Johannesburg, South Africa — Africa’s largest telecom operator, MTN Group, has entered advanced discussions with U.S. and European companies to develop a network of data centers across the continent to support artificial intelligence (AI) services.
The initiative, disclosed by MTN Group Chief Executive Officer Ralph Mupita in an interview with Bloomberg, forms part of the company’s long-term strategy to address Africa’s widening AI infrastructure gap and to create new revenue streams in the digital economy.
Mupita explained that MTN plans to directly fund part of the data center rollout while working with a consortium of global partners, including co-investors, AI infrastructure firms, and major cloud service providers such as Microsoft.
“AI will be central to Africa’s digital transformation, but the continent cannot fully benefit without significant investment in local infrastructure,” Mupita said. “By partnering with global technology leaders, we aim to deliver scalable and sustainable AI data centers that will serve businesses, governments, and individuals.”
The project comes at a time when demand for AI-powered services — ranging from fintech and e-commerce to health care and education — is surging across African markets. However, limited infrastructure and high operating costs have slowed adoption, leaving Africa heavily dependent on offshore data facilities.
Industry analysts believe MTN’s move could reshape the continent’s digital landscape by reducing latency, improving data sovereignty, and making AI solutions more affordable and accessible. The company already operates one of Africa’s largest telecom networks, spanning 19 countries, giving it a strong platform to drive adoption at scale.
The planned investment also reflects a broader push by African firms to participate in the global AI race. With tech giants increasingly eyeing Africa’s fast-growing digital economy, MTN’s partnership model could set the stage for further collaboration between local operators and international players.
While no financial details or timelines were disclosed, Mupita emphasized that the project would roll out in phases, prioritizing high-growth markets where digital infrastructure gaps are most pronounced.
Observers say the development could accelerate Africa’s integration into the global AI ecosystem and provide critical support for startups, enterprises, and governments seeking to leverage AI for economic growth.
⸻
