Brown Brandz Top 100 Most Valuable Global Brands 2013 survey, released today.

This year's listing shows that MTN moved up an impressive nine places to position 79th, with an overall increase in brand value of 23%. MTN debuted at position 88 in the survey last year. A leading emerging market mobile operator, and one of the world's largest, MTN is again the only African brand in the 2013 survey.

"The Millward-Brown BrandZ Top 100 Global Brands 2013 listing is particularly exciting and timely, as we embark on our new vision to lead the delivery of a bold, new digital world to our customers," says Jennifer Forrester, Executive for Group Marketing, MTN.

Developed by leading research agency, Millward Brown Optimor, BrandZ Top 100 Most Valuable Global Brands is the only brand ranking that includes consumer data as a component element in arriving at the brand value. The rankings survey over 150 000 people around the world.

Forrester adds: "MTN is particularly proud of this accolade because the listing recognises that, for a global brand to connect with its consumers, it needs to reflect them. Consumers want to see themselves in the brands they admire. They want to see that a brand, local or global, understands them, and knows what they want and need. As MTN, this is further acknowledgement that we are on the right track with our ongoing efforts to enhance customer experience in our various touch-points in the markets. To this end, we pledge to continue with our quest to make the lives of our customers a whole lot brighter."

With nearly 200 million subscribers across Africa, Asia and the Middle East, MTN is a market leader in 70% of the 22 countries where it operates.

"We owe this recognition to the commitment and loyalty of our customers to the MTN brand. This accolade gives us even more zest in our endeavour to fulfil our new vision," concludes Forrester.

Launched towards the end of 2012, MTN's new vision, mission and strategy better addresses customers' needs, putting them at the centre of its efforts as a business. Among others, the new strategy offers a more comprehensive range of offerings.

- Issued by MTN Group Corporate Affairs