The South African telecommunications giant MTN announced a strategic partnership with China Telecom and Huawei, focusing on transformative technologies such as 5G, cloud services, IoT, and artificial intelligence (AI). This collaboration aims to push MTN to the forefront of the ICT sector by offering advanced 5G business solutions, enhancing IoT accessibility, and expanding AI-driven technologies in South Africa.
Tumi Sekhukhune-Chamayou, Chief Enterprise Business Officer at MTN South Africa, expressed optimism regarding the partnership’s potential to create strategic synergies and broaden MTN’s technology offerings. Leveraging Huawei’s technological prowess, the partnership aims to revolutionize connectivity and improve network operations, aligning with South Africa’s evolving digital landscape.
Kai Chen, Executive Vice President of China Telecom Global Limited, underscored the importance of this alliance. “China Telecom is thrilled to announce a landmark strategic cooperation agreement with MTN and Huawei, aimed at accelerating digital transformation and connectivity across Africa,” Chen stated. This partnership promises to meld China Telecom’s global network expertise with MTN’s regional influence and Huawei’s technological capabilities, striving to enhance digital infrastructure across the African continent.
The collaboration aims to deliver significant benefits to users, including improved access to IoT and AI technologies. Enhanced product efficiency and service delivery are also anticipated outcomes, marking a positive stride in South Africa’s technological advancement.
Further strengthening this partnership, MTN, alongside Huawei, recently conducted Africa’s first 5G-Advanced, or 5.5G, network trial at MTN Headquarters in Johannesburg. This trial utilized spectrum resources in millimeter wave and C-band through a trial license in a 5G Standalone (5G SA) mode. The anticipated rollout of MTN’s 5.5G network, promising up to 10 Gbps speeds, is expected to significantly boost South Africa’s digital economy by extending connectivity to underprivileged areas and enhancing citizens’ quality of life.
In April, MTN Group, in collaboration with Huawei, inaugurated a state-of-the-art technology innovation lab at the telecom’s headquarters. The lab’s focus on cutting-edge research and development covers key areas such as 5G and 5G-A technologies, AI, big data analytics, cloud computing, FTTH, automation, and digital financial services.
Since launching its 5G network in 2020, MTN South Africa has made significant strides, increasing its coverage from 25% to 44% of the population, with 900 new 5G sites added in 2024 alone. By early 2025, MTN aims to solidify four commercial proposals for private 5G networks, catering to industries like mining, manufacturing, education, and logistics.
