MTN Group and Airtel Africa have reached an agreement to share mobile network infrastructure in Uganda and Nigeria, a move aimed at cutting costs while improving service coverage. The partnership comes as mobile operators across Africa experience increasing demand for digital and financial services but struggle with the high costs of expanding and maintaining networks, particularly for 5G connectivity.
Announcing the deal, MTN Group CEO Ralph Mupita highlighted that regulatory frameworks in various countries allow for resource-sharing, which can significantly improve operational efficiency and profitability. Airtel Africa CEO Sunil Taldar echoed this sentiment, emphasizing that sharing infrastructure would eliminate unnecessary duplication and reduce financial strain.
By working together, the two companies can extend their network reach faster, especially in rural and sparsely populated areas where it may not be financially viable to build separate infrastructure. This collaboration is expected to enhance mobile and internet penetration, bringing connectivity to millions who previously had limited access to reliable networks.
The agreement in Uganda and Nigeria is only the first step. MTN and Airtel Africa plan to explore similar partnerships in other markets, including Congo-Brazzaville, Rwanda, and Zambia. The companies are considering various forms of collaboration, including the sharing of radio access networks (RAN), which represent the most significant cost in deploying and operating a network. They are also exploring commercial and technical agreements for fiber infrastructure sharing, as well as potential joint investments in fiber network construction where necessary.
While this partnership marks a significant shift towards collaboration in Africa’s telecom sector, both MTN and Airtel Africa have clarified that it does not prevent them from forming similar agreements with other operators. The move reflects a growing industry trend toward infrastructure sharing as a means of expanding connectivity while managing costs effectively.
As the demand for mobile data and digital services continues to rise, partnerships like this could play a crucial role in ensuring wider, faster, and more affordable network access across the continent.
