MTN Group Introduces Ethical AI blueprint for Shaping Africa's Digital Development
In a bold move to reshape the digital landscape of Africa, the MTN Group is actively implementing artificial intelligence (AI) across several key business functions. This strategic initiative aims to drive economic growth, innovation, and responsible innovation on the continent.
At the heart of MTN's AI journey is an emphasis on ethical AI adoption, an agile and scalable operating model, and targeted use cases that deliver tangible value. The telco giant has designed an operating model and established an in-house AI Centre of Excellence (CoE) and a Cloud CoE to coordinate AI activities across the Group. This effort is supported by an internal Software Solutions team with over 300 engineers.
In the network domain, MTN is promoting AI-enabled fuel consumption savings for data centres in South Africa, AI-driven cell site dynamic energy management in Benin, AI-driven fibre cut sensing in Côte d'Ivoire, and network traffic balancing and optimisation in Nigeria. These initiatives aim to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and minimise service disruptions.
The finance function is also benefiting from AI, with MTN Mobile Money (MoMo) leveraging AI to enhance fraud detection and automate compliance processes. AI is also used to deliver personalised financial services, enhancing customer experience through tailored offerings.
While specific HR AI use cases are not detailed, MTN's broader strategy includes leveraging AI to enhance productivity and efficiency across all business domains, implying potential applications in HR for tasks like talent management or employee engagement optimisation.
In the commercial function, AI supports e-commerce growth by providing accessible digital payment solutions that enable merchants and consumers to engage in seamless transactions. AI is also being used to elevate customer experience through AI-driven insights for better customer service and engagement across various touchpoints.
As AI adoption accelerates, the GSMA emphasizes the importance of ethical considerations in its design, development, and deployment. In response, MTN has developed a Responsible AI Policy to guide AI deployment and usage. The telco is also partnering with start-ups focused on local language language models (LLMs) to elevate customer experience solutions.
According to PwC's Global Artificial Intelligence Study, AI can transform global productivity and economic activity, adding US$15.7 trillion to the global economy by 2030. If Africa captures just 10% of this market, AI could add US$1.5 trillion to the continent's economy by 2030, as projected by a SAP report. Statista projects that the AI market in Africa could reach US$4.51 billion in 2025 and grow to US$18.7 billion by 2030.
The SAP report also predicts that 230 million new digital jobs will be created in Africa by 2030. MTN's AI strategy is not only aimed at driving economic growth but also at creating opportunities for the continent's workforce.
A special sub-committee of the Executive Committee has been set up to oversee, govern, and manage the Group's IT governance, with a focus on AI. MTN is operationalising AI at scale under the 'MTN Genova' group-wide transformation programme.
In conclusion, MTN's AI strategy is a significant step towards reshaping businesses, redefining value creation, and rewriting the rules of global innovation and competitiveness in Africa. The telco's responsible and strategic approach to AI adoption is expected to contribute significantly to the continent's digital economy and job market.
- The MTN Group's AI Centre of Excellence and Cloud CoE, established within their internal Software Solutions team, will focus on cloud technology and work closely to coordinate AI activities across the Group.
- In the telecoms sector, MTN is utilizing AI to optimize operations, such as AI-enabled fuel consumption savings for data centres, AI-driven cell site dynamic energy management, AI-driven fibre cut sensing, and network traffic balancing and optimisation, aiming to boost efficiency, lower costs, and minimize service disruptions.
- As AI adoption becomes critical for driving economic growth and innovation, MTN's partnerships with start-ups focusing on local language language models underscores their commitment to creating valuable AI-powered solutions that address the unique needs of African customers.
