MTN teams up with U.S., European firms to build AI future with Africa-wide data centre push

Africa’s largest telecom operator,MTN Group,is in advanced negotiations with U.S. and European firms to build a network of AI-powered data centers across the continent — a strategic move to close the continent’s infrastructure gap and position it as a key player in the global digital economy.

The initiative,led by MTN’s newly formed infrastructure unit Genova,aims to commercialize MTN’s digital platforms,expand AI-ready infrastructure,and offer computing power to businesses and governments. MTN CEO Ralph Mupita said the company is funding the project partly itself while shortlisting global partners,with deals expected to be finalized before the end of 2025. “Our goal is to conclude these partnerships within the year,” Mupita told Bloomberg. “This is about creating an ecosystem in which African businesses can thrive in the age of AI.”

The first project — a $240 million,9MW data centre — has already broken ground in Nigeria. Similar facilities are planned in MTN’s 16 African markets. Africa currently accounts for less than 1% of global AI data centre capacity,despite having the world’s fastest-growing and youngest population. Most existing capacity is concentrated in South Africa,but momentum is spreading: Microsoft and Abu Dhabi’s G42 are building in Kenya,while Airtel Africa is expanding in Nigeria. MTN’s bold move reflects a broader trend: telecom giants racing to build digital infrastructure to capture AI demand,close capacity gaps,and reduce Africa’s dependence on foreign data systems.