MTN Group has entered a partnership with Dubai-based investor Tarek Al Ashram to develop a $6 billion network of AI-ready data centres across Africa.
The project aims to establish a total capacity of 150 megawatts (MW), creating the infrastructure necessary to support the high computational demands of artificial intelligence (AI) and cloud computing on the continent.
The deal, reported by BusinessDay, marks a significant escalation in the telecom operator’s efforts to transition from a traditional mobile network provider to a broad technology company.
AI-ready data centres differ from standard facilities by requiring higher power densities and advanced cooling systems to support Graphics Processing Units (GPUs) used for machine learning and large language models. These facilities are essential for businesses wanting to host AI workloads locally rather than relying on servers in North America or Europe.
The investment comes as part of MTN’s broader “Ambition 2025” strategy, which focuses on expanding the company’s fintech capabilities and digital infrastructure. By controlling the data layer, MTN intends to provide more integrated services to enterprises and governments across its operational markets.
Tarek Al Ashram, a prominent Dubai-based investor, provides the capital and investment expertise to scale the project. This partnership aligns with the United Arab Emirates’ broader strategy of increasing commercial ties and infrastructure investment across the African continent.
Bridging Africa’s AI Infrastructure Gap
Currently, Africa faces a significant deficit in high-performance computing (HPC) capacity. Most AI startups and enterprises operating in African markets rely on hyperscalers such as Amazon Web Services (AWS), Microsoft Azure, or Google Cloud, which often host their primary compute resources outside the continent.
This reliance creates challenges regarding data sovereignty and latency. By building a distributed network of AI data centres, MTN aims to reduce the time it takes for data to travel between the user and the server, which is critical for real-time AI applications.
The move also positions MTN Group to compete more effectively with other infrastructure players, including Liquid Intelligent Technologies and various global cloud providers who are incrementally increasing their footprint in Africa.
Industry analysts suggest that the $6 billion commitment reflects the growing demand for sovereign AI—the ability of a nation to develop AI models based on its own data, culture, and language without depending on foreign infrastructure.
The rollout is expected to target key economic hubs across MTN’s footprint, where existing fibre connectivity is strongest. The company’s extensive terrestrial fibre network will serve as the backbone for these data centres, allowing for seamless interconnection between the new AI hubs and the end-user.
Beyond the technical capacity, the project is likely to create a demand for specialised technical skills in data centre management and AI operations. This could drive investment in local technical training to support the operational phase of the 150MW network.
The financial structure of the deal is expected to involve a mix of direct investment and strategic financing, leveraging Al Ashram’s capital to accelerate the construction timeline.
The next phase of the development involves site selection and obtaining the necessary regulatory approvals from national communications commissions and energy regulators in the target countries. The company will also need to secure stable power agreements, as AI data centres require consistent, high-volume electricity to maintain operations.
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