Network infrastructure sharing is gaining traction on the continent, as major telecom operators collaborate in an accelerated digital inclusion push across Africa.
This comes after Airtel Africa and Vodacom Group signed a strategic infrastructure sharing agreement in key markets including Mozambique, Tanzania, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC).
The trend is growing as competitors acknowledge that collaboration in the provision of key infrastructure is now a business necessity in order to build resilient networks with sufficient capacity to accommodate emerging digital technologies.
The partnership between Vodacom and Airtel is still subject to regulatory approval in various countries.
The deal, according to the telcos' joint statement, is a watershed moment in advancing digital inclusiveness and boosting access to reliable connectivity across Africa.
According to the announcement, the initial agreement focuses on sharing fibre networks and tower equipment to accelerate the roll-out of digital services, increasing customer connectivity while lowering operator infrastructure costs and improving time 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 customer experience but also assist with providing access to digital services for a broader population, particularly those in underserved areas, helping to bridge the digital divide in Africa,” the statement said.
Vodacom's new Airtel collaboration is the latest infrastructure sharing agreement since January, when the Johannesburg-based pan-African telco partnered with Orange to build Africa's first rural TowerCo venture.
Vodacom announced at the time that both companies would work together through the Orange collaboration to build, own, and manage solar-powered mobile base stations in underserved areas of the DRC.
Both telcos stated that the initiative would increase network coverage and provide access to telecommunications and mobile banking services to up to 19 million people in less densely populated areas, thereby bridging the digital divide and fostering inclusive growth.
In March, MTN Group followed suit, announcing its own Airtel Africa network sharing agreement.
According to MTN and Airtel, the decision was prompted by a goal to enhance digital and financial inclusion across Africa.
Following the completion of agreements in Uganda and Nigeria, MTN and Airtel Africa are exploring new opportunities in Congo-Brazzaville, Rwanda, and Zambia.
Shameel Joosub, CEO of Vodacom Group, commented on the latest agreement between Vodacom and Airtel: “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 digitalisation across the continent. It is aligned with our purpose to connect for a better future.”
Sunil Taldar, CEO of Airtel Africa, said: “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."
He continued: "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.”
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