MTN Group Partners with Ericsson to Modernize Core Networks in South Africa and Nigeria

MTN Group has embarked on a strategic transformation program to modernize and upgrade its core network infrastructure in South Africa and Nigeria. This initiative, aligned with MTN Group’s MTN Unified Cloud Acceleration (MUNA) principles and objectives, aims to deliver superior customer experiences and innovation.

Ericsson has been selected as the sole core strategic supplier for this five-year core network modernization partnership. The agreement, concluded recently, underscores both companies’ shared vision and commitment to fortify their long-term partnership.

The modernization efforts will ensure the readiness of MTN Nigeria’s and MTN South Africa’s network infrastructures to enable 5G standalone in the future. The modernized core networks will be powered by Ericsson’s cloud-native dual-mode 5G Core, enabling MTN Group to achieve its objectives of delivering innovative solutions for consumers and enterprises in Africa.

Mazen Mroué, MTN Group Chief Technology and Information Officer, stated, “We are embarking on a strategic transformation program to modernize and upgrade our core network infrastructure, signifying a commitment to enhancing network performance and efficiency in respective markets."

Mohammed Rufai, MTN Nigeria Chief Technical Officer, highlighted that the network upgrade is geared towards enhancing the core network and accelerating broadband penetration in alignment with the Federal Government’s Broadband plan.

Rami Farah, MTN South Africa Chief Technology Officer, emphasized that the partnership with Ericsson will enable MTN SA to modernize further and upgrade the core mobile network, ensuring readiness to support data growth and enable 5G standalone in the future.

Hossam Kandeel, Vice President and Head of Global Customer Unit MTN and Customer Unit MTN Africa at Ericsson Middle East and Africa, expressed Ericsson’s commitment to shaping the future of digital connectivity in Africa with the modernization of MTN Nigeria and MTN South Africa’s core networks.

The partnership with Ericsson is a testament to MTN Group’s PACE technology strategy to accelerate the execution of its Ambition 2025 by transforming its network infrastructure into a modern, agile, and cloud-native core network. This transformation will empower MTN to offer innovative services to its customers, enhance operational efficiency, drive growth, and enable a better customer experience.