Airtel Africa, Vodacom Group sign network infrastructure agreement

Airtel Africa and Vodacom Group announce a strategic infrastructure sharing agreement in key markets, including Mozambique, Tanzania, and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), subject to regulatory approvals in the various countries. The agreement marks a transformative milestone in promoting digital inclusion and expanding access to reliable connectivity across Africa.

The initial partnership focuses on sharing fibre networks and tower infrastructure to accelerate the roll-out of digital services in these markets, increasing connectivity for customers while reducing operators’ infrastructure costs and improving speed to market.

By leveraging existing infrastructure, the collaboration aims to deliver improved connectivity, faster internet speeds, and more reliable services. This will not only enhance the customer experience but also provide access to digital services for a broader population, particularly those in underserved areas, helping to bridge the digital divide in Africa.

“Providing connectivity to empower people is at the core of our strategy,” Shameel Joosub, Vodacom Group CEO, said in a press statement. “Our partnership with Airtel Africa is a proactive step forward in creating a sustainable, inclusive, and connected digital future for Africa.”

Joosub adds that “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.

Sunil Taldar, Airtel Africa CEO, remarked that the partnership aligns with their unwavering commitment to delighting their customers by always making their 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,” he noted.

Taldar noted that even as competitors, it has become a business imperative for them to collaborate in the provision of critical infrastructure required to build a 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,” said Taldar.

See also: MTN and Airtel Africa infrastructure sharing will improve rural connectivity in Uganda and Nigeria