MTN Group and Airtel Africa have entered into a strategic network infrastructure-sharing agreement in Nigeria and Uganda, aimed at expanding mobile connectivity in underserved regions.
In a joint statement released Wednesday, the two telecom giants outlined that the partnership reflects a growing trend toward cost optimization in the industry. It seeks to enhance mobile services, particularly in remote and rural areas where many still lack access to modern connectivity.
The agreements being considered include sharing Radio Access Networks (RAN) and establishing both commercial and technical agreements for fiber infrastructure. These initiatives may involve building new fiber networks where necessary.
Ralph Mupita, MTN Group President and CEO, emphasized the growing demand for data services across the continent. He stated, “At MTN, our vision is to deliver digital solutions that propel Africa’s progress. We are seeing a sustained demand for digital and financial services, and we continue to invest in coverage and capacity to ensure high-quality connectivity for our customers.”
He added, “Given the evolving regulatory frameworks, there are also significant opportunities for sharing resources, driving efficiencies, and improving returns.”
MTN and Airtel Africa, which together control 51.79% and 34.11% of Nigeria’s telecom market respectively, have both faced significant foreign exchange losses due to the depreciation of the naira.
Sunil Taldar, CEO of Airtel Africa, remarked, “While we compete vigorously in the market through our brand and services, we are simultaneously building common infrastructure within regulatory boundaries. This approach creates a more robust and expansive digital ecosystem, driving both digital and financial inclusion, while reducing the need for expensive infrastructure duplication—ultimately delivering better value to our customers.”
Following the successful agreements in Nigeria and Uganda, MTN and Airtel Africa are now exploring similar opportunities in other African markets, including Congo-Brazzaville, Rwanda, and Zambia.
Airtel Africa operates in 14 countries across sub-Saharan Africa, serving over 156 million customers. Meanwhile, MTN Group operates in 19 countries across Africa and the Middle East, with a customer base of 287 million.
