Airtel Africa, Vodacom Ink Landmark Infrastructure Sharing Deal to Boost Connectivity in Africa

Airtel Africa and Vodacom Group have entered into a landmark infrastructure sharing agreement aimed at accelerating high-speed internet rollout across Mozambique, Tanzania, and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

The deal — still subject to regulatory approval — will see the two telecom giants share fibre networks and tower infrastructure, targeting underserved and rural areas where connectivity remains limited.

By pooling network assets, Airtel and Vodacom aim to cut operational costs, speed up service deployment, and deliver faster, more reliable internet to millions, helping to close Africa’s persistent digital divide.

Expanding Digital and Financial Access

Vodacom Group CEO Shameel Joosub described the agreement as a “proactive step toward a sustainable and inclusive digital future for Africa.”

“As we fulfil our ambition to connect 260 million customers by 2030, the need for scalable and cost-efficient network solutions becomes increasingly significant,” Joosub said.

Airtel Africa CEO Sunil Taldar said the collaboration aligns with Airtel’s mission to extend network reach “even in the remotest locations.”

“Partnering with Vodacom will enhance access to digital and financial opportunities for our customers, while meeting all regulatory requirements,” Taldar noted.

He added that even as competitors, African telecom operators are recognising the business necessity of collaboration to enable emerging digital technologies and meet the surging demand for data-driven services.

Enabling 4G, 5G and Future Technologies

According to Taldar, accelerating fibre deployment is critical for enabling 4G and 5G technologies across the continent. The partnership is expected to:

• Improve network performance and coverage

• Support mobile, fixed-line, and financial services

• Reduce duplication of infrastructure investments

• Speed up time-to-market for new digital solutions

Both companies see the deal as a catalyst for long-term digital transformation, helping to reach millions more Africans with affordable, high-speed connectivity.

Part of a Growing Telecom Collaboration Trend

This development mirrors a similar Airtel Africa–MTN Group agreement earlier this year, which also focused on infrastructure sharing in Nigeria and Uganda.

In Nigeria, 9mobile also recently signed an infrastructure partnership with MTN to leverage existing network assets and reduce capital expenditure.

Industry analysts say the trend signals a strategic shift among African telecom operators toward collaboration over competition in building critical infrastructure — lowering costs, speeding rollout, and meeting the surging demand for data services.