Airtel Africa and MTN Group have announced a strategic partnership to share network infrastructure in Uganda and Nigeria, with the objective of expanding coverage and improving cost efficiencies for both operators. This collaboration is designed to enhance connectivity, particularly in remote areas that have not yet fully accessed digital services.
In a joint statement, the operators outlined that this agreement would significantly benefit underserved communities in both countries, facilitating broader access to essential digital and financial services.
MTN Group President and CEO Ralph Mupita stated, "We continue to see strong structural demand for digital and financial services across our markets. To meet this demand, we are investing in coverage and capacity to ensure high-quality connectivity for our customers. At the same time, regulatory frameworks provide opportunities to share resources, driving greater efficiency and improving returns."
Airtel Africa Chief Executive Officer Sunil Taldar echoed these sentiments, highlighting that the partnership would help avoid the duplication of costly infrastructure investments while enhancing operational efficiencies that would ultimately benefit subscribers.
Future of Network Sharing
The collaboration between Airtel and MTN is not limited to Uganda and Nigeria. The two companies are also exploring further agreements in other markets, including Congo-Brazzaville, Rwanda, and Zambia. Beyond the sharing of radio access networks (RAN), they are considering commercial and technical agreements for fibre infrastructure sharing and the construction of new fibre networks. Both operators also expressed interest in collaborating with other providers on network sharing initiatives, indicating a broader trend toward collaboration in the telecommunications sector.
This announcement follows the recent network sharing agreement between Vodacom and Orange in the Democratic Republic of Congo, signaling a growing movement among telecom operators to enhance service delivery while managing costs effectively.
The partnership between Airtel Africa and MTN Group underscores their commitment to advancing digital connectivity across Africa, positioning both companies to better serve the needs of consumers and businesses in increasingly competitive markets.
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