MTN jumps up in global rankings, retains its number one Africa spot

Issued by MTN
Johannesburg, Mar 26, 2012

MTN has moved up 12 places to the 188th position in the world's most valuable brand rankings, and maintained its position as Africa's only company in the Brand Finance Global 500 grading.

The improvement in MTN's brand value rankings reaffirms the mobile operator's growing prominence and continued relevance in the lives of its 164.6 million subscribers across its 22 markets in Africa and the Middle East.

“We are very pleased with our global ranking accolade. It shines the spotlight on our efforts to grow the MTN brand through differentiated offerings that go beyond merely enabling our subscribers to make a voice call, but to empower them to become active global economic citizens through access to world-class telecommunications services, including data,” says Christian de Faria, MTN Group Chief Commercial Officer.

“Being recognised as the only African brand in the top 500 Global Brands for two consecutive years is an inspiration. We have invested a lot in ensuring that MTN is reflective of our customers and our markets and what makes them so unique and special. From our sponsorship of the 2012 FIFA World Cup to our involvement in community projects in each of our markets, we are proud to connect with our customers in a meaningful way and to be recognised on a global stage,” says Jennifer Roberti, MTN's Executive for Marketing.

News of MTN's global brand rankings comes hot on the heels of the release of the mobile operator's group results for the period ended 31 December 2011. MTN Group revenue increased by 9.7% to R121.884 million and subscribers grew to 164.5 million, an increase of 16.2% from 2010.

“MTN's impressive growth numbers, together with our recognition as being among the most valued brands in the world, are a result of the hard work and resourcefulness of the MTN people whose passion for the mobile business and superior customer experience continues to inspire MTN to new global heights every year,” said De Faria.

MTN

MTN Group

Launched in 1994, the MTN Group is a multinational telecommunications group, operating in 21 countries in Africa, Asia and the Middle East. The MTN Group is listed on the JSE Securities Exchange in South Africa under the share code: "MTN".

As at the end of 30 June 2010, MTN recorded 129.2 million subscribers across its operations in Afghanistan, Benin, Botswana, Cameroon, Cote d'Ivoire, Cyprus, Ghana, Guinea Bissau, Guinea Republic, Iran, Liberia, Nigeria, Republic of Congo (Congo Brazzaville), Rwanda, South Africa, Sudan, Swaziland, Syria, Uganda, Yemen and Zambia. The MTN Group is a global sponsor of the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa and has exclusive mobile content rights for Africa and the Middle East. Visit http://www.mtn.com and http://www.mtnfootball.com.