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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TECHDIGEST – The Group President and CEO of MTN, Ralph Mupita, alongside other board members and leaders of the Nigerian arm, paid a courtesy visit to President Bola Tinubu recently during which they committed to deepening investments in Nigeria.

The MTN team, on a courtesy visit to the president, outlined the company’s strategy for expanding connectivity across the country, diversifying digital services available to Nigerians and supporting the rapid growth of Nigeria’s digital economy.

In welcoming the team, President Tinubu, said: “You can do a lot for the economy by partnering with us. We believe no one can succeed alone. The structural adjustments we are making are to ensure we face the right direction and arrive at a destination that caters to our people. We have a responsibility to revolutionise the economy so that our youths can share in the prosperity of the nation, otherwise, we are only waiting for the dreams to be charted.”

Thanking the President and his team for their hospitality, MTN Group President/ CEO, Mupita, said: “We appreciate the warm reception from President Tinubu and his team, and we thank them for their enthusiasm for the role that the telecoms and technology sector can play in driving the growth of Nigeria’s digital economy, and in ensuring broad participation in the new economic era. Our visit is an opportunity to reinforce our long-term commitment to Nigeria and our belief in the immense potential of this great country.

“The principle of shared value is a fundamental pillar of our ‘Ambition 2025’ strategy, which we are actively implementing in Nigeria. Whether through expanding local ownership via retail participation in our domestic listing, our renewed focus on local content, promoting access to connectivity and financial services in rural areas, or deploying innovative technology platforms, we are continuously innovating to ensure a more inclusive digital landscape.”

MTN Group Chairman, Mcebisi Jonas, announced plans to invest $3.5 billion in the Nigerian economy over the next few years.

Jonas said the vision is to become a pan-African company, by moving its investments from the Middle East to focus more on Africa, with Nigeria being at the forefront considering its accounts for its highest returns on investment.

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“The message you have given us is that Nigeria is investible, and with your election, we are seeing decisive, prompt, and keen interest in structural reforms,’’ he added.

At the meeting, at the State House in Abuja, Jonas revealed the planned multi-billion dollar investment, promising to mobilise other investors with about $1.5 trillion to invest in Africa’s biggest economy and the continent’s most populous nation.

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TECHDIGEST – Chairman of MTN Group, Mr. Mcebisi Jonas and the Group’s CEO, Mr. Ralph Mupita have commended the Minister of Communications and Digital Economy, Prof Isa Ali Ibrahim Pantami for Nigeria’s 5G roadmap.

Pantami met with the duo during a side meeting at the 2022 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting, also known as CHOGM 2022, taking place in Kigali, Rwanda.

MTN Nigeria and little known Mafab Communications Ltd emerged as the two successful winners of the 3.5 gigahertz (GHz) spectrum auction for the deployment of 5G technology in Nigeria December.

The operators are expexcted to commence delivery of 5G services before ending of Q3, 2022.

In Kigali, “the leadership of MTN expressed their gratitude to the minister for his support towards creating an enabling environment for MTN to thrive in its largest global market- Nigeria.

“In particular, they commended the minister for the successful 5G auctioning and licensing process and they assured the Minister of their willingness to roll out 5G services in Nigeria as soon as possible,” said Dr Femi Adeluyi, Technical Assistant (Research and Development) to Prof Pantami.

The statement addded: “The MTN team also officially informed the minister of their decision to hold their next Board Retreat in Nigeria in July 2022. This, they said, is in recognition of the positive impact of Nigeria on their business.

“They also assured the minister of their commitment to expanding their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programs in Nigeria.”

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