MTN, Microsoft Complete Telco Cloud Migration

MTN has completed a major modernisation of its Enterprise Value Analytics (EVA) platform in South Africa, migrating it to Microsoft Azure in what is now the largest telco cloud implementation across the Middle East and Africa.

The new cloud-based EVA 3.0 platform gives MTN greater agility in managing and analysing data, enhancing customer experiences, boosting operational efficiency, and enabling responsible use of artificial intelligence.

Built on Azure Databricks and secured with Microsoft Defender, EVA 3.0 processes around 22 billion records daily, runs over 800 analytics workflows, and integrates more than 1,700 data feeds. The upgraded system delivers significant improvements in speed, scalability, and real-time analytics compared to its predecessor.

With these capabilities, MTN teams can detect service issues earlier, understand customer trends faster, and deliver more relevant, high-quality experiences. Customers benefit from services that are more reliable, responsive, and intelligently managed.

“Our customers expect reliability, relevance, and responsiveness in every interaction with us,” said Nikos Angelopoulos, MTN Group Chief Information Officer. “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 meets the evolving needs of our customers.”

Beyond South Africa, the EVA 3.0 model offers a blueprint for similar data modernisation initiatives across MTN Group markets. The collaboration combines Microsoft’s global cloud expertise with MTN’s understanding of local connectivity needs, strengthening Africa’s digital infrastructure and expanding access to intelligent services.

“MTN’s adoption of Azure for its analytics backbone demonstrates what’s possible when global technology and local expertise work together,” said Alkis Flemetakis, Telco Account Director at Microsoft. “This collaboration is unlocking deeper insights, strengthening data protection, and accelerating digital transformation across the continent.”

Rick Lievano, Microsoft’s Worldwide CTO for Telecommunications, noted that AI and big data are redefining how telcos operate, from optimising networks and unlocking new revenue streams to enabling personalised and predictive customer experiences.

MTN’s cloud transformation is underpinned by its Cloud Centre of Excellence and a network of engineers who, in 2025, achieved more Microsoft Azure certifications than any other organisation in Africa, over 1,350 certifications to date. The milestone reflects MTN’s ongoing investment in cloud expertise and digital skills development across the continent.

With EVA 3.0, MTN is deepening its commitment to secure, data-driven operations that strengthen Africa’s digital economy. Through intelligent use of cloud and analytics, the company continues to advance its mission to lead digital solutions for Africa’s progress, ensuring that connectivity, data, and innovation create opportunity for all.