Airtel Africa and the Vodacom Group have entered a strategic infrastructure sharing agreement to boost digital inclusion across key African markets. The partnership, which is a significant step toward closing Africa’s connectivity gap, will see the two telecommunications giants collaborate on fibre and tower infrastructure in Mozambique, Tanzania, and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), subject to regulatory approvals.
The agreement is designed to accelerate the rollout of digital services, expand network coverage to rural areas, and improve service quality while reducing infrastructure costs. According to Airtel Africa chief executive officer Sunil Taldar, the collaboration will “open greater access to digital and financial opportunities” for customers.
The partnership also reflects a growing trend in the African telecom sector where competitors are collaborating to build resilient networks and support the rapid adoption of 4G and 5G technologies. Vodacom Group CEO Shameel Joosub confirmed the partnership is a “proactive step” in creating a connected digital future for the continent and aligns with the company’s ambition to connect 260 million customers by 2030.
Taldar said the collaboration would deliver faster internet, more reliable connections, and open greater access to digital and financial opportunities for underserved communities, while supporting the deployment of 4G and 5G technologies.
Also, Vodacom Group’s, Chief Executive Officer, Mr Shameel Joosub, said providing connectivity to empower people was at the core of the company’s strategy.
Joosub said the partnership with Airtel Africa was a proactive step towards building a sustainable, inclusive and connected digital future for the continent.
Joosub explained that infrastructure sharing would enable both operators to deliver cost-effective services to more people more quickly, ensuring no one was left behind in the digital age.
He added that the initiative would support Vodacom’s ambition to connect 260 million customers by 2030.
Jossub also said it would provide scalable and efficient network solutions to bridge the digital divide and empower more communities through digitalisation across Africa
