The new optical network solution is now live in the Lagos district, establishing a stronger foundation for Nigeria’s digital future.
MTN Nigeria and Huawei have successfully launched Nigeria’s first high-rate 400G/800G Hybrid Automatically Switched Optical Network (ASON) in Lagos in June 2025. This landmark achievement marks the entry of Nigeria's digital infrastructure into a new era of ultra-broadband and high reliability.
The partnership underscores a shared commitment to building resilient and future-proof digital infrastructure in Africa.
MTN Nigeria CTO Yahaya Ibrahim emphasized the strategic importance of the upgrade:
“This milestone enables MTN Nigeria to meet its growing capacity demands and improve the performance of wireless, home broadband and enterprise services. With higher-capacity optical channels like 400G/800G, we are able to reduce cost per bit while boosting service reliability. The deployment of Hybrid ASON significantly enhances the stability of 100GE and higher services, ensures upstream connectivity and safeguards MTN’s revenue streams.”
The President of Huawei's Optical Transmission Domain, Gavin Gu, stated:
“We are honored to partner with MTN to deliver this landmark 400G/800G Hybrid ASON network. By integrating our latest 400G/800G coherent optics, OXC all-optical switching and Hybrid ASON technologies, we have built an F5.5G foundation that not only enhances the current network capabilities but also accommodates the demands for intelligence. We are proud to be part of this journey with MTN and look forward to further joint innovations that will enhance the regional ICT capabilities and jointly promote the arrival of the intelligent world.”
The project archived two significant technical breakthroughs:
- The first activation of L0 + L1 ASON (Optical and Electrical switching) on the DWDM transmission backbone in Lagos.
- The first deployment of single-wavelength 800G optical channel in the Nigerian DWDM network, setting a new benchmark for optical transport networks in West Africa.
The implemented solution leverages Huawei’s advanced 400G/800G platforms, Optical Cross-Connect (OXC), and Hybrid ASON solutions. These innovations provide not only high capacity and scalability but also deliver cost efficiency and operational simplicity, allowing MTN to reduce long-term maintenance costs and differentiate service offerings.
The initiative cements MTN’s leadership in broadband innovation and sets a precedent for future infrastructure upgrades across the region, providing robust support for Africa’s digital transformation and unlocking the digital economy.
Looking ahead, Huawei will continue to deepen its collaboration with MTN, working together to build intelligent optical networks for the future, accelerate the process of digital inclusion, and unleash the immense potential of Africa's digital economy.
As a Founding and Headline Sponsor, Huawei will showcase its latest solutions and products at MWC25 Kigali. Visit Huawei Booth 208 at the Kigali Convention Centre to explore the latest innovations and discuss the future of the industry.