MTN Group and Microsoft have entered into an alliance to accelerate digital and cloud transformation in Africa.

The alliance is based on intensified solution rollout, knowledge share and cross-company training and support.

In a statement the companies said the agreement is in support “of MTN’s strategic intent of leading digital solutions for Africa’s progress to support governments, businesses of all sizes and customers using the versatility of Microsoft platforms, solutions and capabilities to accelerate value creation.”

The agreement is intended to transform and modernise MTN’s communications and technology infrastructure. It is also expected to harness capabilities "to build the largest and most valuable platform business with a clear focus on Africa."

“We are delighted to be partnering with Microsoft – a company with the strength and scale to complement MTN’s capabilities and to support our Ambition 2025 strategy,” said Group Chief Strategy and Transformation Officer Chika Ekeji. “Together we will use the power of technology and connectivity to innovate and accelerate the digitalisation and development of the continent.”

The companies will also develop joint go-to-market plans across MTN’s footprint and focus on digital transformation ambitions of African enterprise customers.

Microsoft will invest in skilling MTN Group resources to drive focused selling of Microsoft’s products and cloud services in Africa.

“Our valuable, longstanding partnership with MTN will play a pivotal role in Africa’s digital transformation, and we are proud to continue building on that decade-long collaboration with our newest venture. We recognise the potential that Africa holds to stand among the leaders of the digital world, and we are committed to maximising our partnerships to deliver infrastructure that accelerates this transformation and enables a connected, digital-first continent,” said Samer Abu-Ltaif, Corporate Vice-President and President of Microsoft Middle East and Africa.

Joint initiatives will be in areas such as digital education, micro-SME digitisation, Fintech and gaming.

Abu-Ltaif added, “Our partnership with MTN will empower and enable the future growth of Africa through the joint development of innovative solutions; a dedicated focus on digital skilling and education; robust go-to-market strategy transformation; and the advancement of SMMEs and industries to compete on the global digital stage”

The parties will also execute a carrier agreement which will position MTN as a major provider of terrestrial connectivity to support Microsoft’s Africa-based expansion plans.