In a bid to accelerate digital transformation and sustainable development across Africa, the pan-African telecom giant, MTN Group, has partnered with Huawei Technologies to establish a groundbreaking technology innovation lab. Situated at MTN’s headquarters in South Africa, the lab aims to serve as a catalyst for digital progress on the continent.

The collaboration between MTN and Huawei signifies a strategic effort to foster cross-regional collaboration and stimulate the African digital ecosystem.

By promoting the rapid development, deployment, and adoption of cutting-edge innovative solutions, the partners envision a future where Africa leads in technology advancement.

MTN highlighted the lab’s pivotal role in its evolution from a traditional telecommunications operator to a comprehensive technology services provider.

Research and development within the lab will focus on vital areas such as 5G and 5G-A technologies, artificial intelligence, big data analytics, cloud computing, automation, and digital financial services – all essential components of Africa’s digital future.

Ralph Mupita, President and Chief Executive Officer of MTN Group, emphasized the lab’s commitment to developing relevant and transformative solutions tailored to the African context.

He stated, “It’s about solutions born in Africa, for Africa,” underscoring the lab’s role in catalyzing the growth of the digital economy and empowering communities across the continent”.

Mazen Mroué, Chief Technology and Information Officer at MTN Group, described the lab as more than just a technological hub but a platform for collaboration.

He emphasized the importance of leveraging collective brilliance and fostering a collaborative spirit among Africa’s innovators to unlock the true potential of the lab.

Commenting on the collaboration, Cao Ming, President of Huawei’s Wireless Solutions, expressed confidence in creating leading products and solutions for the African market.

He highlighted the lab’s role in accelerating Africa’s digital economy and building a more prosperous and sustainable continent.

Equipped with state-of-the-art facilities and resources, the technology innovation lab is poised to serve as a hub for experimentation, demonstration, and skill-building.

MTN disclosed that the lab is open to MTNers, partners, and stakeholders based on prior reservations, further emphasizing its commitment to fostering collaboration and driving digital innovation in Africa.

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MTN Group says it has acquired 144 plots of digital land in a South African virtual reality metaverse called ‘Africarare’.

The company announced this in a statement posted on its website on Monday.

With the purchase, MTN said it is the first African company to purchase space on Africarare.

“Africarare, which made its debut in South Africa in October 2021, is the first African Virtual Reality metaverse featuring digital land,” the statement reads.

“This purchase will see MTN owning 144 plots of virtual land with an overall area of 12x12m.”

It, however, didn’t disclose the price for which the land was bought.

Speaking on the development, Bernice Samuels, MTN’s group executive for marketing, said, “This is an exciting moment for us as we lead businesses on the continent to enter the metaverse marketplace.
“This is exactly what our Ambition 2025 strategy is premised on – leveraging trends that amplify consumers’ digital experiences and engagement.

“We have always been at the forefront of technological and digital changes, and we remain alive to the exciting opportunities the metaverse presents for us and our customers.”

Through its presence in the metaverse, MTN said it intended to increase its customer attractiveness through a series of experiences merged with consumer passion points, like gaming and music.

It added that the investment demonstrated its commitment to supporting African innovation.

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