MTN Nigeria has announced a strategic partnership with Microsoft, providing advanced data hosting solutions and Microsoft Business Licenses to small and medium enterprises. This development is in line with the company’s commitment to accelerate the digitalisation of businesses, leveraging robust and reliable connectivity, in Nigeria.

This collaboration leverages Microsoft’s Azure Cloud platform to offer customers a comprehensive suite of services, blending flexibility, scalability, and security. This includes Virtual Machine (VM) Hosting, which enables the instant generation of virtual machines to address specific workload requirements, and Azure Virtual Desktop, (formerly known as Windows Virtual Desktop).Azure Virtual Desktop brings added value by providing tailored features for enterprise environments and Azure Backup that stands out as a key offering, addressing critical data protection needs in today’s cybersecurity landscape.

Also included is Microsoft Business Licenses, integrated with Office applications, and offering a range of benefits for businesses. This comprehensive solution includes efficient employee management for a limitless number of employees, personalised custom business email addresses, a mobile-ready Office suite for seamless productivity on the web and across multiple devices, and a unified communication platform using Microsoft Teams for effective collaboration through chat, calls, and video conferences.

Commenting on the solutions, Lynda Saint-Nwafor, Chief Enterprise Business Officer, MTN Nigeria, noted, “This collaboration enables organisations of all sizes, from large enterprises to small businesses and public sector organisations, to scale efficiently, optimise infrastructure, and meet performance objectives within budget. In today’s digital era, cloud solutions are not just a luxury but a necessity. Leveraging the resilience and backup strategies of Microsoft Business Licenses and Azure Cloud platform alongside MTN’s infrastructure ensures uninterrupted operations and propels growth for our diverse range of customers.”

“Our partnership with Microsoft seamlessly integrates their services with MTN’s robust infrastructure and reliable data network to handle workload and digital applications, aimed at driving progress and success for all the customer segments we serve,” she added.

“At Microsoft, we believe in driving innovation through strategic partnerships,” stated Ola Williams, Country Manager, Microsoft Nigeria, and Ghana. “Our collaboration with MTN Nigeria represents our commitment to empowering businesses with scalable and secure cloud solutions that enable growth and resilience in today’s digital economy.”

The Honourable Minister of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijanni, the Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Dr. Aminu Maida, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Nokia Solutions and Networks Nigeria, to train young Nigerians on latest 4G/ 5G radio and transmission technologies at the Nigerian Communications Commission’s Digital Parks. 

Nokia Nigeria would be setting up a fully functional 5G/4G test lab, leveraging their latest radio and transmission technologies. This collaboration advances the vision to enhance the capacity and skills-set of Nigerians, by equipping them with contemporary skills and knowledge needed to adapt to the rapidly evolving telecommunications industry. 

In tune with the Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy’s goal to drive digital literacy and build a pipeline of technical talents across Nigeria, Nokia Nigeria would also set up an Entrepreneur Learning Programme where it would deliver high-quality vocational trainings to 200 Nigerian students chosen from across the six geo political zones of Nigeria.

Satellite company SES has agreed to buy Intelsat Holdings for $3.1 billion in a deal that would create a major European player but raised investor concerns around debt, sending the buyer’s shares to a record low.

European satellite companies have been looking to consolidate to better compete with the likes of Elon Musk’s Space X-owned Starlink, and Amazon’s Project Kuiper. While a move to gain scale was welcomed by analysts, concerns it might not do much to close the gap with U.S. rivals, while saddling SES with debt, sent its Paris-listed shares down as much as 12% to 4.36 euros, its lowest price ever.

The new company would have a fleet of more than 100 geostationary Earth orbit (GEO) and 26 medium Earth orbit (MEO) satellites, the two companies said in a statement. The deal, unanimously approved by the two companies’ boards, should close in the second half of 2025 and will be financed by cash and new debt, including hybrid bonds, the companies said.