MTN Group Achieves Historic Second-Place Global Ranking in 2026 Digital Rights Index

MTN Group, the leading telecommunications provider in Africa, has secured the second position globally in the 2026 Ranking Digital Rights (RDR) Index. This achievement marks a significant milestone in corporate accountability, as MTN becomes the first telecommunications company from an emerging market to break into the top three of this prestigious international ranking. The leap from sixth place in previous evaluations to second place underscores the company's aggressive efforts to align its operations with international human rights standards and transparent governance.

The Ranking Digital Rights Index is a critical benchmark that evaluates the world’s most powerful technology and telecommunications companies on their policies and practices regarding fundamental human rights. In the 2026 assessment, MTN Group attained a score of 42 out of 100. This improved performance is largely attributed to the company’s enhanced transparency and the implementation of more robust governance measures. Specifically, the Index recognized MTN’s advancements in disclosing how it handles user data and its efforts to protect the digital rights of its millions of subscribers across diverse regulatory landscapes.

Nompilo Morafo, MTN Group’s Chief Sustainability and Corporate Affairs Officer, highlighted the significance of this recognition, stating that it reflects the company’s deep-seated commitment to protecting digital rights and ensuring ethical connectivity. Morafo emphasized that while the company celebrates this achievement, it remains focused on refining its approach to safeguard user privacy and promote digital inclusion. The group has focused on balancing the expansion of connectivity in Africa with the necessity of maintaining high ethical standards in data management and governance.

As digital connectivity becomes increasingly central to economic and social life across the continent, MTN’s ranking signals a shift toward greater accountability for African-based multinationals. The company’s focus on governance disclosures and user protection provides a blueprint for other emerging market firms navigating complex regulatory environments. Looking forward, MTN aims to continue addressing emerging risks in the digital space, ensuring that its growth does not come at the expense of the fundamental rights of its users.