MTN Group has teamed up with UAE-based consultancy Agility Arabia to implement one of the telecom sector’s most ambitious Agile transformations in procurement. The initiative, executed across MTN’s Global Sourcing and Supply Chain (GSSC) division, has set new standards in procurement agility, transparency, and operational efficiency.
Serving over 291 million customers across 16 African markets, MTN aimed to tackle growing business complexities, accelerate time to market, and maximize procurement value. The GSSC division—overseeing sourcing, supply chain, and vendor management for 17 operating companies—was identified as a critical driver for this strategic overhaul.
Agility Arabia was chosen for its pioneering Agile procurement expertise, regional presence, and status as the UAE’s first Scrum.org Professional Training Network member. The collaboration introduced a Lean Agile Procurement (LAP) framework, shifting MTN from traditional waterfall methodologies to adaptive, iterative delivery.
The transformation encompassed capability-building, live coaching, and restructuring around Agile squads. Progress was measured using Agility Arabia’s proprietary 23-point Agile performance assessment. Initiatives included ongoing training for newcomers, weekly “Breakfast & Learn” sessions, and upskilling the Scrum Master cohort.
Andrew Savage, MTN’s Global Lead for Procurement Excellence, praised Agility Arabia’s role in aligning teams and fostering engagement, with over 80% participation in Agile initiatives. The transformation yielded a 55% improvement in strategic RFP cycle times and doubled the Agile Net Promoter Score within three months, showcasing clear business benefits.
