Today's Bulletin: May 21, 2026

More results...

Generic selectors
Exact matches only
Search in title
Search in content
Post Type Selectors
Filter by Categories
Africacom
AfricaCom 2024
AfricaCom 2025
AI
Apps
Apps
Arabsat
Banking
Broadcast
Cabsat
CABSAT
Cloud
Column
Content
Corona
Cryptocurrency
DTT
eCommerce
Editorial
Education
Entertainment
Events
Fintech
Fixed
Gitex
Gitex Africa
Gitex Africa 2025
GSMA Cape Town
Healthcare
IBC
Industry Voices
Infrastructure
IoT
MNVO Nation Africa
Mobile
Mobile Payments
Music
MWC Barcelona
MWC Barcelona 2025
MWC Barcelona 2026
MWC Kigali
MWC Kigali 2025
News
Online
Opinion Piece
Orbiting Innovations
Podcast
Q&A
Satellite
Security
Software
Startups
Streaming
Technology
TechTalks
TechTalkThursday
Telecoms
Utilities
Video Interview
Follow us

Vodafone Business and Google Cloud Expand Partnership with AI and Cybersecurity Solutions for SMBs

April 22, 2026
3 min read
Author: Kay-Lyne Wolfenden

It will enhance protection for customers from increasingly frequent and sophisticated cyber threats.

Vodafone Business  and Google Cloud  announced an expansion of their strategic partnership with two new solutions to equip small-and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) with advanced cybersecurity and agentic AI.

 

Next-generation managed detection and response (MDR)

Vodafone Business is launching a new managed detection and response (MDR) service enabled by Google Security Operations. It will enhance protection for customers from increasingly frequent and sophisticated cyber threats.

The solution brings together Google’s global security analytics and AI-driven threat intelligence, alongside Vodafone’s expertise in serving the SMB market across Europe, allowing businesses to identify and mitigate threats in real-time. The service is scheduled for an inaugural launch in Germany – adhering to the region’s stringent data protection standards – before rolling out across additional European markets later this year.

 

Vodafone Business AI Concierge built with Gemini

Vodafone is also introducing Vodafone Business AI Concierge with Google Gemini – the first in a suite of planned agentic AI solutions. Built on Google Cloud’s Gemini Enterprise Agent Platform and Gemini models, AI Concierge is a multi-modal, AI agent, including voice and data, designed to operate autonomously within a business environment.

AI Concierge leverages Vodafone’s low-latency connectivity to engage naturally with customers, answer inquiries, and book appointments. By handling these critical but repetitive tasks, the solution – which will be available in Germany and Greece – ensures SMBs never miss a lead, even outside of standard business hours – allowing owners to focus on higher-value growth activities.

“Vodafone Business is helping millions of SMBs unlock the power of AI without the complexity or risk. By combining our network and support with Google Cloud’s AI expertise, we’re making advanced, secure AI practical for everyday business use – starting with innovations like AI Concierge, one of the first telephony integrations with Gemini.”

Fanan Henriques, Business Product and International Business Director, Vodafone

“Small businesses are the backbone of the global economy, yet they are often the most underserved when it comes to cutting-edge tech. Together with Vodafone Business, we are changing that. By combining our Gemini models and enterprise-grade security expertise with Vodafone’s deep connectivity and customer reach, we are giving SMBs the tools they need to stay protected and remain competitive in a rapidly evolving digital landscape.”

Oliver Parker, Vice President, Global Generative AI, Google Cloud

The announcement is a key milestone in the landmark $1 billion, ten-year strategic partnership signed between the two companies in October 2024. The collaboration aims to accelerate digital transformation for millions of customers by combining Vodafone’s extensive European and African reach with Google Cloud’s industry-leading AI and security platforms.

The TechAfrica News Podcast

Follow us on LinkedIn

Newsletter signup

Sign up for our weekly newsletter and get the latest industry insights right in your inbox!

Please wait...

Thank you for sign up!