In a groundbreaking collaboration, Vodafone Group Plc and Microsoft Corp. have inked a decade-long partnership, backed by a substantial $1.5 billion investment. The deal, announced on January 16, aims to propel advancements in various business sectors, including artificial intelligence (AI), digital payments, and the Internet of Things (IoT).

Under the terms of the agreement, Vodafone will leverage OpenAI technology on Azure, Microsoft’s cloud computing service, to enhance customer service operations. This includes substantial improvements to Vodafone’s consumer chatbot. Additionally, Vodafone employees will have access to Microsoft Copilot, as outlined in a joint statement.

The partnership is poised to bring scalable digital platforms to over 300 million businesses, public sector organizations, and consumers spanning Europe and Africa.

Satya Nadella, Chairman and CEO of Microsoft, expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration, stating, “This new generation of AI will unlock massive new opportunities for every organization and every industry around the world. We are delighted that together with Vodafone, we will apply the latest cloud and AI technology to enhance the customer experience of hundreds of millions of people and businesses across Africa and Europe, build new products and services, and accelerate the company’s transition to the cloud.”

Following Microsoft’s substantial $13 billion investment in OpenAI, the company actively seeks more users for its Copilot AI assistants. Corporate customers are charged $30 per user per month for Copilot access, a price nearly double the typical cost for Microsoft’s Office suite of products.

Microsoft’s investment in Vodafone’s standalone global IoT-managed connectivity platform aims to connect 175 million devices worldwide. In return, Vodafone becomes an integral part of the Azure ecosystem. The collaboration also targets the scaling of M-Pesa, Africa’s largest financial technology platform, on Azure. It includes the launch of a purpose-led program designed to enrich the lives of 100 million consumers and 1 million SMEs across the continent.

Margherita Della Valle, Chief Executive of Vodafone Group, emphasized the significance of the partnership, stating, “Today, Vodafone has made a bold commitment to the digital future of Europe and Africa. 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.”