To foster sustainable development and digital transformation in Africa, Africa’s largest mobile network operator, MTN Group has gone into partnership with Huawei Technologies to build a technology innovation lab.
In a statement made public by MTN yesterday, the tech lab situated in South Africa at MTN Group’s headquarters will serve as a solution for digital transformation in the African continent and bolster the region’s ecosystem fostering rapid innovations.
‘’Research and development within the lab will concentrate on vital areas including 5G and 5G-A technologies, artificial intelligence, big data analytics, cloud computing, FTTH, automation, and digital financial services – all catalysts for Africa’s digital future’’.
Responding, the President and Chief Executive Officer of MTN Group, Ralph Mupita said, ‘’This lab further demonstrates our commitment to developing relevant, sustainable, and transformative solutions designed specifically for the African context and signifies a strategic in Africa’s future – It’s about solutions born in Africa, for Africa’’.
He added that ‘’It will catalyze the growth of the digital economy, fostering innovation and generating long-lasting opportunities to empower communities and advance the continent’s development’’.
On his part, the President of Huawei’s Wireless Solutions, Cao Ming said ‘’we will collaborate with MTN to create leading products and solutions for the African market, and together explore new business models to lead the industry forward.
Ming added that ‘’we believe that the establishment of the innovation lab will accelerate the development of Africa’s digital economy and build a more prosperous and sustainable African continent’’.
The partnership aims to accelerate the time-to-market of MTN’s products and services while addressing the unique challenges faced in Africa, including improving network coverage in rural areas and enhancing energy efficiency, and affordability.
