MTN Group climbed to second place in the 2026 Ranking Digital Rights Index, becoming the first telecommunications operator from an emerging market to rank among the top three companies globally in the assessment of digital rights practices.
The African telecommunications company scored 42 out of 100 in the latest index, moving up from sixth place in the previous ranking as it strengthened disclosures around governance, advertising policies and user data protection.
The Ranking Digital Rights Index is regarded as a global benchmark for evaluating how technology and telecommunications companies protect human rights, including privacy and freedom of expression, through their governance structures, policies and transparency practices.
MTN said its improved ranking reflected efforts to strengthen governance frameworks and accountability measures across its operations in multiple African markets.
“Our progress in the Ranking Digital Rights Index reflects the deliberate steps we have taken to strengthen governance, enhance transparency and embed respect for digital human rights across our operations,” said Nompilo Morafo, MTN Group’s chief sustainability and corporate affairs officer.
The company said gains in the ranking were driven by stronger governance disclosures, the introduction of a comprehensive advertising content policy and expanded measures related to the protection of customer data.
“Our journey on digital rights has been one of continuous evolution. As the landscape changes, we are deliberately adapting our approach, drawing on lessons from our experiences across markets and strengthening how we translate commitments into practical action,” Morafo added.
MTN operates across multiple African markets, many of which have evolving regulatory frameworks around digital governance, cybersecurity and privacy. The company said balancing digital inclusion with human rights considerations has become increasingly important as internet access and smartphone penetration expand across the continent.
The telecommunications operator said it would continue improving transparency and governance practices while aligning with evolving global standards and stakeholder expectations.
“While we are encouraged by this progress, protecting digital rights is an ongoing responsibility,” Morafo said. “We will continue refining our approach to address emerging risks and ensure our customers remain at the centre of how we operate.”
The ranking comes as telecommunications operators globally face increasing scrutiny from regulators, investors and civil society groups over how they manage user data, content moderation, surveillance requests and online freedoms in rapidly digitizing economies.
