Airtel Africa and Vodacom Group have entered a strategic infrastructure-sharing agreement in key African markets, including Mozambique, Tanzania, and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), pending regulatory approvals.
The collaboration, focused on fibre networks and tower sharing, aims to accelerate digital services, reduce costs, and enhance connectivity for millions.
By pooling resources, the partnership will deliver faster internet, broader coverage, and more reliable services, particularly in underserved regions. This move supports both companies’ goals of closing Africa’s digital divide while driving economic growth through improved access to mobile, fixed, and financial services.
Vodacom’s Vision: A Connected, Inclusive Africa
Vodacom Group CEO Shameel Joosub said: “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 provide cost-effective services to more people, more rapidly, ensuring that no one is left behind in the digital age. As we fulfil our ambition to connect 260 million customers by 2030, the need for scalable and cost-efficient network solutions becomes increasingly significant.*
This partnership provides us with the opportunity to narrow the digital divide, empowering more individuals and communities through digitalisation across the continent. It is aligned with our purpose to connect for a better future,” concludes Joosub.
Airtel’s Commitment: Expanding Digital Access
Airtel Africa CEO Sunil Taldar added: “This partnership is aligned with our unwavering commitment to delighting our customers by always making our network available to them even in the remotest locations. Working with Vodacom, we will open greater access to digital and financial opportunities which will transform the lives of our customers while complying with all regulatory requirements.
Even as competitors, it has become a business imperative for us to collaborate in the provision of critical infrastructure required to build resilient network with strong capacity to support the emerging digital technologies as well as the growing need for data-enabled products and services.
*Accelerating the deployment of fibre connectivity is a key enabler in the acceleration of 4G and 5G technologies in Africa to deliver the high-speed, low-latency, and reliable connections needed for modern digital applications.*
This partnership allows for further opportunities for both operators to enhance network performance, extend coverage, and increase mobile, fixed, and financial services leveraging a broader footprint on the continent.”
The agreement marks a pivotal step in Africa’s digital transformation, combining resources to deliver faster, more affordable connectivity while fostering financial inclusion and technological advancement.
