The long-standing partners plans to evolve from incremental optimisation to structural transformation, leveraging AI-enabled network capabilities, ops efficiency and new business models
Huawei and MTN Group signed a 2026 Strategic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) last week at MWC in Barcelona (pictured). The two will deepen cooperation to evolve networks using AI, develop home broadband and improve digital inclusion, data monetisation, digital infrastructure and environmental, social and governance (ESG) initiatives.
Their target is to reach Autonomous Networks (AN) Level 4, which is ambitious given that most of the world’s operators are somewhere between Levels 1 and 2 across most domains.
Automation to autonomy?
To plan is to leverage AI as the core driving force to upgrade network planning, deployment and operational capabilities, speeding the development of “Agentic Networks”. The networks are to be powered by “Copilots and intelligent Agents”, enabled by coordinated intelligence across the device, network and service layers to evolve from automation towards autonomy.
MTN Group and Huawei have been partners for a long time, and plan to build on their existing collaboration efforts, deepening cooperation in these key areas:
• addressing gaps in coverage and usage through “scalable validation and replication of cost-efficient rural network solutions” plus exploring ways to expand digital inclusion wtih affordable devices and access models
• coordinated development of FTTH and 5G fixed wireless access (FWA), including deployment models and affordable solutions for customers’ premises to accelerate the growth of home broadband
• greater efficiency in provisioning broadband and intelligent O&M capabilities to improve service delivery and OPEX performance
• compliant and secure data monetisation models that leverage precision operations run by AI to unlock the value of network and service data
• strengthening digital infrastructure capabilities, including AI-ready data centres, fibre networks and connectivity platforms
• leverage the Huawei & MTN Technology Innovation Lab at MTN Group’s headquarters in South Africa, to set up a phased mechanism for priority use cases to progress systematically from proof-of-concept to pilot testing and commercial deployment, and accelerate large-scale deployment of joint developments.
Selorm Adadevoh, Group Chief Commercial, Strategy & Transformation Officer, MTN Group, noted that the long-standing partnership between MTN and Huawei has delivered tangible business value, supporting the Group’s sustained and resilient growth.
Looking ahead, he said MTN expects the collaboration to evolve from incremental optimisation to structural transformation, particularly in AI-enabled network capabilities, operational efficiency, and business model innovation. The partnership aims to create measurable value that enhances the Group’s profitability, while accelerating progress in home broadband, device upgrades, and intelligent capability development.
