Through the Microsoft Enterprise Skills Initiative (ESI), MTN Group has certified more than 1250 workers, greatly enhancing its internal cloud capabilities. More staff have been certified by MTN than by any other Microsoft customer in Africa throughout the past 12 months. This is a reflection of MTN’s ongoing staff development investment, which is a key component of its goal for digital transformation.
Launched in 2022 under Project Nephos, which started with the creation of its Cloud Center of Excellence (CCoE) and a strategic five-year relationship with Microsoft, this accomplishment is a component of MTN’s larger cloud strategy. Building enterprise-wide cloud technology competence and delivering quantifiable business value across operations and customer experience are the goals of the effort.
The Microsoft ESI program, which was delivered through an organized and extensive curriculum, included a number of important topics, such as Azure Fundamentals, Apps and Infrastructure, Data and AI, Security, DevSecOps, and Data Management.
Through this comprehensive training program, MTN workers across all of its markets and platform companies now possess the skills needed to successfully utilize cloud technology, fostering innovation and increasing operational efficiency.
“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.
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,” said Nikos Angelopoulos, MTN Group Chief Information Officer, expressing his satisfaction with the programme’s outcomes.
“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,” he added.
Beyond technical proficiency, the ESI programme has contributed to a culture of continuous learning and professional development within MTN. It supports the Group’s commitment to nurturing future-fit talent and embedding scalable digital capabilities that align with MTN’s long-term digital and operational goals.
MTN To Give A Big Boost To SMEs
Meanwhile, Alkis Flemetakis, Account Director at Microsoft, highlighted the strategic importance of the ESI programme for MTN:
“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.”
Building on this momentum, MTN intends to strengthen its partnership with Microsoft by adding advanced certifications in security, modern workplace, and artificial intelligence (AI) to the program. This subsequent stage facilitates MTN’s shift to a platform-led, cloud-native organization and reaffirms its dedication to facilitating scalable, technologically driven impact in all of the markets it serves.
MTN’s long-term strategy to develop talent that is ready for the future, speed up cloud adoption, and spearhead digital transformation throughout Africa is based on initiatives like the ESI. MTN is solidifying its position as a technology-driven platform company dedicated to enabling inclusive growth and long-term value by giving its employees the essential skills they need.
Credit: MTN
