MTN South Sudan has launched a new youth-focused initiative aimed at connecting, empowering and creating opportunities for young people across the country.
The telecommunications company unveiled MTN Shabab Nation on 13 August 2026, coinciding with International Youth Day, describing it as a youth community and lifestyle platform targeting people aged between 15 and 25.
MTN says the initiative is designed to go beyond traditional telecommunications services by bringing together digital connectivity, education, entertainment, rewards and opportunities for young people under one platform.
The launch comes as South Sudan seeks to harness the potential of its predominantly young population amid challenges including limited access to education, employment and economic opportunities.
MTN said more than 70% of South Sudan’s population is made up of young people, making the youth a key force in the country’s social and economic development.
The company said Shabab Nation is intended to provide young people with a space to connect, express themselves, develop their talents and access opportunities that can support their ambitions.
Under the theme “Young. Bold. Unstoppable.”, members of the initiative will receive a range of benefits, including a free 100MB welcome bonus upon joining.
Members will also receive an additional 25% value on eligible bundle purchases made through MoMo, while customers purchasing selected MixoMixo or Social Bundles during the week will be eligible for an additional 100MB reward on Y’ello Sunday.
The initiative will also provide access to entertainment experiences and partner benefits, including music, events, content and other activities targeting young people.
MTN said members will further have opportunities to access educational platforms and learning resources aimed at supporting skills development, personal growth and digital learning.
Mapula Bodibe, Chief Executive Officer of MTN South Sudan, said the initiative represented a long-term commitment to the country’s young population.
“This is not simply about data bundles or telecommunications. It is about creating a platform that empowers young people to learn, create, connect, grow their talents, and pursue their ambitions,” she said.
Ms Bodibe said the launch reflected MTN’s belief that young people are a driving force behind South Sudan’s future.
Henry Njoroge, MTN South Sudan’s Chief Marketing Officer, said young people were already shaping the future rather than simply waiting for it.
He said the company had listened to young people’s demand for “more value, more opportunities, more experiences, and a stronger sense of belonging” and that Shabab Nation was intended to respond to those needs.
The initiative is expected to evolve through partnerships, expanded rewards, entertainment collaborations and community-based programmes.
MTN said its youth platform would seek to support young South Sudanese as they pursue education, entrepreneurship, creativity, innovation and other ambitions.
The company also said the initiative was part of its broader commitment to using digital connectivity to support communities and contribute to South Sudan’s social and economic development.
For MTN, the launch is intended to position connectivity as more than access to telecommunications services, but also as a tool through which young people can learn, create, connect and pursue opportunities.
The company has invited young people aged 15 to 25 to join the new community and take advantage of the benefits and opportunities available through MTN Shabab Nation.
With its launch on International Youth Day, MTN says the initiative reflects its ambition to support a generation it describes as “Young. Bold. Unstoppable.”
