MTN’s impressive IoT capabilities – and how they can empower Smart Cities in South Africa

MTN is more than a connectivity provider – it is also a South African leader in IoT.

It started its IoT journey in Machine-to-Machine (M2M) infrastructure, and now boasts a telemetry base of approximately 6 million subscribers – highlighting the key role MTN plays in the local IoT industry.

MTN’s M2M proficiency is particularly notable through its MTN Connected Things (MCT) CMP platform – which it has built in partnership with Eseye.

The platform serves as the core framework upon which extensive Smart City IoT projects can be implemented in South Africa.

MTN’s MCT CMP platform on Eseye is fully market-ready and is expected to be officially launched to MTN’s clients in the second quarter of 2025.

Multi-layer capabilities

MTN, through its partner ecosystem, is now also playing in the IoT device and sensor sector.

It is cutting across IT and OT and, therefore, has the capability to deliver world-class industry vertical solutions.

To ensure its clients can make the most of the MCT platform, MTN works with industry partners across the hardware, sensors, applications, data handling, and security layers of the IoT tech stack.

By working with top brands, MTN believes it can build comprehensive, full-layer IoT ecosystems that improve South African lives.

“When you map out these different layers of the IoT ecosystem, MTN and our industry partners are expertly positioned to enable world-class industry solutions for South African organisations and businesses,” said Moitra.

Moitra shared a great example of MTN’s IoT vertical capabilities in the form of its MTN Connected Fleet (MCF) solution.

Through this offering, which runs primarily at the application layer, MTN helps organisations leverage AI-powered insights about their fleets’ activities, productivity, and opportunities.

Key features of this solution include driver behaviour monitoring, optimal route planning, asset tracking, and intelligent fleet management.

The MCF solution is available to both MTN’s private sector logistics client base and state entities.

“We already have several clients leveraging the benefits of smarter fleet operations, and encourage more organisations to take advantage of this offering,” said Moitra.

Partnership with government in driving smart city initiatives

The incredible IoT capabilities offered by MTN and its partner ecosystem have made it an ideal partner for state projects.

In particular, MTN is currently working with the South African government to develop the country’s Smart City vision.

This is possible thanks to the National Treasury’s RT-29 transversal contract, which allows MTN to engage with municipalities.

“There are exciting possibilities for bringing change to be realised in South Africa through Smart City frameworks,” said Moitra.

Currently, MTN is focused on the transformation of, and the provision of services to, smart water and electricity meters.

MTN has already engaged with municipalities under its RT-29 contract to deliver these smart utility services.

The company has major aspirations to work with more SOEs and national departments to help them leverage the above technologies.

“At MTN, we look forward to collaborating with the government and our local partners to build cutting-edge Smart City ecosystems in South Africa,” said Moitra.