MTN Group and Airtel Africa have signed a landmark agreement to share network infrastructure in Nigeria and Uganda, boosting digital and financial inclusion on the continent.
In a statement, MTN indicated that the partnership aims to enhance cost efficiency, expand coverage, and improve mobile service delivery, especially in rural areas where connectivity remains challenging.
MTN Group President and CEO Ralph Mupita spoke of the increasing demand for data services throughout Africa, stating, “At MTN, our vision is to bring digital solutions to drive Africa’s progress. Demand for digital and financial services continues to increase, and we are investing heavily in network expansion to meet this demand. Within regulatory frameworks, infrastructure sharing can drive efficiency and enhance overall returns.”
The same was echoed by Airtel Africa CEO Sunil Taldar, noting that while competition remains fierce, there can be cooperation in infrastructure for a more robust and wider digital ecosystem. “With shared resources within permissible regulations, we can drive digital and financial inclusion while optimizing costs and reducing duplicate infrastructure,” he said.
The agreement forms part of a global trend whereby telecommunications operators share resources to attain optimum coverage and service quality while managing operational expenditures more effectively. Infrastructure sharing can expand world-class mobile coverage across Africa, benefiting millions.
MTN and Airtel Africa are expanding partnerships beyond Nigeria and Uganda to Congo-Brazzaville, Rwanda, and Zambia, covering RAN sharing, fibre infrastructure, and joint network development.
Despite this infrastructure collaboration, MTN and Airtel Africa reaffirm their commitment to competing independently in their respective markets. They also remain open to collaborating with other telecommunication operators to further broaden connectivity solutions in Africa.
With this strategic partnership, the two telecom giants are taking enormous leaps toward closing the digital divide and building a more connected, inclusive future for the continent.
