MTN Group has announced a strategic partnership between MTN Digital Infrastructure and a UAE-based data centre investment platform to accelerate the development of AI-ready digital infrastructure across Africa.
The partnership, which forms part of MTN’s Ambition 2030 strategy, seeks to address the continent’s growing demand for cloud computing, enterprise services, digital technologies and artificial intelligence-enabled solutions.
The partners will pursue the initiative through Africa Data Hub Holding Limited, a platform that will develop and scale digital infrastructure opportunities across key African markets, with an initial focus on South Africa and Nigeria.
MTN said the partnership would combine MTN Digital Infrastructure’s African footprint, market knowledge and infrastructure assets with the investment, development and operating expertise of its UAE-based partner in the data centre sector.
Bayobab, MTN’s digital connectivity business and a shareholder in the partnership, will provide open-access connectivity and go-to-market support through its pan-African network.
The arrangement is intended to enable customers to access digital infrastructure services across multiple African markets while supporting the development of scalable infrastructure for hyperscalers, cloud providers, enterprises and technology innovators.
Mazen Mroué, CEO of MTN Group Digital Infrastructure, said Africa’s digital economy was entering a new phase driven by advances in artificial intelligence, cloud adoption and digital innovation.
“Realising this opportunity requires more than connectivity. It requires the infrastructure platforms that will power the next generation of digital services, businesses and innovation,” he said.
Mr Mroué said the partnership would bring investment, infrastructure expertise, connectivity and market access together through a single platform capable of supporting Africa’s growing digital infrastructure needs.
The UAE-based investment platform was founded by Tarek Al Ashram, a data centre developer, operator and investor with experience across the Middle East.
Mr Al Ashram said Africa offered a significant opportunity for the development of large-scale data centre infrastructure, citing strong underlying demand, expanding digital economies and the growing need for resilient and scalable infrastructure.
“We see significant potential to bring our experience in developing and operating large-scale data centre platforms to African markets,” he said.
According to MTN, the partnership will strengthen its focus on open and scalable digital infrastructure while supporting innovation, economic inclusion and long-term growth.
The Group said the initiative would also contribute to strengthening Africa’s position in the global digital economy.
