SOUTH AFRICA – MTN Group, a mobile network operator, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Huawei, a technology corporation, to set up a Joint Innovation Technology Lab, aimed at collaborating in technological innovation.

The lab will be created at MTN Group’s headquarters in South Africa to serve as a neutral platform for collaboration within Africa’s digital ecosystem, accelerating the development, deployment and adoption of innovative digital solutions driven across the continent.

The signing ceremony held at MWC Barcelona, Spain was attended by senior delegations from MTN and Huawei.

Both companies will leverage this to focus their research and development on 5G and beyond, Artificial Intelligence, Big Data analytics, cloud computing, and digital financial services.

It also aims to accelerate the time-to-market of MTN’s products and services while addressing the unique challenges faced in Africa, including improving network coverage in rural areas and enhancing energy efficiency, and affordability.

Also, MTN’s operational teams will actively participate in the innovation process, ensuring the solutions developed directly address real-world challenges and drive meaningful digital transformation and sustainable development in Africa.

Mazen Mroué, group chief technology and information officer, said the Lab goes beyond a partnership between two companies to become an investment in the growth of Africa’s digital ecosystem.

“We believe collaboration is essential for developing solutions that truly meet the continent’s needs, and this Lab will pave the way for a more inclusive, sustainable, and prosperous future for Africa,” Mroué said.

Li Peng, corporate senior vice president and president of ICT Sales & Service at Huawei, said the firm will continue to innovate with MTN to ensure they have the products and solutions required to serve Africa’s unique market best.

“This will not only give MTN a competitive edge in terms of network quality, user experience, and rapid deployment but also help MTN achieve its business objectives. This newly established lab will help supercharge both MTN’s R&D as well as Africa’s digital economy, bringing more prosperity to the African continent,” Peng said.

This partnership further demonstrates MTN and Huawei’s shared commitment to shaping Africa’s digital landscape, opening new pathways for innovation, digital inclusion, and economic growth.

With the 2024 commercial launch of 5.5G, Huawei is collaborating with operators and partners around the world to pursue exciting innovations in networks, cloud, and intelligence.

Ali Monzer appointed as new CEO of MTN South Sudan

Meanwhile, MTN Group has announced the appointment of Ali Monzer as the new CEO of MTN South Sudan.

Monzer will take over the role on April 1, 2024, replacing Gordian Kyomukama, who is retiring after over four years at the helm of MTN South Sudan.

Since joining MTN in 2004, Monzer has held progressively senior positions, most recently as chief technology and information officer of MTN Uganda. He also did stints at MTN Nigeria and MTN Ghana in different roles.

MTN said that Monzer has 23 years of telecommunications industry experience and, in his previous roles, demonstrated success in operational efficiency, cost optimization, market growth and customer experience enhancement.

He holds a master’s degree in computer communication engineering and relevant industry certifications.

MTN Group President and CEO Ralph Mupita said he believes Monzer will add immense value to MTN’s operations in South Sudan.

“His wealth of experience and proven track record in technology and operations make him well-positioned to drive MTN South Sudan’s continued growth and success,” he said.

Mupita also thanked outgoing CEO Kyomukama for “always displaying vigour, determination, and an exemplary work ethic” during his tenure with the company.

Kyomukama was appointed as CEO of MTN South Sudan in January 2020 and before that spent many years working for MTN under various roles at its operations in Uganda, Rwanda, Cameroon, Liberia and Côte d’Ivoire.

In February 2019, Kyomukama stepped up to take over as acting CEO of MTN Uganda, where he was CTO, when CEO Wim Vanhelleputte was deported from the country.

Vanhelleputte was allowed to return to Uganda in May 2019 and continued as CEO until September 2022 when he moved into a new role as operations executive for Liberia, Guinea-Conakry, Guinea-Bissau and Congo-Brazzaville.

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