Airtel Africa is calling for deeper industry collaboration to accelerate Africa’s digital transformation, with Artificial Intelligence (AI) and data centres emerging as key enablers of the continent’s next phase of growth.
Speaking at MWC25 Kigali, Airtel Africa’s Chief Executive Officer, Sunil Taldar, said the continent is entering a new era of connectivity. This is one where data, innovation and partnerships will drive productivity and prosperity across borders.
“Africa’s digital decade has begun,” said Taldar. “The continent that once leapfrogged into mobile telephony is now ready to leap again into an era where every byte of data fuels productivity and every connection builds prosperity.”
Taldar emphasised that Africa’s next leap must move beyond access to productivity, calling for collaboration between mobile operators, technology providers, regulators, investors, and young innovators.
“Together, we can build a continent where data is processed locally, talent is nurtured nationally, and innovation is scaled globally,” he added.
AI and Data Centres
Taldar outlined Airtel Africa’s focus on deploying AI and expanding its data centre footprint to support this vision. The company is investing in major data-centre hubs in Nigeria and Kenya, which will form part of a connected network of high-capacity infrastructure enabling inclusive digital participation.
He noted that AI will play a transformative role in improving network efficiency, customer experience and mobile money security.
“AI will make networks smarter and greener, customer experiences more intuitive, and mobile money more secure,” Taldar said. “We are already using AI for SMS spam detection, customer onboarding, fraud prevention, and energy optimisation.”
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