MTN rated Africa's most valuable brand

MTN has again emerged as Africa's most valuable brand for two years ruinning, after moving up 12 places to 188th position in the world's rankings.

MTN was Africa's only company in the Brand Finance Global 500 grading, and this is the second year running .

The improvement indicates MTN's growing prominence and continued presence in the lives of its 164 million subscribers across 22 markets in Africa and the Middle East.

Section of the media in South Africa, where MTN is headquartered, quoted MTN Group Chief Commercial Officer Christian de Faria as saying “being recognized as the only African brand in the top 500 Global Brands for two consecutive years is an inspiration - we are very pleased with our global ranking accolade.”

He said the ranking shone the spotlight on MTN's efforts to grow its brand through differentiated offerings that went beyond merely enabling its subscribers to make a voice call, but to empower them to become active global economic citizens through access to world-class telecommunications services, including data.

“We have invested a lot in ensuring that MTN is reflective of our customers, our markets and what makes them so unique and special,” de Faria said.

Group Executive for Marketing Jennifer Roberti was also quoted as saying “from our sponsorship of the 2012 FIFA World Cup to our involvement in community projects in each of our markets, we are proud to connect with our customers in a meaningful way and to be recognized on a global stage.”

News of MTN's global brand rankings comes on the heels of the release of the company's group full year results for the period ended 31 December 2011, which showed group revenue increased by 9.7% to US$16.089 billion and their subscribers by 16,2% to 164 million from 2010.

Meanwhile De Faria said “MTN's impressive growth numbers, together with our recognition as being among the most valued brands in the world, are a result of the hard work and resourcefulness of the MTN people whose passion for the mobile business and superior customer experience continues to inspire MTN to new global heights every year.”

Story by Samuel Nii Narku Dowuona/Adom News/Ghana