MTN Group has unveiled plans to expand artificial intelligence–ready data centers across Africa in partnership with global technology firms.
The telecom giant has created a new business unit, Genova, to spearhead the rollout, focusing on building, operating, and monetising AI infrastructure while offering computing capacity to businesses and governments.
The company has already invested about $240 million in a major facility in Lagos, Nigeria.
The Dabengwa Sifiso Data Centre, with a planned capacity of 9 megawatts, has completed its first phase, delivering 4.5 MW of Tier III standard infrastructure.
MTN is currently in advanced talks with U.S. and European partners to support the expansion across multiple African markets.
The move aims to strengthen local cloud services, reduce reliance on foreign providers, and ensure compliance with data protection laws.
However, challenges remain, particularly around power supply, high construction costs, and regulatory hurdles.
If successful, the initiative could position MTN as a key player in Africa’s AI and cloud ecosystem while bridging the continent’s digital infrastructure gap.
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