MTN Group has achieved a significant milestone in its digital transformation journey by certifying over 1,250 employees through the Microsoft Enterprise Skills Initiative (ESI). This accomplishment positions MTN as the leading Microsoft customer in Africa in terms of cloud certifications over the past year.
This achievement is a key component of MTN's broader cloud strategy, initiated in 2022 under Project Nephos. The project began with the establishment of a Cloud Centre of Excellence (CCoE) and a strategic five-year partnership with Microsoft. The initiative aims to build enterprise-wide capabilities in cloud technologies and deliver measurable business value across operations and customer experience.
The Microsoft ESI program provided a structured and comprehensive curriculum covering critical areas such as Azure Fundamentals, Apps and Infrastructure, Data and AI, Security, DevSecOps, and Data Management. This extensive training has equipped MTN employees across its markets and platform businesses with the necessary skills to effectively leverage cloud technologies, driving innovation and improving operational efficiency.
Nikos Angelopoulos, MTN Group Chief Information Officer, expressed satisfaction with the program's outcomes, stating, "The scale and pace of certification across the Group have been remarkable, led by MTN South Africa and MTN Nigeria, with strong engagement from our other operating companies, including Fintech, Bayobab – our digital infrastructure business, and Chenosis – our API marketplace. The Microsoft ESI program has provided a structured learning path that enables employees to build meaningful technical depth and apply these skills in their roles."
Beyond technical proficiency, the ESI program has fostered a culture of continuous learning and professional development within MTN. It supports the Group's commitment to nurturing future-fit talent and embedding scalable digital capabilities that align with MTN's long-term digital and operational goals.
Alkis Flemetakis, Account Director at Microsoft, highlighted the strategic importance of the ESI program for MTN: "Our collaboration with MTN Group through the ESI program has been instrumental in supporting their digital transformation journey. By equipping their workforce with advanced cloud skills, MTN is well-positioned to drive innovation and deliver exceptional value to their customers."
Building on this momentum, MTN plans to deepen its engagement with Microsoft by expanding the program to include advanced certifications in Artificial Intelligence (AI), Security, and Modern Workplace. This next phase supports MTN's transition to a cloud-native, platform-led organization and underscores its commitment to enabling scalable, technology-driven impact across the markets it serves.
MTN's strategic partnership with Microsoft, formalized in September 2022, focuses on migrating Business Support Systems (BSS) and Operations Support Systems (OSS) applications to the Microsoft Azure cloud. This collaboration aims to realize operational benefits and cost efficiencies, with initial efforts concentrated on MTN's largest markets, South Africa and Nigeria.
As part of this partnership, MTN has embarked on an extensive skills development program in cloud technologies, DevSecOps, and data management. Hundreds of MTN employees in Nigeria and South Africa have already benefited from the Microsoft ESI, which provides hands-on technical training and certification in Microsoft Azure technologies. The program is set to run across multiple countries where MTN operates to maximize the impact of the partnership.
MTN's commitment to digital transformation is further evidenced by its collaboration with Accenture, which provides technology implementation, integration, and support services to successfully enable the migration and operations of the targeted environments. This approach has already enabled MTN to complete a proof of concept for the world's first 5G standalone core network solution deployed in Microsoft's Azure public cloud in just a few weeks.
In addition to its internal initiatives, MTN Uganda announced a strategic partnership with Microsoft to accelerate digital and cloud transformation in Uganda. This partnership supports MTN's Ambition 2025 strategy to transition from a telecommunications company to a technology company, delivering advanced digital services. MTN Uganda's certification as a Microsoft Solutions partner highlights its expertise in Microsoft products and commitment to superior customer service.
Through this partnership, MTN Uganda offers a range of Microsoft products, including Office 365 and Azure, with local billing and dedicated support, aiming to drive innovation and growth for Ugandan businesses. The collaboration underscores MTN's dedication to providing cutting-edge technology solutions that drive progress and innovation in Uganda.
MTN's efforts align with Microsoft's broader investment in Africa's digital landscape. In March 2025, Microsoft announced plans to invest an additional ZAR 5.4 billion in South Africa to expand its cloud and AI infrastructure, supporting the nation's ambition to become a globally competitive AI economy. This investment includes a new program to pay for 50,000 young people's certification exams in high-demand digital skills over the next 12 months, further contributing to the development of a future-ready workforce in Africa.
MTN's leadership in Microsoft Azure certifications reflects its sustained investment in workforce development as a core pillar of its digital transformation agenda. By equipping its employees with advanced cloud skills, MTN is well-positioned to drive innovation, enhance customer experiences, and unlock long-term value across the markets it serves.
Source: Independent Newspaper Nigeria MTN Takes Lead In Microsoft Azure Certifications For Africa In 2025
