02 May 2024

MTN Group and Huawei have officially launched the Technology Innovation Lab in South Africa.

The partnership aims to reduce the time it takes for MTN’s products and services to reach the market. It also aims to improve rural network coverage, increase energy efficiency, and make it more affordable.

The innovation lab will conduct research and development in areas such as 5G and 5G-A technologies, AI, big data analytics, cloud computing, FTTH, automation, and digital finance.

The Technology Innovation Lab is expected to foster cross-regional collaboration, stimulating the African digital ecosystem, and encouraging increased development, deployment, and adoption of innovative solutions. It will also serve as a hub for experimentation, demonstration, and skill development.

The lab is critical to MTN’s transition from a traditional telecommunications operator to one that provides ‘comprehensive’ technology services.

“It is about solutions born in Africa, for Africa,” said Ralph Mupita, president and CEO of MTN Group.

Cao Ming, President of Huawei’s Wireless Solution, said that Huawei will collaborate with MTN to create leading products and solutions for the African market, and jointly explore new business models to lead the industry forward.