(Ecofin Agency) - Collaborations between telecom companies are crucial in boosting digital adoption across Africa. These partnerships are vital in overcoming the continent’s unique challenges, such as limited infrastructure, high costs, and digital divides.

MTN South Africa has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with China Telecom and Huawei to collaborate on advancing 5G, cloud computing, artificial intelligence (AI), and business solutions, as reported by Reuters on Tuesday, November 26. The partnership highlights the mobile operator’s commitment to enhancing digital services in the region.

Speaking on the collaboration, Kai Chen, Executive Vice President of China Telecom Global, described the alliance as a significant step towards creating innovative solutions to drive Africa's digital transformation.

The partnership aims to combine China Telecom's expertise in global network solutions, MTN’s extensive regional coverage, and Huawei's technology to boost digital infrastructure development across Africa.

MTN emphasized that the partnership will unlock new business opportunities and bring advanced technologies like the Internet of Things (IoT) to South Africa. This partnership comes amid Africa’s increasing demand for robust digital infrastructure to support economic growth and innovation. The collaboration underscores MTN's vision of accelerating digital transformation and fostering technological advancements that benefit businesses and consumers.

According to a joint report by Google and the International Finance Corporation (IFC), Africa’s digital economy could add $180 billion to the region’s GDP by 2025, driven by a combination of improved infrastructure, digital services, and the broader adoption of digital technologies

Hikmatu Bilali