MTN to launch a new super app
MTN’s fintech arm told MyBroadband that a broader deployment roadmap for its new super app, including its South African launch, would be communicated at a later date.
This comes after MTN Group announced that it would introduce a new super app in Nigeria in the next quarter, based on its fintech offering, MTN MoMo.
On 9 June, MTN Group Fintech announced a strategic partnership with Ant International, the Singapore-based digital payments and fintech firm that powers Chinese giant Alipay.
“The partnership, which is expected to launch in Nigeria next quarter, will introduce a super app platform designed to enhance user experience,” it said.
“It will deepen digital inclusion and enable a next-generation ecosystem for digital finance, lifestyle and commerce services around MoMo.”
The company said it would use Ant International’s advanced technology to further evolve MTN MoMo, its mobile money platform.
MoMo is the group’s financial ecosystem designed to let users manage their finances without requiring a traditional bank account.
It has no monthly subscription fees and is open to all users, including those on rival networks such as Vodacom, Telkom, and Cell C in South Africa.
MoMo offers cash deposits and withdrawals, with withdrawals incurring a flat 2% fee in South Africa. Clients can also use MoMo for tap-to-pay and QR code–based payments.
Users on the platform can also buy airtime and pay utilities like water and electricity directly on the app, and receive credit on utility bills directly from MTN.
While South African users will have to wait, MTN said the upcoming MoMo super app in Nigeria will be enhanced to enable faster transactions.
“It will also feature improved reliability and greater integration across financial and commerce services,” it said.
“Customers will benefit from a more intuitive and responsive application that supports payments, savings and value-added services within a unified digital environment.”
MTN Group Fintech said that even with the upcoming launch in Nigeria, South Africa remained a focus for the division.
“In 2026, the primary focus is on driving adoption by leveraging synergies with the connectivity business, including its large customer base,” it said.
“At the same time, the business continues to build the foundations to capture a greater share of the market over time, supported by new products and evolving technology capabilities.”
MTN shuts down previous super app, Ayoba
Douglas Feagin, president of Ant International, said the partnership aimed to help create a more inclusive, secure and scalable digital fintech environment.
He said it would benefit both consumers and merchants in Nigeria, one of MTN’s most lucrative markets.
The launch of a MoMo super app upgrade would mark MTN Group’s second foray into the space, following the launch of its Ayoba social media platform seven years ago.
In March, MTN confirmed it was shutting down its Ayoba super app, which it had once positioned as a rival to players like WhatsApp.
At that time, MTN Group said the decision to wind down Ayoba was part of a routine review of its digital services portfolio.
“MTN is building a unified digital platform designed to bring connectivity, content, services and everyday digital experiences together in one place,” it previously told MyBroadband.
“To this end, MTN has commenced a phased sunset of Ayoba in selected markets, subject to regulatory approvals.”
It began notifying users in the markets where the app was being shuttered through in-app messaging and updated terms and conditions.
At its peak in 2023, Ayoba had over 35 million users and planned to reach 100 million across Africa. MTN hoped the app would compete with social media.
Ayoba launched in 2019, drawing inspiration from super apps like WeChat, and offered messaging, voice notes, video calls, group chats, and SMS continuity.
It also offered entertainment features such as music streaming, mobile games, and micro-apps, as well as fintech features via integration with MTN MoMo.
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