Airtel Africa and Vodacom Group have announced a strategic infrastructure-sharing agreement in key markets, including Mozambique, Tanzania, and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), pending regulatory approvals in these countries.

This agreement represents a significant step toward promoting digital inclusion and expanding access to reliable connectivity across Africa.

The initial focus of the partnership is on sharing fiber networks and tower infrastructure to accelerate the rollout of digital services in these markets. This collaboration aims to increase connectivity for customers while reducing infrastructure costs for the operators and improving speed to market.

By leveraging existing infrastructure, both companies aim to enhance connectivity, provide faster internet speeds, and offer more reliable services. This initiative is designed to improve customer experience and extend access to digital services for a broader population, particularly in underserved areas, helping to bridge the digital divide in Africa.

Shameel Joosub, CEO of Vodacom Group, stated: “Providing connectivity to empower people is at the core of our strategy. Our partnership with Airtel Africa is a proactive step forward in creating a sustainable, inclusive, and connected digital future for the continent. Through infrastructure sharing, we can deliver cost-effective services to more people more quickly, ensuring that no one is left behind in the digital age. As we work towards connecting 260 million customers by 2030, the need for scalable and cost-efficient network solutions becomes increasingly important. This partnership provides us with the opportunity to narrow the digital divide, empowering more individuals and communities through digitalization across the continent. It aligns with our mission to connect for a better future.”

Sunil Taldar, CEO of Airtel Africa, added: “This partnership reflects our strong commitment to delighting our customers by ensuring our network is available to them, even in remote locations. Collaborating with Vodacom will open up greater access to digital and financial opportunities, transforming the lives of our customers while adhering to all regulatory requirements. Even as competitors, it has become essential for us to collaborate on providing critical infrastructure to build a resilient network capable of supporting emerging digital technologies and the growing demand for data-enabled products and services.

Accelerating the deployment of fiber connectivity is crucial for advancing 4G and 5G technologies in Africa, delivering the high-speed, low-latency, and reliable connections needed for modern digital applications. This partnership also opens up further opportunities for both operators to enhance network performance, extend coverage, and increase mobile, fixed, and financial services by leveraging a broader footprint across the continent.”

by Brian Emorut

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