Airtel Africa and Vodacom Group have signed a strategic network infrastructure sharing agreement in key markets, including Mozambique, Tanzania, and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), in a move aimed at accelerating digital inclusion across the continent. The deal is subject to regulatory approvals in each country.
The collaboration marks a significant milestone in expanding access to reliable and affordable connectivity in Africa.
Initially, the partnership will focus on sharing fibre networks and tower infrastructure to speed up the rollout of digital services, particularly in underserved areas.
The initiative is expected to increase connectivity for millions of customers, lower infrastructure costs for operators, and shorten deployment times.
By leveraging existing assets, both companies aim to deliver faster internet speeds, more reliable services, and improved customer experiences.
This will help bridge the digital divide, enabling more people to access essential online services, from education and healthcare to mobile banking and e-commerce.
Vodacom Group Chief Executive Officer Shameel Joosub said the partnership underscores the company’s vision to connect 260 million customers by 2030.
“Providing connectivity to empower people is at the core of our strategy. Our partnership with Airtel Africa is a proactive step towards creating a sustainable, inclusive, and connected digital future for the continent. Through infrastructure sharing, we can provide cost-effective services more rapidly, ensuring no one is left behind in the digital age,” Joosub said.
Airtel Africa Chief Executive Officer Sunil Taldar highlighted the importance of collaboration, even between competitors, to meet Africa’s growing demand for data-enabled products and services.
“This partnership is aligned with our unwavering commitment to delight our customers by making our network available even in the remotest locations. Working with Vodacom will open greater access to digital and financial opportunities, transforming lives while meeting regulatory requirements,” Taldar said.
He added that accelerating fibre deployment is crucial to the rollout of 4G and 5G technologies, which require high-speed, low-latency, and reliable connections to support modern digital applications.
Both companies believe the agreement will not only enhance network performance and extend coverage but also expand access to mobile, fixed, and financial services, leveraging a broader footprint across Africa.