MTN Benin officially launched the country's first commercial 5G network with initial coverage in select areas of Cotonou and Abomey-Calavi.
During the launch event, MTN Benin highlighted 5G’s potential to drive digital transformation for businesses and enhance digital services across the country, particularly in streaming, gaming, and the Internet of Things (IoT).
Bolaji Adeola, MTN Benin’s senior network manager, emphasized that 5G has the potential to revolutionize sectors like agriculture through smart technologies, improve healthcare access with remote care and teleconsultation, and optimize logistics services.
Chary Doumbia, MTN’s business director, announced plans to expand 5G services across Cotonou and eventually to the entire nation, though no specific timeline was provided.
Ecofin noted that MTN Benin’s 5G rollout is partially funded by a XOF65 billion (US$103.8 million) syndicated loan secured in July from regional financial institutions, including the West African Development Bank (BOAD), Société Générale, and BGFI Bank.
Earlier this year, MTN Group committed to investing US$215 million in Benin’s infrastructure over a three-year period, following successful 5G trials in the country.
As of June 2024, data from Benin’s telecom regulator ARCEP shows MTN Benin as the leading mobile operator, with over 11 million subscriptions, including 6.1 million active mobile Internet users.
