Written by Saf Malik
Vodafone and Microsoft have inked a 10-year strategic partnership to bring generative AI, digital services and the cloud to more than 300 million businesses and customers across Europe and Africa.
Vodafone will invest US$1.5 billion over the next 10 years in cloud and customer-focused AI services developed in conjunction with Microsoft. Microsoft will also use Vodafone’s fixed and mobile connectivity services.
The companies will collaborate to transform Vodafone’s customer experience using generative AI while the firm also aims to overhaul its global data centre cloud strategy.
Microsoft also intends to invest in Vodafone’s managed IoT connectivity platform which will become a separate, standalone business by April 2024.
“Today, Vodafone has made a bold commitment to the digital future of Europe and Africa,” Margherita Della Valle, chief executive at Vodafone Group said.
“This unique strategic partnership with Microsoft will accelerate the digital transformation of our business customers, particularly small and medium-sized companies, and step up the quality of customer experience for consumers.”
