MTN Group has completed a large-scale upgrade of its cloud infrastructure in partnership with Microsoft, marking a new milestone in its digital evolution. The company migrated its Enterprise Value Analytics (EVA) platform to Microsoft Azure, introducing EVA 3.0, the most advanced version yet of its data intelligence system.
The new MTN cloud platform is now the largest telco cloud implementation in the Middle East and Africa. It can process over 22 billion records daily and run more than 800 analytics workflows from 1,700 data feeds. Built on Azure Databricks and protected by Microsoft Defender, EVA 3.0 significantly outpaces its predecessor in data processing speed, security, and scalability.
According to MTN Group’s Chief Information Officer, Nikos Angelopoulos, the upgrade represents more than a technical achievement. “Our customers expect reliability, relevance, and responsiveness in every interaction. With EVA 3.0, we’re analysing information faster, applying intelligence better, and safeguarding it through advanced cloud security. Working with Microsoft, we’ve built a resilient platform that supports responsible AI and meets the evolving needs of our users,” he said.
A Blueprint for Telco Transformation
The success of the South African rollout offers a model for MTN cloud modernisation across the company’s other African markets. By combining Microsoft’s global cloud expertise with MTN’s understanding of local connectivity, the collaboration is helping to deepen digital inclusion and strengthen regional data infrastructure.
Microsoft’s Telco Account Director, Alkis Flemetakis, highlighted the partnership’s significance, noting that “MTN’s adoption of Azure for its analytics backbone demonstrates what’s possible when global technology and local expertise unite. This collaboration is unlocking deeper insights, strengthening data protection, and driving digital transformation across the continent.”
Industry leaders see the partnership as a pivotal step in how telcos manage big data and artificial intelligence. Rick Lievano, Microsoft’s Worldwide CTO for Telecommunications, stressed that AI and analytics are central to modern network evolution — enabling operators to boost efficiency, deliver personalised experiences, and unlock new revenue streams beyond connectivity.
Driving Africa’s Digital Ambition
The upgrade builds on MTN’s long-term investment in digital capability. In 2025, the company’s engineers achieved more Microsoft Azure certifications than any other organisation in Africa — over 1,350 in total. This accomplishment, backed by MTN’s Cloud Centre of Excellence, underscores its commitment to advancing cloud expertise and sustainable innovation.
With EVA 3.0, MTN aims to strengthen the foundation of Africa’s digital economy. The platform supports real-time analytics, enhances network reliability, and ensures data-driven services that benefit both people and businesses.
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