MTN has launched AI-powered tools in Nigeria to boost network efficiency and improve service delivery.
The telecom giant says it’s building ethical, scalable solutions as part of its Genova transformation plan.
MTN Group has begun implementing artificial intelligence (AI) technologies to optimize its network infrastructure in Nigeria, setting the stage for a continent-wide expansion of AI-driven solutions aimed at enhancing operational efficiency and customer experience across Africa.
In a statement released on Thursday, the telecoms giant said its AI strategy is now being scaled under the company’s digital transformation program known as “MTN Genova.” The Nigerian deployment is among several real-time use cases, including dynamic energy management in Benin, intelligent fuel monitoring for data centers in South Africa, and fibre disruption detection in Côte d’Ivoire.
The company’s AI-driven transformation is being coordinated by its newly established Artificial Intelligence Centre of Excellence (AI CoE) and a Cloud CoE, which together are supported by more than 300 engineers across its network. These hubs are tasked with building scalable, responsible, and ethical AI tools in alignment with MTN internal Responsible AI Policy and oversight from its Executive Committee.
“AI is no longer just an enabler, it’s the engine driving new value creation and reshaping global innovation,” said Mazen Mroué, MTN Group’s Chief Digital Infrastructure Officer and Group Chief Technology and Information Officer. “At MTN, we are developing AI for Africa by Africans. We aim to use this technology to unlock sustainable growth and amplify human potential across the continent.”
MTN is also exploring generative AI capabilities by partnering with developers of large language models (LLMs) and small language models (SLMs). Some of these collaborations involve African startups that are working on AI systems in local languages, a move MTN believes will significantly improve customer engagement and enhance digital inclusion.
According to the company, these AI innovations are geared toward boosting productivity, cutting operational costs, and transforming customer experiences in line with its vision of powering Africa’s digital economy.
MTN AI push comes amid growing optimism about the economic potential of artificial intelligence on the continent. A recent report by SAP estimates that if Africa captures just 10% of the global AI market, it could inject up to US$1.5 trillion into the region’s economy by 2030. Additionally, it predicts that AI could generate 230 million new digital jobs across the continent by the same year.
Market intelligence platform Statista forecasts that the AI market in Africa will reach US$4.51 billion by 2025, with projections pointing to a surge to US$18.7 billion by 2030.
Globally, PwC estimates that AI could contribute as much as US$15.7 trillion to the world economy by 2030, underscoring the transformative nature of the technology.
However, the growth of AI also comes with a call for responsibility. The GSM Association (GSMA), which represents mobile operators worldwide, has highlighted the importance of ethical AI deployment. The group recently worked with global telcos to launch a Responsible AI Maturity Roadmap designed to guide the development of safe and trustworthy AI systems across the telecommunications industry.
Meanwhile, MTN Group also recorded gains as part of the SWOOTs (Stocks Worth Over One Trillion) category, with its market capitalization closing at ₦18.835 trillion, further cementing its status as one of Africa’s most valuable telecom firms.
