• MTN is looking to accelerate its cloud and digital transformation goals across the African continent. 
• Microsoft has signed up a strategic alliance with the telecommunications giant to assist in that regard. 
• The agreement will also see MTN transforming and modernising its communications and technology infrastructure.

Now that MTN’s plans to acquire Telkom have been dashed, the telecommunications giant is wasting little time in prioritising other objectives. To that end, the MTN Group has announced that it has a strategic alliance agreement with Microsoft to accelerate digital and cloud transformation.

The agreement is in support of MTN’s strategic intent, according to the company, with a view of leading digital solutions across Africa to support governments and businesses of all sizes, along with aiding customers by leveraging Microsoft platforms, solutions and capabilities.

Added to this, the agreement is also said to centre on transforming and modernising MTN’s communications and technology infrastructure.

“We are delighted to be partnering with Microsoft – a company with the strength and scale to complement MTN’s capabilities and to support our Ambition 2025 strategy. Together we will use the power of technology and connectivity to innovate and accelerate the digitalisation and development of the continent,” noted MTN Group Chief Strategy and Transformation officer, Chika Ekeji, of the recently announced agreement.

“Our valuable, longstanding partnership with MTN will play a pivotal role in Africa’s digital transformation, and we are proud to continue building on that decade-long collaboration with our newest venture. We recognise the potential that Africa holds to stand among the leaders of the digital world, and we are committed to maximising our partnerships to deliver infrastructure that accelerates this transformation and enables a connected, digital-first continent,” added Samer Abu-Ltaif, Corporate VP and president of Microsoft Middle East and Africa, in a press release sent to Hypertext.

In addition to the aforementioned cloud transformation and joint enterprise go-to-market plans, the pair explain that the partnership includes ongoing knowledge sharing and growth opportunities. To that end, joint initiatives will be in areas such as digital education, micro-SME digitisation, fintech and gaming.

Lastly, both parties say a carrier agreement is in the offing too, positioning MTN as a major provider of terrestrial connectivity to support Microsoft’s Africa-based expansions.