MTN Group Leads Africa in Cloud Certification With Over 1,250 Employees Trained Under Microsoft Initiative

MTN Group has certified more than 1,250 employees through the Microsoft Enterprise Skills Initiative (ESI) over the past year, more than any other Microsoft customer in Africa, marking a major milestone in the telecom giant’s internal cloud capability development.

The achievement is part of Project Nephos, MTN’s broader cloud strategy launched in 2022, which includes the establishment of a Cloud Centre of Excellence (CCoE) and a five-year strategic partnership with Microsoft. The initiative forms a key pillar of MTN’s shift toward becoming a cloud-native, platform-led organisation.

Delivered through a structured Microsoft-led curriculum, the ESI programme covered technical areas such as Azure Fundamentals, Apps and Infrastructure, Data and AI, Security, DevSecOps, and Data Management.

Employees from across MTN’s operating companies, including MTN South Africa, MTN Nigeria, Fintech, Bayobab, and Chenosis, took part in the programme.

“The scale and pace of certification across the Group have been remarkable, led by MTN South Africa and MTN Nigeria, with strong engagement from our other operating companies, including Fintech, Bayobab, our digital infrastructure business and Chenosis – our API marketplace,” said Nikos Angelopoulos, MTN Group Chief Information Officer.

“The Microsoft ESI programme has provided a structured learning path that enables employees to build meaningful technical depth and apply these skills in their roles.”

The programme has also helped embed a culture of continuous learning and professional growth across the Group, aligning with MTN’s goal to develop future-fit talent and drive long-term business value through cloud-based operations.

“We are encouraged by this recognition and remain focused on growing digital capabilities within MTN and the societies in which we operate, while building the digital platforms that will power Africa’s transformation,” Angelopoulos added.

Microsoft also emphasized the strategic importance of the collaboration in supporting MTN’s transformation journey.

“Our collaboration with MTN Group through the ESI programme has been instrumental in supporting their digital transformation journey. By equipping their workforce with advanced cloud skills, MTN is well-positioned to drive innovation and deliver exceptional value to their customers,” said Alkis Flemetakis, Account Director at Microsoft.

Looking ahead, MTN plans to expand the ESI initiative with advanced certifications in Artificial Intelligence (AI), Security, and Modern Workplace, reinforcing its shift toward a scalable, technology-driven model.

The training rollout strengthens MTN’s competitive edge in a rapidly digitising telecom landscape, while reinforcing its long-term goal to drive inclusive digital growth across Africa through cloud adoption and platform development.

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