Syria moves to replace MTN with new telco

7 March 2026

On Techpoint Digest, we talk about Syria's tender to replace MTN, LearnFlo's quiet growth to 30,000 users, and Canal+'s plans to phase out Showmax.

Syria moves to replace MTN with new telco

Sveiki,

Victoria from Techpoint here,

Here’s what I’ve got for you today:

Syria opens tender to replace MTN

LearnFlo quietly grew to 30,000 users

Canal+ to phase out Showmax platform

Syria opens tender to replace MTN

MTN

Telecom companies don’t usually leave a market without someone ready to take their place. In Syria’s case, the government is already lining up the next operator as MTN Group prepares to finally walk away from the country.

The Syrian government has launched an international tender for a new mobile network operator licence to replace MTN Syria. The bidding process, announced by the country’s Ministry of Communications during the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona, will run until June 15, 2026, and the winner will receive a 20-year licence to operate in the country’s telecom market.

What this means is that the move effectively clears the path for MTN’s long-delayed exit from Syria. The South African telecom giant abandoned its Syrian operations in 2021 after regulatory clashes with the government, despite owning about 75% of the local unit. The new licence will transfer that operational base to a new investor, with Syria’s sovereign fund expected to keep a minority stake.

Why it matters is that Syria is trying to rebuild and modernise its telecom infrastructure after years of conflict and economic sanctions. The new operator will inherit existing infrastructure while investing in upgrades and expansion, a project that analysts say could require over $1 billion in fresh investment.

Jumia eyes profitability after Q3 revenue jump

For MTN, the development closes one of the most complicated chapters in its international expansion. The company once built a reputation for entering difficult markets across the Middle East, but in recent years, it has been retreating from the region, including Afghanistan, Yemen, and Syria, to focus on growth opportunities across Africa instead.

LearnFlo quietly grew to 30,000 users

Tolu Fagbola

Some founders chase...