MTN announced on Monday it had acquired a 100 percent stake in Libertis Telecom, one of two cellular network operators in the Republic of Congo for a consideration of $102.5-million (R651-million).

The country has a population of 3.5 million people with mobile penetration estimated at 13.9 percent, MTN said.

Libertis provides coverage in various towns to approximately 190 000 subscribers and has a market share of approximately 39 percent.

MTN said the acquisition was in line with MTN's strategy to consolidate its position as the leading provider of telecommunications in developing markets and further entrenches its footprint on the African continent.

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