MTN Group and Airtel Africa have entered into strategic agreements to share network infrastructure in Nigeria and Uganda as part of efforts to enhance digital and financial inclusion across the continent. The partnership, announced on Wednesday, aims to improve network efficiencies, expand coverage, and provide enhanced mobile services to millions of customers, particularly those in remote and underserved areas.
The agreement reflects a growing trend in the global telecoms industry, where operators collaborate on infrastructure to reduce costs and accelerate service delivery. By working together, MTN and Airtel Africa seek to bridge the connectivity gap, ensuring more people benefit from reliable mobile and financial services without unnecessary duplication of resources.
MTN Group President and Chief Executive Officer Ralph Mupita emphasized that the partnership aligns with the company’s broader vision of driving Africa’s digital transformation. He noted that demand for digital services continues to rise across the continent, making infrastructure-sharing a practical solution for expanding network coverage while optimizing costs.
“As MTN, we are driven by the vision of delivering digital solutions that drive Africa’s progress. 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. That said, there are opportunities within regulatory frameworks for sharing resources to drive higher efficiencies and improve returns,” Mupita stated.
Airtel Africa Chief Executive Officer Sunil Taldar also stressed the importance of collaboration, explaining that while both companies remain competitors in the market, they are committed to working together to improve access to mobile and financial services.
“As we compete fiercely in the market on the strength of our brand, services, and offerings, we are also building common infrastructure, within the permissible regulatory framework, to provide a more robust and extensive digital highway. This approach helps drive digital and financial inclusion while avoiding duplication of expensive infrastructure, leading to greater operational efficiencies and benefits for our customers,” Taldar said.
The partnership is expected to unlock significant benefits, including cost reductions, faster network deployment, and improved service quality for consumers. By leveraging shared infrastructure, both companies can expand their reach into rural and hard-to-reach areas, where connectivity remains limited.
Following the agreements in Uganda and Nigeria, MTN and Airtel Africa are also exploring similar partnerships in other markets, including Congo-Brazzaville, Rwanda, and Zambia. The companies are considering various types of agreements, such as radio access network (RAN) sharing and fibre infrastructure collaboration, which could involve joint construction of fibre networks where necessary.
Despite the collaboration on infrastructure, MTN and Airtel Africa emphasized that they will continue to operate as independent market entities, maintaining their competitive positions while working together to improve service delivery. The initiative underscores a broader industry shift towards innovative, cost-effective solutions that enhance connectivity and drive economic growth across Africa.
