MTN Rises to Second in Global Digital Rights Index — A First for Any African Telecom

MTN Group, the continent's largest telecoms operator, has secured second place in the 2026 Ranking Digital Rights (RDR) Index — a globally recognised benchmark that measures how telecommunications and technology companies uphold human rights, including freedom of expression and user privacy. The feat makes MTN the first telecoms company headquartered in an emerging market to break into the top three of the index.

The Johannesburg-based group scored 42 out of 100, jumping four places from sixth position in the previous assessment cycle. Evaluators noted improvements across all three RDR categories, pointing specifically to stronger governance disclosures, the rollout of a new advertising content policy, and tightened measures around the protection of user data.

Nompilo Morafo, MTN Group's Chief Sustainability and Corporate Affairs Officer, described the ranking as the result of deliberate internal reforms. "Our progress in the Ranking Digital Rights Index reflects the deliberate steps we have taken to strengthen governance, enhance transparency and embed respect for digital human rights across our operations," she said.

The development carries particular significance for Ghanaians and other West Africans, as MTN Ghana remains one of the country's dominant mobile network providers, serving millions of subscribers. MTN's performance in international accountability rankings has a direct bearing on how the company manages customer data, handles government requests for user information, and communicates its policies to the public.

Morafo acknowledged that the work is far from finished. "While we are encouraged by this progress, protecting digital rights is an ongoing responsibility. We will continue refining our approach to address emerging risks and ensure our customers remain at the centre of how we operate," she added. MTN says it will press ahead with aligning its practices to evolving global standards across all its African markets.