MTN Group Nigeria Implements AI For Network Optimisation

As part of a broader goal which spans the continent and beyond to modernize its operations using responsible AI technology, the telecom giant MTN Group has started implementing AI solutions in Nigeria to optimize network traffic and improve service delivery.

In a statement issued on Thursday, the Group stated that as part of the “MTN Genova” transformation effort, AI is currently being operationalized at scale throughout its operations.

MTN claims that the deployment in Nigeria is a component of a number of focused AI use cases in important domains, such as fibre cut sensing in Côte d’Ivoire, dynamic energy management in Benin, and intelligent fuel consumption management for data centres in South Africa.

AI which is the Centre of Excellence and with the help of a staff of more than 300 engineers, MTN said it has set up an in-house and internal Artificial Intelligence Centre of Excellence (CoE) and a Cloud CoE to coordinate its AI operations.

Under the direction of MTN’s Responsible AI Policy and a special panel within its Executive Committee, these centres are entrusted with creating scalable AI solutions while guaranteeing their ethical application.

“AI is the engine reshaping businesses, redefining value creation, and rewriting the rules of global innovation and competitiveness; it is no longer an enabler,” stated Mazen Mroué, Group Chief Technology and Information Officer (GCTIO) and Chief Digital Infrastructure Officer for MTN Group.  

“AI is not just about automation; it’s about optimizing human potential, becoming more and more seamlessly integrated into our everyday choices, experiences, and activities, and changing the way we live and work,” he continued.

In his words, “we at MTN are developing AI for Africa by Africans, unlocking sustainable value for all,” and AI is enhancing human intelligence like never before.

Through partnerships with large and small language models (LLMs and SLMs), as well as partnerships with African entrepreneurs developing local language models to support customer service and improve digital experiences, MTN has also adopted generative AI as part of its larger strategy.

Mroué stated that MTN thinks AI has the potential to revolutionize Africa if the proper combination of partnerships, talent, governance, and infrastructure is in place.

He went on to say that MTN wants to raise customer satisfaction and experience, lower operating costs, improve productivity, and eventually support inclusive digital growth throughout the continent.

With AI in Africa, MTN claimed that their use of AI is in line with predictions made by international research organizations, particularly given the significant effects anticipated in Africa.

According to a recent SAP analysis, if Africa takes 10% of the global AI market, AI may boost its economy by US$1.5 trillion by 2030.

By 2030, 230 million new digital jobs are expected to be produced in Africa, according to the SAP analysis. According to Statista, the African AI market is expected to expand from US$4.51 billion in 2025 to US$18.7 billion by 2030.

PwC’s Global Artificial Intelligence Study estimates that by 2030, AI will boost the world economy by $15.7 trillion and have the potential to revolutionize global productivity and economic activity.

The GSMA stated that it is imperative that AI be created, designed, and implemented with ethical considerations in mind as its adoption picks up speed.

In order to encourage the development of creative and reliable AI applications, the industry association worked with a group of operators and others to jointly develop a Responsible AI Maturity Roadmap.