Benin, a West African nation, faces unique challenges in the sphere of technologies and telecommunications due to its geographical features and population distribution. The country's predominantly rural population, scattered across varied terrains from coastal plains to semi-arid regions, poses a demanding task for the provision of equitable and efficient telecommunication services. Despite this, the government has made concerted efforts to develop digital infrastructure, aiming to strengthen the internet connectivity in rural areas. This is evidenced by several smart village initiatives that supports the deployment of digital technology in rural communities. In urban zones, like Cotonou and Porto-Novo, advancement in telecommunication infrastructure has been notable with the increasing use of fibre-optic networks. However, the sustainability of these advancements and their further expansion to remote areas continue to be a pivotal challenge for Benin.
Mobile Network Operators
The are 3 companies operating mobile networks in this region.
Celtiis is a state-backed telecommunications company that operates in Benin. La Société Béninoise d’Infrastructures Numériques (SBIN) was established in 2020 and launched services in October 2022 to provide telecommunication services in the region. The company continues operations of the now dissolved Benin Telecoms (be.Telecoms) and Libercom.
MTN Benin is a subsidiary of MTN Group Limited, a South African multinational corporation and mobile telecommunications provider. The parent company, MTN Group, was founded in 1994 as M-Cell with the support of the South African government. Over the years, the company grew its footprint across Africa and beyond, now operating in over 20 countries. MTN Benin, headquartered in Cotonou, offers a range of telecommunications services within the West African nation of Benin.