MTN Group and Airtel Africa have forged strategic alliances to share network infrastructure in Uganda and Nigeria, marking a significant step towards enhancing digital and financial inclusion across the continent. These agreements are meticulously designed to comply with local regulatory frameworks, ensuring that all collaborative efforts align with statutory requirements.

The core objectives of these partnerships include improving network efficiency, expanding coverage to underserved areas, and delivering enhanced mobile services to a broader customer base. This is particularly crucial for remote and rural communities, where access to reliable connectivity remains a significant challenge.

Ralph Mupita, President and CEO of MTN Group, emphasized the growing demand for data services across Africa, underscoring the company’s commitment to driving the continent's digital transformation. "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 continue to invest 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, highlighting the strategic importance of resource sharing within regulatory boundaries.

Sunil Taldar, CEO of Airtel Africa, echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the benefits of infrastructure sharing in enhancing network reach and reducing operational costs. "As we compete fiercely in the market on the strength of our brand, services, and our offerings we are building common infrastructure, within the permissible regulatory framework, to provide a more robust and extensive digital highway to drive digital and financial inclusion at the same time avoiding duplication of expensive infrastructure to drive operational efficiencies and benefits for our customers," Taldar explained, noting the importance of avoiding redundant infrastructure investments.

This initiative aligns with a growing global trend where telecom operators are increasingly adopting network-sharing models to improve service delivery while effectively managing costs. By working collaboratively, MTN and Airtel Africa aim to bolster service reliability and accelerate connectivity expansion throughout Africa. The sharing of infrastructure enables the delivery of world-class, reliable mobile services to an increasing number of customers.

Following the agreements in Uganda and Nigeria, both companies are actively exploring similar partnerships in other African markets, including Congo-Brazzaville, Rwanda, and Zambia. Potential collaborations under consideration include Radio Access Network (RAN) sharing, commercial and technical agreements for fibre infrastructure sharing, and, where necessary, the construction of new fibre networks.

MTN Group and Airtel Africa have reaffirmed their commitment to working with other mobile operators within the countries in which they operate to realize the advantages of network sharing. Throughout this process, both parties will continue to function as independent market entities, competing freely in shared markets. These collaborative efforts do not preclude either party from forming additional partnerships with other operators in any respective market, ensuring a competitive and dynamic telecommunications landscape.

The partnerships between MTN and Airtel Africa represent a significant step forward in addressing the digital divide and fostering economic growth through enhanced connectivity. By strategically sharing resources and infrastructure, these companies are paving the way for a more connected and digitally inclusive Africa.