MTN partners Ant International to launch super app in Nigeria next quarter
By Aboki Forex —
MTN is set to launch a comprehensive super app in Nigeria next quarter. The telecom giant confirmed the move on June 9. It is partnering with Ant International, the Singapore-based fintech behind Alipay.
The upgraded platform will turn MoMo into a full-scale super app. It will handle payments, shopping, savings, and lifestyle services in one place. MTN said Ant International’s technology will improve transaction speed, reliability, and user experience.
MoMo already supports cash deposits, withdrawals, airtime purchases, bill payments, tap-to-pay, and QR code transactions. It is also open to users on rival networks. The new app will expand into commerce and lifestyle features.
Industry observers say this will intensify competition in Nigeria’s fintech sector. Telecom companies and digital banks are racing to dominate mobile payments.
Nigeria gets the first rollout next quarter. South African users may wait longer. MTN said South Africa remains important but its 2026 focus is driving adoption in key African markets like Nigeria.
The move is MTN’s second super app attempt. It previously launched Ayoba in 2019. At its peak, Ayoba had over 35 million users. MTN began shutting Ayoba down earlier this year. It is now focusing on a unified digital platform combining connectivity, financial services, content, and everyday experiences.
Analysts say Nigeria’s launchpad signals MTN’s biggest fintech push yet. The country’s digital payments market is fiercely competitive. Tier-1 banks are fighting back after losing customers to fintechs like OPay, PalmPay, and Moniepoint. Nigeria’s leading banks processed N286.19 trillion in mobile transactions recently, showing a dramatic rise in digital banking adoption.