1255 GMT - Sub-Saharan African telecommunication operators could experience sustained growth over the next three to five years, Moody's analysts write in a note. This will be supported by the region's young and fast-growing population and relatively low mobile and internet penetration rates along with growing adoption of smartphones, the analysts say. Airtel Africa, MTN and Vodacom have reported good underlying growth since 2020 on a constant-currency basis in the region, they add. However, "currency depreciations have hit operating conditions in recent years, with sovereign risk weighing on credit quality for some key operators," the U.S. credit-ratings firm says. Vodacom and Airtel Africa shares are down 0.4% and 0.2%, at 459.12 pence and 113.10 pence, respectively. MTN shares are up 0.3% at 385.08 pence. (najat.kantouar@wsj.com)

(END) Dow Jones Newswires

October 03, 2024 08:55 ET (12:55 GMT)

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