Telecommunications powerhouse MTN Group, in partnership with Microsoft, has completed the modernisation of its Enterprise Value Analytics (EVA) platform, migrating it to Microsoft Azure.

The new cloud-based platform—EVA 3.0, marks a monumental milestone in MTN’s journey toward harnessing artificial intelligence (AI) and advanced data analytics to revolutionise customer experience and operational efficiency across its markets.

Described as the largest telco cloud implementation in the Middle East and Africa, EVA 3.0 processes approximately 22 billion records daily and executes over 800 analytics workflows sourced from more than 1,700 data feeds. This massive digital architecture not only represents a technological leap but also a statement of intent—MTN’s commitment to driving innovation through responsible and intelligent data use.

EVA 3.0 is powered by Azure Databricks and fortified by Microsoft Defender, giving it the robustness and scalability needed to handle the vast data flows that drive MTN’s network. The upgraded platform offers a significant boost in processing speed, real-time analytics, and cloud security, allowing MTN to make smarter, faster decisions based on rich data insights.

This new cloud backbone provides MTN with earlier visibility into network performance and customer behaviour, enabling teams to proactively resolve service issues, enhance reliability, and design more personalised offerings. In essence, EVA 3.0 is not just a data tool—it’s a digital nerve centre driving MTN’s mission to deliver intelligent, reliable, and customer-centric telecom experiences.

The Vision Behind EVA 3.0

According to Nikos Angelopoulos, Chief Information Officer at MTN Group, EVA 3.0 represents the culmination of MTN’s long-term vision to merge connectivity with intelligence.

“Our customers expect reliability, relevance, and responsiveness in every interaction with us. Understanding our vast amounts of data and extracting meaningful insights in real time has always been central to delivering that experience.”
Nikos Angelopoulos

He added that EVA 3.0 enables MTN to analyse information more swiftly and apply intelligence more effectively, all while ensuring top-tier data protection through Microsoft’s cloud security ecosystem. The collaboration, he noted, underscores MTN’s commitment to responsible AI—building systems that respect privacy, security, and ethics while driving innovation.

Microsoft’s Role

For Microsoft, this partnership is a blueprint for how global technology leaders and African enterprises can work together to accelerate digital transformation.

Alkis Flemetakis, Telco Account Director at Microsoft, described MTN’s adoption of Azure for its analytics backbone as a powerful demonstration of what’s possible when cloud technology meets local market expertise.

“This collaboration is unlocking deeper insights, strengthening data protection, and accelerating digital transformation across the continent,” Flemetakis said.

Similarly, Rick Lievano, Microsoft’s Worldwide Chief Technology Officer for Telecommunications, highlighted the centrality of AI and big data in shaping the telco industry’s future.

“Artificial intelligence and big data analytics are at the heart of telco transformation. They enable operators to optimise networks, create new revenue streams, and enhance customer experience through personalisation and predictive services.”
Rick Lievano

A Blueprint for Africa’s Digital Future

MTN’s success with EVA 3.0 extends beyond South Africa. The company says the platform serves as a blueprint for data modernisation across its African operations, combining Microsoft’s global cloud expertise with MTN’s deep understanding of local connectivity challenges.

The upgraded platform is also part of MTN’s broader ambition to lead digital solutions for Africa’s progress, ensuring that technology, data, and innovation remain central to economic inclusion and growth on the continent. With real-time analytics now embedded in its operational fabric, MTN is setting new standards for agility, responsiveness, and customer value across Africa’s telecom landscape.

At the heart of MTN’s digital evolution lies a strategic investment in human capital and cloud expertise. The company’s Cloud Centre of Excellence and its network of engineers have achieved more than 1,350 Microsoft Azure certifications, making MTN the most Azure-certified organisation in Africa as of 2025.

This milestone reflects not only technical advancement but also MTN’s commitment to nurturing future-ready talent capable of driving Africa’s digital economy. Through continuous training and certification, MTN is ensuring that its workforce can manage, innovate, and scale AI-powered systems responsibly and effectively.

Transforming Connectivity into Intelligent Experiences

EVA 3.0 is more than a technological upgrade—it represents a paradigm shift in how MTN leverages data to create meaningful digital interactions. Customers can now expect faster, smarter, and more reliable network experiences, with issues anticipated and resolved before they impact service quality.

By intelligently using cloud and AI technologies, MTN is redefining what connectivity means in Africa—transforming it from mere access to a data-driven ecosystem that fosters inclusion, opportunity, and economic resilience.

The launch of EVA 3.0 cements MTN’s position as a pioneer in AI and cloud innovation on the African continent. Through its collaboration with Microsoft, the telecom giant is not only reimagining how it operates but also shaping the future of digital communication in Africa.

As data becomes the new currency of progress, MTN’s cloud transformation signals a broader shift toward an AI-driven economy—one where intelligence, speed, and security converge to empower individuals and businesses alike.