In a groundbreaking move to strengthen Nigeria’s digital backbone, MTN Nigeria and Huawei Technologies have successfully deployed the country’s first 400G/800G Hybrid Automatically Switched Optical Network (ASON) in Lagos. The live network establishes a new standard for ultra-broadband performance, scalability, and reliability, setting the stage for Nigeria’s next phase of digital transformation.
Pioneering a New Era of Connectivity in Nigeria
The newly deployed optical network forms part of MTN Nigeria’s broader strategy to meet growing data traffic and capacity demands while supporting the company’s wireless, fixed broadband, and enterprise customers.
“This milestone enables MTN Nigeria to meet its growing capacity demands and improve the performance of wireless, home broadband, and enterprise services,” said Yahaya Ibrahim, CTO of MTN Nigeria.
“With higher-capacity optical channels like 400G/800G, we are able to reduce cost per bit while boosting service reliability. The deployment of Hybrid ASON significantly enhances the stability of 100GE and higher services, ensures upstream connectivity, and safeguards MTN’s revenue streams.”
Huawei’s Cutting-Edge Optical Technology at the Core
According to Gavin Gu, President of Huawei’s Optical Transmission Domain, the partnership demonstrates both companies’ shared vision for building next-generation digital networks across Africa.
“We are honored to partner with MTN to deliver this landmark 400G/800G Hybrid ASON network. By integrating our latest 400G/800G coherent optics, OXC all-optical switching, and Hybrid ASON technologies, we have built an F5.5G foundation that enhances current network capabilities while preparing for intelligent future demands.”
Gu added that the project represents a major step in Huawei’s mission to advance Africa’s intelligent optical network development, and that the company will continue to collaborate with MTN on further network innovations.
Technical Breakthroughs in Lagos
The project achieved two significant technical firsts in Nigeria’s telecom landscape:
- First activation of L0 + L1 ASON (Optical and Electrical Switching) on the DWDM transmission backbone in Lagos.
- First deployment of a single-wavelength 800G optical channel in Nigeria’s DWDM network, setting a new benchmark for optical transport technology in West Africa.
The deployment leverages Huawei’s advanced 400G/800G platforms, Optical Cross-Connect (OXC) systems, and Hybrid ASON solutions, delivering not only high capacity and scalability but also cost-efficient operations and simplified network management.
Driving Nigeria’s Digital Economy and Regional Leadership
The successful launch cements MTN Nigeria’s leadership in broadband innovation and positions Lagos as a major hub for next-generation optical networking in Africa.
The initiative also lays the groundwork for future-ready infrastructure upgrades, enhancing the nation’s ability to support new services such as cloud computing, 5G, AI-driven applications, and IoT connectivity.
With this achievement, MTN and Huawei reaffirm their joint commitment to Africa’s digital inclusion and the sustainable growth of the digital economy.
Looking Ahead: Innovation and Collaboration
Both companies plan to deepen their collaboration to build intelligent optical networks of the future, delivering greater bandwidth, efficiency, and automation. These advancements will play a critical role in empowering enterprises, driving innovation, and expanding digital access across the continent.
As part of its continued engagement with industry stakeholders, Huawei will showcase its latest F5.5G optical and digital solutions at MWC25 Kigali.
Visitors can explore cutting-edge products and technologies at Huawei Booth 208, Kigali Convention Centre.
Key Highlights
- Nigeria’s first 400G/800G Hybrid ASON network live in Lagos.
- Joint deployment by MTN Nigeria and Huawei Technologies.
- Technical firsts: L0 + L1 ASON activation and 800G single-wavelength channel.
- Network offers higher capacity, lower cost per bit, and enhanced reliability.
- Strengthens Nigeria’s digital infrastructure and broadband ecosystem.
- Huawei to showcase innovations at MWC25 Kigali.
