Mobile operators Airtel Africa and Vodacom join forces to share network resources, aiming to enhance interconnectedness in significant African markets
Airtel Africa and Vodacom Group Partner to Boost Digital Inclusion in Africa
In a significant move to enhance digital connectivity and inclusion across Africa, Airtel Africa and Vodacom Group have announced a strategic infrastructure sharing agreement in key African markets, including Mozambique, Tanzania, and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
This collaboration aims to accelerate the roll-out of digital services in these markets by sharing fiber optic networks and telecommunications towers. The partnership is designed to boost high-speed internet services such as 4G and 5G, reduce operational costs for both operators, and improve network deployment speed, particularly in underserved and remote areas.
Shameel Joosub, CEO of Vodacom Group, stated that the partnership aligns with their strategy to create a sustainable, inclusive, and connected digital future in Africa. Sunil Taldar, CEO of Airtel Africa, emphasized the partnership's focus on delivering digital and financial opportunities to customers, particularly in remote locations.
Key impacts on digital inclusion and connectivity include:
- Expanded digital access in underserved and rural areas, helping to bridge Africa’s digital divide by reaching populations previously excluded from reliable internet services.
- Improved network quality with faster, more stable, and high-quality connections, which enhances customer experience and supports the delivery of digital and financial services, including mobile banking and e-learning.
- Reduced operational costs through shared infrastructure, enabling cost-effective service provision, making connectivity more affordable and sustainable.
The partnership is expected to contribute to bridging the digital divide in Africa, empowering more individuals and communities through digitalization. It is also in line with Vodacom’s ambition to connect 260 million customers by 2030, emphasizing the importance of scalable and cost-efficient network solutions for future growth.
Both CEOs acknowledge that despite being competitors, cooperating on critical infrastructure is a necessary business imperative to build resilient networks capable of supporting new digital technologies and data demands. This agreement represents a proactive step toward creating a sustainable, inclusive digital future across Africa by leveraging joint assets to widen broadband coverage, improve internet reliability, and accelerate the rollout of next-generation networks, thereby empowering communities through enhanced digital connectivity and inclusion.
The initial partnership focuses on sharing fibre networks and tower infrastructure. As the collaboration progresses, it is expected to extend to other areas, including network performance, extended coverage, and increased mobile, fixed, and financial services across the continent. The agreement is subject to regulatory approvals in the various countries.
The strategic infrastructure sharing agreement between Airtel Africa and Vodacom Group in key African markets will lead to enhanced mobile connectivity, especially in underserved and remote areas. This collaboration, designed to deliver digital and financial opportunities, will also reduce operational costs for both operators, making connectivity more affordable and sustainable in the African business landscape.
