MTN Group has begun implementing artificial intelligence (AI) solutions to optimise network traffic and improve service delivery in Nigeria, marking the first phase of a broader strategy to deploy responsible AI technologies across Africa.
According to a statement released on Thursday, MTN is now operationalising AI at scale through its “MTN Genova” transformation programme.
MTN Genova Programme: AI Deployment Across Key African Markets
The Nigeria deployment is part of a series of targeted AI use cases across MTN’s key African markets, including:
- Intelligent fuel consumption management for data centres in South Africa
- Dynamic energy management in Benin
- Fibre cut sensing in Côte d’Ivoire
AI Centre of Excellence (CoE) to Drive Innovation
To coordinate its AI efforts, MTN has established an in-house Artificial Intelligence Centre of Excellence (CoE) and a Cloud CoE, staffed by over 300 engineers.
These centres are responsible for developing scalable AI solutions while adhering to MTN’s Responsible AI Policy. The initiative is also overseen by a dedicated subcommittee within MTN’s Executive Committee. “AI is no longer an enabler; it’s the engine reshaping businesses, redefining value creation and rewriting the rules of global innovation,” said Mazen Mroué, MTN Group’s Chief Digital Infrastructure Officer and Group Chief Technology and Information Officer (GCTIO).
MTN’s Vision: AI for Africa by Africans
Mroué emphasised that MTN is focused on building “AI for Africa by Africans” to unlock sustainable value across the continent.
The company has also embraced generative AI through partnerships with both large and small language models (LLM and SLM) developers, including collaborations with African startups working on local language models for customer service and digital experience enhancement. “With the right mix of infrastructure, talent, governance, and partnerships, AI can be a game-changer for Africa,” Mroué noted.
The Economic Impact of AI in Africa
MTN’s AI initiatives align with projections from global research bodies forecasting significant AI-driven growth in Africa. Key reports include:
- SAP Report: AI could add US$1.5 trillion to Africa’s economy by 2030 if the continent captures 10% of the global AI market.
- Statista Projection: Africa’s AI market could grow from US$4.51 billion in 2025 to US$18.7 billion by 2030.
- PwC Global AI Study: AI is predicted to add US$15.7 trillion to the global economy by 2030.
The SAP report also forecasts 230 million new digital jobs in Africa by 2030, highlighting AI’s potential to drive employment and innovation.
Responsible AI: Ethics and Governance
With rapid AI adoption, ethical considerations are critical. The GSMA has developed a Responsible AI Maturity Roadmap in collaboration with telecom operators and industry partners, including MTN, to ensure the development of trustworthy AI applications. “AI must be designed, developed, and deployed with ethical considerations in mind,” GSMA noted.
MTN Sets Pace for AI-Driven Telecom Transformation in Africa
MTN Group’s deployment of AI in Nigeria is just the first step in a continent-wide rollout aimed at boosting productivity, enhancing customer experience, reducing operational costs, and powering inclusive digital growth across Africa.
With its AI Centre of Excellence and strategic partnerships, MTN is positioning itself as a leader in AI-driven telecom innovation across emerging markets.
