MTN Group, Africa’s largest telecom provider, has joined forces with tech giant Meta to improve the performance of real-time voice and video calls on applications like WhatsApp. This strategic collaboration is set to enhance user experience across 12 African markets, starting with Nigeria.
The partnership is focused on making both networks and apps smarter—what they call “application-aware networks” and “network-aware applications.” By using data analytics and rigorous testing, MTN and Meta have pinpointed areas needing improvement and introduced targeted solutions to strengthen network performance during real-time calls.
Since the beginning of the initiative following the Mobile World Congress 2024, the two companies have worked hand-in-hand to develop solutions that directly improve how mobile networks handle WhatsApp and similar calling services.
Nigeria was the first market to benefit from these enhancements, and early feedback has been overwhelmingly positive. MTN Nigeria reported a 50% improvement in key performance indicators related to voice and video calls—meaning fewer dropped calls, better audio, and clearer video for users.
Commenting on the development, Yahaya Ibrahim, Chief Technology Officer of MTN Nigeria, said the improvements are proof of MTN’s ongoing drive to deliver top-tier digital services. Diego Marí, Meta’s Head of Network Ecosystems Engineering, added that the collaboration is not only about improving user experience but also about making the digital ecosystem more efficient and responsive.
As the project rolls out to more countries, millions of users across Africa can expect a noticeable upgrade in how they connect with friends, family, and colleagues through real-time apps.
