Operators Telefonica and MTN are joining forces after announcing a strategic partnership agreement to work together in a number of areas, including growth around M2M and enterprise.

The partnership will see the two companies come together under the Telefonica Partners Program initiative, launched by the Spain-headquartered operator in 2011.

In a statement, the companies said they will work together to capture synergies in a number of areas, including M2M, new digital products, as well as services targeting the B2B segment.

Both groups will further cooperate to “capture the new industry opportunities”, and extend the collaboration around international wholesale, devices and network/IT procurement.

Telefonica said its Partners Program already includes operators in 35 markets across Europe, Latin America, Asia and the Middle East, with MTN’s inclusion now adding Africa to the list.

MTN’s group chief digital officer Herman Singh said the development scope of the partnership will help with innovation “as we move into the new digital world”, as well as bringing new products to market.

In addition to the outlined areas of collaboration, both companies said they may also engage in other business areas, including new initiatives such as mobile money or big data projects.