Johannesburg – Airtel Africa and Vodacom Group (www.vodacom.com) has announced strategic infrastructure sharing agreements in key markets, including Mozambique, Tanzania and the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), subject to regulatory approvals from their respective countries.
The agreement marks a transformative milestone in promoting digital inclusion and expanding access to trusted connections across Africa.
The first partnership focuses on sharing fiber networks and tower infrastructure, accelerating the deployment of digital services in these markets, increasing customer connectivity, reducing operator infrastructure costs, and improving speed to the market.
By leveraging existing infrastructure, collaboration aims to provide improved connectivity, faster internet speeds and more reliable services.
This not only improves the customer experience, but also provides access to digital services to a larger population, particularly underserved populations, and helps bridge the digital disparity in Africa.
Sameel Joosub, CEO of Vodacom Group, said:
“The partnership with Airtel Africa is a proactive step in creating a sustainable, inclusive, connected digital future for the continent.
“Through infrastructure sharing, we can provide more people with cost-effective services more quickly, ensuring no one is left in the digital age.
“As we fulfill our ambition to connect 260 million customers by 2030, the need for scalable and cost-effective network solutions will become increasingly important.
“This partnership will narrow down digital disparities and provide opportunities to empower more individuals and communities through digitalization across the continent.
“We are consistent with our goal to connect for a better future.”
“We're looking forward to seeing you in the future,” said Sunil Taldar, CEO of Airtel Africa.
“We will work with Vodacom to open access to digital and financial opportunities, which will change your life while complying with all regulatory requirements.
“As a competitor, it has become a business imperative that we work together in providing critical infrastructure with strong capabilities to support new digital technologies and the strong capabilities to increase the need for data-enabled products and services.
Accelerating the deployment of fiber connections is a key enabler in the acceleration of 4G and 5G technologies in Africa, providing the fast, low latency, and reliable connectivity required for modern digital applications.
“This partnership will allow both operators to improve network performance, increase coverage, increase mobile, fixed and financial services, and take advantage of the wider footprint on the continent.”
