Together with Huawei, Uganda MTN Safeguards Enterprise Digital TransformationTogether with Huawei, Uganda MTN Safeguards Enterprise Digital Transformation

MTN, Uganda's largest telecom operator, has partnered with Huawei to help address the key network security challenges faced by the country’s businesses in digital transformation.

The partnership allows MTN to offer Secure Access Service Edge (SASE) solutions based on network security convergence and unified cloud platform management.

Uganda's internet penetration has grown rapidly in recent years, reaching 20 million users in 2023, with the government identifying digital transformation as a key driver for achieving middle-income status. In this context, network security has emerged as an important area of focus.

"The network security barrier has been stretched," said Ibrahim Senyonga, General Manager for Enterprise Business at MTN Uganda. " Given the rapid pace of migration to cloud, enterprise service data access needs have increased, local breakout becomes normal."

Local businesses have struggled to defend against mounting security threats, a challenge compounded by a severe skills shortage. "Both basic skills and digital skills are easily Uganda's greatest challenge in building an inclusive digital economy," the United Nations Capital Development Fund said in a 2021 report.

Uganda is investing in digital upskilling, but businesses need immediate protection. As the country's leading telecom provider, MTN was uniquely positioned to address this challenge.

"We had an innate advantage in providing network security services to our customers," Senyonga said. However, MTN knew any solution needed to balance robust protection with simplicity for the region's nascent digital economy.

The telecom giant selected Huawei's SASE, which integrates networking and security functions into a single system, balancing simplicity with state-of-the-art protection.

“Through joint innovation with Huawei, SASE offers several key benefits," said Senyonga. "It enhances security by protecting users and devices through a unified solution, simplifies management by integrating multiple tools into one system, and increases cost efficiency by reducing hardware and maintenance expenses."

Implementation will begin across Uganda immediately, following a launch ceremony at the 2024 Ultra-Broadband Forum in Istanbul last month.

The partnership aligns with MTN's broader strategy to expand beyond traditional connectivity offerings. The operator now offers services across five main areas: unified communications, IoT, managed network services, cloud and security.

Senyonga is confident about the market's response to MTN's network security solutions, and with good reason. McKinsey estimates the global cybersecurity market could reach $2 trillion, creating opportunities for telecom operators who can leverage their existing networks to provide protection services.

"MTN has evolved from being a 'Telco' to a 'Techco,'" Senyonga said. "Huawei enables us to deliver faster, safer, easier-to-manage and more affordable network solutions, empowering enterprises to thrive."

Looking ahead, MTN Uganda plans to expand into underserved markets and develop more localized security solutions. "We plan to expand our reach by building partnerships with key stakeholders, including government entities, to create an environment conducive to digital transformation," he added.