Huawei and MTN Group have signed a 2026 Strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to expand collaboration on artificial intelligence-driven network development and digital infrastructure across Africa.
This was at the global telecoms event Mobile World Congress 2026 in Barcelona.
The agreement which was announced during the event outlines plans for the two companies to deepen cooperation on AI-enabled networks, home broadband expansion, digital inclusion initiatives, data monetisation, and infrastructure development aimed at accelerating Africa’s digital transformation.
Under the initiative, Huawei and MTN plan to deploy what they is described as “agent-driven” networks powered by AI copilots and intelligent agents. These agents have the capability of managing network planning, deployment, and operations.
According to the companies, the agreement is a shift from exploratory collaboration to a more structured strategic partnership, one directed at scaling intelligent networks and digital infrastructure across the continent.
A core focus of the collaboration is the development of next-generation intelligent networks using AI powered technologies. Both companies said they will work toward the evolution of Autonomous Networks Level 4 (AN L4), where network operations are largely automated and managed through artificial intelligence.
This development comes as Huawei continues to promote next-generation telecoms technologies including advanced 5G and the early evolution toward 6G, positioning AI-centric networks as a key enabler of future digital services.
Under the initiative, Huawei and MTN plan to deploy what they is described as “agent-driven” networks powered by AI copilots and intelligent agents. These agents have the capability of managing network planning, deployment, and operations.
As Africa’s largest telecoms operator by subscribers, MTN plays an important role in Nigeria’s connectivity ecosystem, particularly in mobile broadband and emerging 5G services. The partnership would strengthen the technological foundation for expanding broadband access, improving network efficiency influencing growth in the country’s digital economy.
In a statement, Selorm Adadevoh, Chief Commercial and Strategy Officer of MTN Group said the collaboration builds on an existing partnership that has supported the telecom operator’s growth.
“The long-standing partnership between MTN and Huawei has delivered tangible business value, supporting the Group’s sustained and resilient growth” he said, adding that MTN expects the relationship to move beyond incremental improvements.
“Looking ahead, MTN expects the collaboration to evolve from incremental optimisation to structural transformation, particularly in AI-enabled network capabilities, operational efficiency, and business model innovation.”
To Huawei, the partnership is a reflection of a growing alignment between telecoms operators and technology providers on AI led network evolution. According to Li Peng, Senior Vice President and President of ICT Sales & Service at Huawei, next-generation telecom infrastructure will be driven by intelligence across network systems.
“Huawei’s technology evolution is highly aligned with MTN’s strategic direction” he said. “Huawei is driving the development of next-generation network architectures that enable intelligent coordination across equipment, network and service layers, accelerating the evolution from automated networks toward autonomous networks.”
He further said that networks will increasingly support new digital services beyond basic connectivity as they will not only provide connectivity but support AI-driven experience and service innovation, enabling the coordinated growth of experience and business value.
The partnership also targets improved broadband access across Africa by utilising fibre-to-the-home (FTTH) and 5G fixed wireless access deployments, alongside efforts to expand connectivity in underserved areas using cost-efficient rural network solutions. The organisations likewise will explore affordable device strategies and innovative access models aimed at addressing Africa’s connectivity and usage gaps.
Huawei said the collaboration will leverage the Huawei & MTN Technology Innovation Lab located at MTN Group’s headquarters in South Africa to develop new solutions, moving innovations from proof-of-concept to pilot testing and commercial deployment.
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