MTN South Africa has completed a significant modernization of its data platform by migrating to Microsoft Azure, a move designed to enhance customer experiences, streamline operations, and provide a foundation for responsible AI deployment. This transformation, known as EVA 3.0, positions MTN as a leader in data analytics within the region.
The upgraded platform, recognized as the largest Telco cloud implementation in the Middle East and Africa, enables MTN to analyze and utilize data with greater speed and enhanced security. It manages approximately 22 billion records daily and executes over 800 analytics workflows using more than 1,700 data feeds. Built on Azure Databricks and fortified with robust security measures, EVA 3.0 has demonstrated a substantial improvement in processing speed compared to its predecessor.
The primary motivation behind this transformation is the need for speed and agility in the rapidly changing digital environment. MTN recognized that effectively leveraging its extensive data resources was crucial for maintaining a competitive advantage and delivering superior services to its customers.
Transitioning to a cloud-based platform offers several advantages: faster data processing and real-time analytics, improved security and data protection, greater scalability to handle growing data volumes, and an enhanced ability to deploy and manage AI applications.
Microsoft Azure provides the robust and scalable infrastructure necessary to support MTN’s data objectives. By utilizing Azure’s capabilities, MTN can process vast quantities of data in real-time, deriving valuable insights into customer behavior and network performance. Rick Lievano, Microsoft’s Worldwide Chief Technology Officer for Telecommunications, highlighted the importance of artificial intelligence and big data analytics in telco transformation, enabling operators to optimize networks, create new revenue streams, and enhance customer experience.
The selection of Azure also signifies a strategic partnership between MTN and Microsoft, combining Microsoft’s global cloud expertise with MTN’s understanding of the African market. This collaboration aims to broaden access to digital services, promote inclusion, and strengthen Africa’s digital infrastructure.
The ultimate goal of this data modernization initiative is to significantly improve the customer experience. By leveraging faster data processing and real-time analytics, MTN can gain earlier and more insightful visibility into service performance and emerging customer trends.
This enhanced visibility empowers teams to resolve issues more quickly and efficiently, design more relevant and personalized offers, and ensure a consistently high-quality service experience.
Nikos Angelopoulos, MTN Group Chief Information Officer, emphasized the importance of this upgrade: “Our customers expect reliability, relevance, and responsiveness in every interaction with us; understanding our vast amounts of data and extracting meaningful insights in a timely manner has always been central to how we deliver that experience. With EVA 3.0, we’re expanding those capabilities – analysing information more quickly, applying intelligence more effectively, and safeguarding it through advanced cloud security. Working with Microsoft, we’ve built a resilient platform that supports responsible AI and ensures we continue to meet the evolving needs of our customers.”
The EVA 3.0 model, successfully implemented in South Africa, serves as a blueprint for similar data modernization initiatives across MTN Group markets. The success of this project highlights the transformative potential of cloud-based data platforms for telecom operations, unlocking new avenues for growth and innovation.
MTN’s Azure technical capability is supported by the company’s Cloud Centre of Excellence and a Group wide network of engineers. In 2023, MTN achieved more Microsoft Azure certifications than any other organization in Africa, reflecting MTN’s sustained investment in cloud expertise, continuous skills development, and its commitment to advancing digital capability across the continent, with over 1,350 certifications attained to date.
Alkis Flemetakis, Telco Account Director Microsoft, emphasized the collaborative nature of this achievement: “MTN’s adoption of Azure for its analytics backbone demonstrates what’s possible when global technology and local expertise work together. This collaboration is unlocking deeper insights, strengthening data protection, and accelerating digital transformation across the continent.”
As MTN continues to invest in cloud technologies and advanced analytics, it is strategically positioning itself as a leader in Africa’s burgeoning digital economy. This commitment reflects MTN’s ambition to lead digital solutions for Africa’s progress and ensure that connectivity, data, and innovation create opportunity for all.
