South Africans can finally say goodbye to airport SIM queues and overpriced roaming. MTN has officially partnered with globaI eSIM pioneer KnowRoaming to launch MTN Travel eSIM, a seamless digital solution offering instant mobile data in over 200 destinations worldwide.

This partnership merges MTN’s network power with KnowRoaming’s 15 years of eSIM innovation, marking a big leap forward in how travelers stay connected. The idea is simple but transformative: make mobile connectivity borderless, flexible, and affordable — all through a few taps on your smartphone.

In a travel landscape where connectivity has become as essential as a passport, this move by MTN signals a shift toward smarter, digital-first solutions that meet the expectations of modern travelers.

From SIM Swaps to Instant Activation

Travelers know the pain of juggling SIM cards or hunting for Wi-Fi abroad. MTN Travel eSIM eliminates that hassle entirely. Instead of inserting a physical SIM, users can download a digital SIM profile directly onto their phone in minutes. Once activated, they can choose from global, regional, or country-specific data plans — whether for a quick trip to Namibia or a month-long stay in Europe.

The eSIM remains on the device, so future top-ups are instant and frictionless. That means no swapping SIMs, no roaming shocks, no downtime. It’s connectivity that keeps up with the traveler, not the other way around.

Mark Collie, CEO of KnowRoaming, summed it up perfectly:

“This partnership unlocks a new level of freedom and convenience for travelers across South Africa. By combining MTN’s reach and KnowRoaming’s expertise, we’re ensuring travelers can access affordable, reliable data wherever their journey takes them.”

The Three Pillars: Convenience, Flexibility, Transparency

The MTN–KnowRoaming collaboration rests on three core principles that define modern travel connectivity:

• Convenience: Instant eSIM activation means travelers are connected the moment they land. No paperwork, no stores, just tap and go.
• Flexibility: Plans adapt to every kind of traveler—from business flyers needing global coverage to holidaymakers exploring one region.
• Transparency: Prepaid pricing with no hidden surprises. Users see exactly what they’re paying for, building trust and confidence in a digital-first experience.

Together, these pillars make the MTN Travel eSIM a model for how mobile connectivity should work in 2025: simple, adaptable, and borderless.

South Africa Joins the Global eSIM Wave

MTN’s Digital Services GM, Jason Probert, highlighted the company’s vision:

“Connectivity should be simple and borderless. Through this partnership with KnowRoaming, we’re making it easier for our travellers to stay connected across the world, while also placing South Africa at the centre of eSIM adoption.”

That last point is key. South Africa’s inclusion in the global eSIM conversation has lagged behind markets like Europe and Asia, where digital SIM technology is now mainstream. But that’s changing fast.

According to GSMA Intelligence, over 50% of smartphones shipped by 2030 will be eSIM-enabled — a statistic that underscores the urgency for carriers to adapt. MTN’s early move to scale eSIM travel solutions positions it well ahead of regional competitors, while also introducing flexibility to non-MTN users — a notable strategic advantage.

A New Benchmark in Travel Connectivity

The MTN Travel eSIM isn’t limited to MTN subscribers. Anyone — even users on other networks — can sign up and start using it. This open approach reflects a growing trend in the telecom world: cross-network eSIM access that prioritizes user convenience over operator exclusivity.

For comparison, major players like Airalo, Ubigi, and GigSky have built global recognition with consumer-friendly eSIM marketplaces. But where MTN’s solution stands out is local trust and brand familiarity, combined with KnowRoaming’s technical depth. It brings a level of reliability and customer support that pure-play international eSIM startups often can’t match — especially when it comes to serving African travelers.

About KnowRoaming

Founded over a decade ago, KnowRoaming is one of the original innovators in the eSIM space, known for its flexible plans and user-first technology. The company serves travelers across 200+ countries and regions, providing connectivity that just works — without roaming nightmares or complicated setup.

The Verdict: Why This Matters

The launch of MTN Travel eSIM isn’t just another product drop — it’s a signal that African telecoms are finally catching up to global eSIM adoption trends. With more travelers demanding instant, prepaid, and transparent data access, MTN’s move puts it in the same innovation conversation as Vodafone’s “Roam Like Home” strategy in Europe or AT&T’s new global eSIM offerings.

And with digital-first travel accelerating post-pandemic, the timing couldn’t be better. Platforms like Statista report that global eSIM user numbers are expected to surpass 1.5 billion by 2027, driven largely by mobile-first travelers and IoT adoption.

By joining forces with KnowRoaming, MTN isn’t just improving roaming—it’s redefining what connectivity means for South African travelers. A few years ago, eSIMs were seen as a niche tech trend. Today, they’re shaping the future of global mobility—and MTN just made sure South Africa is part of that story.