South Africa’s MTN Group has said that its newly-built MTN Technology Innovation Lab will drive digital transformation across the African continent.

MTN Group, owners of MTN Nigeria, said it collaborated with Huawei, the Chinese ICT infrastructure and smart device company, to open the new Technology Innovation Lab at MTN Group’s headquarters in Johannesburg, South Africa. 

This collaboration aims to accelerate digital transformation and sustainable development across Africa, MTN said.

MTN Technology Innovation Lab ‘will be a game-changer’

Announced earlier this year at MWC 2024 through a MoU signed by MTN and Huawei, the lab is designed to serve as a neutral platform for collaboration within Africa’s digital ecosystem. 

This initiative is expected to be a game-changer for Africa’s digital space. By bringing together people from across the continent, according to MTN, the lab will “stimulate the African digital ecosystem and promote the rapid development, deployment, and adoption of cutting-edge innovative solutions.”

MTN also said that the lab plays an important role in their evolution as it would move them from being a traditional telecommunications operator to becoming a leading provider of comprehensive technology services. 

“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,” according to MTN.

MTN also said that the Technology Innovation Lab will serve as a “​​hub for experimentation, demonstration, and skill-building. It is equipped with state-of-the-art facilities and resources designed to support cutting-edge research and development initiatives.” 

Ralph Mupita, MTN Group President and CEO stressed the lab’s commitment to developing solutions specifically designed for Africa. “This lab,” he stated, “further demonstrates our commitment to developing relevant, sustainable, and transformative solutions designed specifically for the African context and signifies a strategic investment in Africa’s future – It’s about solutions born in Africa, for Africa. It will catalyse the growth of the digital economy, fostering innovation and generating long-lasting opportunities to empower communities and advance the continent’s development.”

Cao Ming, President of Huawei’s Wireless Solutions, echoed this sentiment. “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,” he said. “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.”

MTN employees, partners, and other stakeholders can access the facilities with prior reservations.

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