MTN Group Ltd has announced a continent-wide plan to build state-of-the-art data centres dedicated to artificial intelligence (AI), a move aimed at closing Africa’s widening gap in high-performance computing.
The telecoms giant revealed the initiative at a regional technology briefing, outlining how the project—branded Genova—will become a stand-alone AI infrastructure business. The company has stated that Genova will commercialise advanced computing capacity and help diversify the company’s revenue base beyond traditional voice and data services.
Strategic partnerships to drive growth
MTN is partnering with leading technology companies in the United States and Europe to design and operate the new data facilities. These partners will provide engineering expertise, energy-efficient hardware and AI-optimised software to ensure the centres can handle large-scale machine learning, data analytics and cloud-based services.
September 17, 2025
Company executives explained that Africa’s need for such infrastructure is urgent. Across the continent, demand for AI-driven applications in healthcare, education, finance and agriculture is expanding rapidly, yet local computing resources remain limited.
Addressing Africa’s AI gap
Africa faces a significant shortfall in AI-ready infrastructure even as global investment in artificial intelligence accelerates. Genova is designed to bridge that gap and create a platform for innovation.”
The company emphasised that the project will support governments, businesses and research institutions seeking high-performance computing power within Africa rather than relying solely on overseas servers. This localisation is expected to reduce latency, improve data sovereignty, and strengthen cybersecurity for African users.
Economic and technological impact
MTN believes the rollout of Genova will generate new revenue streams while creating skilled jobs in data science, network engineering and cybersecurity. The data centres are expected to attract global and local clients, from start-ups building AI tools to established firms in need of scalable cloud computing.
