(Telecompaper) MTN Group reported service revenue growth of 9.4 percent to ZAR 80 billion in the first six months to 30 June, and EBITDA up 10.9 percent year-on-year to ZAR 42 billion, as efficiency initiatives drove improvement in margins. The South Africa-based mobile operator also said it plans to exit the Middle East over the medium term to focus on Africa and is in advanced talks to sell its majority stake in MTN Syria.