Cloudera has released new research indicating that telecommunications operators across Africa may face significant limitations in fully realising the benefits of artificial intelligence investments due to persistent challenges in data access, governance, and integration.
The findings, published in the company’s Data Readiness Index 2026, show that while telecom operators are heavily investing in network expansion, fibre infrastructure, and 5G deployment, many are still operating on fragmented data systems that limit the effectiveness of AI-driven initiatives.
Major regional players such as Vodacom and MTN Group have committed substantial resources to network modernisation and digital transformation programmes. However, the report suggests that gaps in data accessibility and system integration could reduce the expected returns from these large-scale investments.
According to the study, many organisations in the EMEA region are increasing spending on cloud and digital infrastructure, yet a significant proportion still struggle with operational barriers that prevent efficient use of enterprise data. Issues such as restricted data access, fragmented systems, and inconsistent governance frameworks were identified as key obstacles to effective AI deployment.
The report also highlights a growing interest in what it describes as private AI models, where artificial intelligence systems operate within controlled environments that keep sensitive data within an organisation’s own infrastructure. This approach is positioned as a way to improve security, ensure regulatory compliance, and reduce dependency on external cloud systems.
Despite high levels of cloud adoption, the research indicates that many organisations still lack full integration across their data environments. This fragmentation can lead to inefficiencies, increased operational costs, and delays in deploying real-time AI applications such as fraud detection, predictive maintenance, and customer experience optimisation.
Cloudera noted that governance remains a critical issue, particularly in regulated markets such as South Africa, where compliance with data protection laws is essential. The study suggests that weak governance structures could expose organisations to operational and reputational risks if AI systems are deployed without properly managed data frameworks.
According to Athul Prasad, telecom operators are making strong progress in building the physical infrastructure needed for advanced digital services, but challenges around data management could limit the value of these investments if not addressed alongside network expansion.
The report concludes that improving data integration, governance, and accessibility will be essential for operators seeking to fully leverage AI at scale. It also points to growing willingness among organisations to adopt modern data management frameworks as part of broader efforts to strengthen digital readiness and support long-term transformation.
