Telecommunications giant MTN has officially concluded its operations in Afghanistan, transferring its stake to the Beirut-based M1 Group. The company will now operate under the brand name “ATOMA,” marking a new chapter in the country’s telecom sector.

At a formal handover ceremony, Najibullah Haqqani, the Taliban’s Minister of Telecommunications and Technology, announced that MTN’s shares had been acquired by M1 Group for an undisclosed multi-million-dollar sum. He noted that MTN’s strategic decision aligns with its long-term goal to concentrate on African markets.

MTN, which began operations in Afghanistan in 2007, held a 40 percent share of the national telecom market and was the country’s largest mobile operator. The exit follows a series of withdrawals by MTN from Middle Eastern markets, including Syria and Yemen, in recent years.

Haqqani called on ATOMA to deliver high-quality services, honour its licence obligations, and prioritise consumer rights. “We expect ATOMA to meet international standards and contribute to the development of Afghanistan’s digital infrastructure,” he stated.

Also speaking at the ceremony, Abdul Manan Omari, the Taliban’s Minister of Labour and Social Affairs, described the acquisition as a significant foreign investment that enhances Afghanistan’s global image.

Hashim Ramazan, the newly appointed CEO of ATOMA, pledged to modernise the company’s network infrastructure, improve 4G services, and provide reliable, high-quality voice and internet connectivity across the country.

In a 2022 report, Bloomberg revealed that MTN had sold its Afghan operations to M1 Group for $35 million. The report noted that the decision was influenced by operational challenges that escalated following the withdrawal of US forces in 2021.

MTN first announced plans to exit the Middle East in August 2020. The South African-based firm ceased operations in Syria in August 2021 and sold its Yemen division in November of the same year. With the Afghanistan departure now complete, MTN’s only remaining presence in the region is a 49 percent stake in Irancell, its joint venture in Iran.

Despite the rebranding, ATOMA has assured customers that services will continue uninterrupted, with a focus on improving user experience and expanding coverage in rural areas.