In a landmark move aimed at accelerating digital connectivity across Africa, Airtel Africa and Vodacom Group have entered into a strategic agreement to share fibre and tower infrastructure in Mozambique, Tanzania, and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The partnership, which is currently pending regulatory approval in each country, is expected to significantly enhance the rollout of 4G and 5G networks, improve service quality, and reduce operational costs for both telecom giants.
The agreement reflects a growing trend in Africa’s telecommunications landscape, where traditional competitors are increasingly collaborating to overcome infrastructure challenges. By leveraging each other’s existing assets, Airtel and Vodacom aim to expand network coverage more rapidly and cost-effectively, particularly in rural and underserved regions where the cost of deployment remains a major barrier.
Shameel Joosub, CEO of Vodacom Group, emphasized the strategic importance of the partnership:
This initiative aligns with our ambition to connect 260 million customers by 2030. Infrastructure sharing enables us to deliver affordable, high-quality services to more people, faster, ensuring that no one is left behind in the digital age.
Echoing this sentiment, Sunil Taldar, CEO of Airtel Africa, highlighted the transformative potential of the collaboration:
Partnering with Vodacom allows us to extend digital and financial inclusion to even the most remote communities. Together, we are committed to unlocking opportunities that can truly transform lives, while ensuring full compliance with local regulatory frameworks.
A central focus of the agreement is the acceleration of fibre network deployment, which is essential for supporting high-speed mobile internet and low-latency applications. Fibre infrastructure underpins the performance of 4G and 5G technologies, enabling services such as video streaming, cloud computing, and digital financial transactions.
The partnership is poised to make a meaningful impact on bridging the digital divide across the continent. Many rural areas remain disconnected due to the high cost and logistical complexity of building telecom infrastructure in challenging terrains. By sharing resources, Airtel and Vodacom can extend broadband access at a fraction of the cost, making connectivity more affordable, sustainable, and inclusive.
This agreement follows similar moves in the sector. Earlier in 2025, MTN Group and Airtel Africa announced infrastructure-sharing plans in Uganda and Nigeria, aimed at expanding rural coverage. These partnerships align with the growing adoption of Open Radio Access Networks (Open RAN), which offer more flexible and cost-efficient deployment models.
For Airtel Africa, the deal complements its broader strategy, including satellite connectivity partnerships with Starlink, aimed at enhancing network resilience and expanding digital services across its 14-country footprint. Vodacom, meanwhile, continues to invest heavily in network expansion, with a R20 billion commitment to 5G and rural connectivity in South Africa.
If approved, this partnership could serve as a blueprint for cross-operator collaboration in other African markets, demonstrating how strategic alliances can drive both commercial success and social impact in the digital era.
