Telecommunications giants Huawei and MTN Group have signed a strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at accelerating the deployment of AI-driven intelligent networks and digital infrastructure across Africa.
The agreement was signed during the Mobile World Congress Barcelona 2026 in Barcelona, marking a new phase of collaboration focused on autonomous networks, digital inclusion, and next-generation connectivity.
Under the partnership, both companies plan to leverage artificial intelligence as a core driver to improve network planning, deployment, and operations while expanding digital access across the continent.
Push toward AI-driven autonomous networks
Huawei and MTN said the partnership will support the evolution toward Level-4 Autonomous Networks (AN L4)—a model where telecom networks operate with minimal human intervention.
The companies plan to develop agent-driven network architectures powered by AI copilots and intelligent agents capable of coordinating across devices, network infrastructure, and digital services.
This approach is expected to transform telecom operations from traditional human-managed networks to AI-assisted systems capable of automated decision-making and real-time optimization.
Expanding connectivity and digital infrastructure
Beyond network automation, the agreement outlines cooperation in several strategic areas aimed at strengthening Africa’s digital economy.
Key areas include:
Digital inclusion:
Both companies will explore cost-effective rural network solutions to close connectivity gaps and expand access to affordable devices and digital services.
Home broadband expansion:
The partnership will promote the growth of fibre-to-the-home (FTTH) and 5G Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) services, alongside affordable customer-premise equipment and new deployment models.
Operational efficiency:
The firms will deploy intelligent operations and maintenance tools to improve broadband provisioning and reduce operational costs.
Data monetization:
They will also explore secure, AI-driven strategies to unlock value from telecom data while ensuring compliance with data protection standards.
Digital infrastructure development:
The collaboration will strengthen AI-ready data centres, fibre networks, and connectivity platforms across Africa.
Innovation lab to drive new solutions
A key component of the partnership will be the Huawei-MTN Technology Innovation Lab, located at MTN’s headquarters in Johannesburg, South Africa.
The lab will serve as a testing ground where new technologies move from proof-of-concept to pilot projects and commercial deployment, helping accelerate large-scale innovation across MTN’s network.
Leaders highlight strategic impact
Commenting on the partnership, Selorm Adadevoh, Group Chief Commercial, Strategy and Transformation Officer at MTN Group, said the collaboration would deliver measurable business value while driving innovation.
He noted that MTN expects the partnership to shift from incremental improvements to structural transformation in network capabilities, operational efficiency, and digital services.
Similarly, Li Peng, Senior Vice President at Huawei, said the company’s network innovation strategy aligns closely with MTN’s long-term digital ambitions.
According to him, next-generation telecom networks will go beyond providing connectivity to support AI-driven services and digital experiences, unlocking new opportunities for businesses and consumers.
Strengthening Africa’s digital future
Industry observers say the agreement signals a move from exploratory collaboration to a structured long-term strategic alliance between the two companies.
As telecom operators globally prepare for the widespread adoption of 5G-Advanced and future 6G technologies, Huawei and MTN say their partnership will play a key role in building AI-centric networks and digital infrastructure capable of supporting Africa’s rapidly growing digital economy.
