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MTN looks to stronger Nigerian performance after airtime lending returns

The telecoms group expects its Nigerian business to regain momentum in the second half of 2026 following the end of a regulatory suspension.

By BriefingAfrica Newsroom

Published 26 Aug 2026, 01:50 GMT+1Updated 26 Aug 2026, 01:50 GMT+11 source reviewed

MTN looks to stronger Nigerian performance after airtime lending returns — Image accompanying the original TechCabal report — TechCabal · original report image · https://techcabal.com/2026/08/24/mtn-sees-nigeria-rebound-as-airtime-lending-returns/

Key facts

MTN Group expects its Nigerian business to regain momentum in the second half of 2026.
Airtime lending has resumed in Nigeria after being suspended on regulatory grounds.
The suspension began in April, according to TechCabal.
The available evidence does not provide the exact date of the service's return or financial forecasts for MTN Nigeria.

Why it matters

The resumption restores an offering that had been unavailable since April and coincides with MTN Group's expectation of renewed momentum in its Nigerian operation. However, no revenue, subscriber or transaction projections were provided, making the scale of any recovery unclear.

MTN Group expects its Nigerian business to regain momentum during the second half of 2026 after airtime lending resumed following a regulatory suspension, TechCabal reported on 24 August.

The airtime lending service had been suspended in April. The supplied evidence does not identify the regulator involved, explain the reason for the suspension or specify the conditions under which the service was allowed to return.

MTN's outlook points to an anticipated improvement in the Nigerian operation before the end of 2026. However, no financial targets, revenue estimates or subscriber figures were included, and it is not yet known how much the resumed service is expected to contribute to performance.

The precise date on which airtime lending restarted was also not provided. Further details would be needed to assess customer uptake following the suspension and whether MTN's expected rebound extends across its wider Nigerian business.