Jamesty
Africa’s telecommunications industry is still growing quickly because of its young population, the growing number of smartphones, and the growing need for digital services. By the middle of 2025, these ten companies will be the biggest and most important players on the continent. They will shape connectivity and lead the way in digital transformation in many markets.
It’s important to remember that “largest” can mean different things depending on how you measure it, such as number of subscribers, revenue, market capitalization, and geographic reach. This list takes into account a mix of these things, recognizing that the African telecom market is always changing.
List Of Top 10 Largest Telecoms Companies In Africa 2025
1. MTN South Africa
At the end of September 2024, there were 39.2 million users reported for MTN South Africa, making it a close competitor to Vodacom in the market that it operates in locally. Although MTN South Africa is a subsidiary of the larger MTN Group, which has a significant presence across the African continent, it is able to take advantage of the group’s extensive network as well as its strategic investments in 5G and digital services. The company’s efforts to reduce the impact of power outages by investing in renewable energy solutions and conducting ongoing network trials (for example, 5.5G) demonstrate its dedication to preserving its position as the industry leader.
2. Vodacom Group (South Africa)
In the field of African telecommunications, Vodacom Group continues to be a leader. Vodacom continues to dominate the market thanks to its significant operations in other key African markets such as the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Mozambique, and Tanzania, as well as its well-established presence in South Africa, where it holds the largest market share (50.7 million mobile subscribers as of December 2024). Its position is strengthened by the fact that it is concentrating on increasing the coverage of 5G networks, investing in network infrastructure, and diversifying into financial services (M-Pesa in certain markets).
3. Telkom (South Africa)
It is expected that Telkom, the third-largest mobile operator in South Africa, will reach 23.2 million mobile subscribers by March 2025. This represents a significant growth in the company’s service base. The organization has been undergoing a strategic transformation, with the primary emphasis being placed on its mobile and fiber businesses (Openserve). Streamlining operations and capitalizing on the growing demand for connectivity are the goals of the company’s decision to sell the Swiftnet masts and towers business and to continue investing in fiber infrastructure.
4. Orascom Telecom (Egypt)
Orascom Telecom has historically held a significant position, particularly as a key shareholder in MobiNil (now Orange Egypt) and as a major internet service provider through LINKdotNET. This is despite the fact that the landscape of telecommunications in Egypt has undergone some consolidation and rebranding over the course of the years. The market is still influenced by its legacy and investments, despite the fact that its direct operational presence in mobile networks has changed over time.
5. Maroc Telecom (Morocco)
In addition to being the most successful telecommunications provider in Morocco, Maroc Telecom is also a dominant player in a number of other West African nations. This company, which is a subsidiary of e& and already has a customer base of 80 million people, is continuing to broaden its scope of operations. It is ensuring its continued growth and relevance in the region through the formation of strategic partnerships, such as the joint venture with Inwi to deploy fiber-optic infrastructure and new telecom towers. The Moroccan government’s efforts to implement 5G by the end of 2025 put Maroc Telecom in a better position to expand in the future.
6. MTN Nigeria (Nigeria)
MTN Nigeria is a formidable force within the MTN Group, boasting a dominant market share in the country with the highest population in Africa. When April 2025 rolls around, MTN Nigeria has more than 90.5 million connections, which accounts for 52 percent of all active telephony subscribers. MTN’s strong strategic execution within the Nigerian market is highlighted by the company’s significant revenue growth, which is particularly driven by data and voice services. This growth highlights the enormous potential of the Nigerian market.
7. Orascom Telecom Algerie (Algeria)
Orascom Telecom Algerie, which is sometimes referred to as Djezzy in Algeria, has traditionally been one of the most important mobile operators in the country. Although specific market share data for Djezzy in 2025 is not explicitly detailed as “Orascom Telecom Algerie” in recent financial reports, the Orascom conglomerate’s broader investment and construction activities across the Middle East and Africa region (including a significant backlog and new awards in the first quarter of 2025) suggest that it will continue to exert influence in the wider telecom infrastructure space. This is the case even though direct mobile operations have undergone ownership or branding changes over the course of time.
8. Mobinil (Egypt)
9. Safaricom (Kenya)
It is primarily known for its innovative mobile money service, M-PESA, which has helped Safaricom maintain its position as the dominant force in Kenya. Safaricom’s overall subscriber base and extensive mobile money agent network ensure that it will continue to be the leading African telecom provider, despite the fact that M-PESA’s market share has experienced some recent shifts as a result of increased competition (it dropped to 90.8% in Q1 2025 from 97% in Q4 2023). Its contributions to the advancement of mobile payments and digital services continue to establish new standards for the industry.
10. Telecom Egypt (Egypt)
Considering that it is Egypt’s largest provider of telecommunications infrastructure, Telecom Egypt is an essential component of the digital landscape of the country. The company’s first-quarter results for 2025 revealed a revenue increase of 42 percent, which was driven by robust growth in both its retail and wholesale markets. As a result of its growing customer bases across mobile, fixed broadband, and fixed voice services, as well as its strategic focus on optimizing capital structure and enhancing profitability, Telecom Egypt has emerged as a significant player in the North African market.
