Airtel Africa and Vodacom Group have entered into a strategic infrastructure-sharing agreement aimed at expanding access to digital services in key African markets, including Mozambique, Tanzania, and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The deal is subject to regulatory approvals in each country.
The partnership will see the two telecom giants share fibre networks and tower infrastructure to speed up the rollout of high-speed internet and digital services. By leveraging existing infrastructure, the companies aim to improve connectivity, boost internet speeds, and enhance service reliability — particularly in underserved regions.
Both operators say the initiative will help bridge Africa’s digital divide while lowering infrastructure costs and reducing the time it takes to bring services to market.
Vodacom Group CEO Shameel Joosub said the collaboration was a “proactive step forward in creating a sustainable, inclusive, and connected digital future for the continent.” He added that infrastructure sharing would allow the company to offer affordable services to more people while working toward its target of connecting 260 million customers by 2030.
Airtel Africa CEO Sunil Taldar said the agreement aligns with the company’s goal of making its network accessible even in remote areas. “Working with Vodacom, we will open greater access to digital and financial opportunities which will transform the lives of our customers,” he noted.
The move is also expected to accelerate the deployment of 4G and 5G networks in the region, enabling high-speed, low-latency connections to support emerging digital technologies and the growing demand for data-driven services.
If approved, the partnership will allow both companies to extend coverage, enhance network performance, and broaden access to mobile, fixed, and financial services across their shared markets.
