MTN Leads Africa in Cloud Certification with 1,250+ Staff Trained Through Microsoft ESI
This achievement forms part of MTN’s broader cloud strategy, launched in 2022 under Project Nephos, which began with the establishment of its Cloud Centre of Excellence (CCoE) and a strategic five-year partnership with Microsoft.
MTN Group has significantly advanced its internal cloud capabilities by certifying over 1250 employees through the Microsoft Enterprise Skills Initiative (ESI). Over the last 12 months, MTN has certified more employees than any other Microsoft customer in Africa. This reflects MTN’s sustained investment in workforce development as a core pillar of its digital transformation agenda.
This achievement forms part of MTN’s broader cloud strategy, launched in 2022 under Project Nephos, which began with the establishment of its Cloud Centre of Excellence (CCoE) and a strategic five-year partnership with Microsoft. The initiative is designed to build enterprise-wide capability in cloud technologies and deliver measurable business value across operations and customer experience.
Delivered through a structured and comprehensive curriculum, the Microsoft ESI programme covered a range of critical areas, including Azure Fundamentals, Apps and Infrastructure, Data and AI, Security, DevSecOps and Data Management. This extensive training initiative has equipped MTN employees across its markets and platform businesses with the necessary skills to effectively leverage cloud technologies, driving innovation and improving 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. 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.”
– Nikos Angelopoulos, Chief Information Officer, MTN Group.
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.
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.”
-Alkis Flemetakis, Account Director, Microsoft.
Building on this momentum, MTN plans to deepen its engagement with Microsoft by expanding the programme to include advanced certifications in Artificial Intelligence (AI), Security, and Modern Workplace. This next phase supports MTN’s transition to a cloud-native, platform-led organisation and underscores its commitment to enabling scalable, technology-driven impact across the markets it serves.
Initiatives like the ESI are fundamental to MTN’s long-term strategy to build future-fit talent, accelerate cloud adoption, and lead digital transformation across Africa. By equipping its people with critical capabilities, MTN is strengthening its position as a technology-driven platform business, committed to unlocking inclusive growth and long-term value.
