Airtel Africa and Vodacom Group have unveiled a strategic agreement to share infrastructure in key markets, including Mozambique, Tanzania, and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) pending regulatory approval in each country. This landmark collaboration represents a major leap toward advancing digital inclusion and expanding reliable connectivity across the continent.
The partnership’s initial phase will focus on pooling fibre networks and tower infrastructure to fast-track the deployment of digital services. This approach will boost customer connectivity, cut infrastructure costs for operators, and speed up market rollouts.
By tapping into existing infrastructure, the initiative will deliver faster internet speeds, greater reliability, and improved service quality. The enhanced network capabilities aim to benefit a wider population — especially those in underserved areas — helping to close Africa’s digital divide.
“Providing connectivity to empower people is at the core of our strategy. Our partnership with Airtel Africa is a proactive step forward in creating a sustainable, inclusive, and connected digital future for the continent. 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 digitalization across the continent. It is aligned with our purpose to connect for a better future.”
– Shameel Joosub, Chief Executive Officer, Vodacom Group
“This partnership is aligned with our unwavering commitment to delighting our customers by always making our 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. Even as competitors, it has become a business imperative for us to collaborate in the provision of critical infrastructure required to build 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.”
– Sunil Taldar, Chief Executive Officer, Airtel Africa
