Airtel Africa and Vodacom Group have entered into a strategic infrastructure sharing agreement covering Mozambique, Tanzania, and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The partnership aims to expand digital connectivity, accelerate high-speed internet rollout, and reduce operational costs in key African markets.
Infrastructure Sharing to Accelerate Internet Access
Subject to regulatory approvals, the deal will allow both telecom giants to share fibre networks and tower infrastructure. This will enable faster internet speeds, improved service reliability, and extended coverage in underserved areas, helping bridge Africa’s digital divide.
By leveraging each other’s assets, Airtel Africa and Vodacom plan to deliver enhanced mobile and fixed broadband services, support 4G and 5G deployment, and boost the accessibility of digital financial services.
Driving Digital and Financial Inclusion
Airtel Africa CEO Sunil Taldar emphasised that collaboration, even among competitors, has become essential to meet Africa’s growing demand for data-driven services.
“Accelerating the deployment of fibre connectivity is key to enabling 4G and 5G technologies in Africa,” Taldar said. “This partnership will also improve network performance, extend coverage, and support mobile, fixed, and financial services on a broader scale.”
Vodacom CEO Shameel Joosub described the move as a proactive step toward a sustainable and inclusive digital future for the continent.
“As we work toward connecting 260 million customers by 2030, scalable and cost-efficient network solutions are critical,” Joosub said.
A Step Toward Africa’s Digital Transformation
Both companies see this partnership as a catalyst for long-term digital transformation. By pooling infrastructure resources, they can lower operational expenses, speed up time-to-market, and reach millions more customers with reliable high-speed connectivity.
Similar Partnerships in Africa
This deal follows a similar agreement earlier in 2025 between Airtel Africa and MTN Group in Nigeria and Uganda, which also focused on shared fibre and mobile infrastructure to improve service quality and coverage.
What This Means for Consumers
The Airtel–Vodacom partnership will:
- Expand access to high-speed internet in Mozambique, Tanzania, and DRC.
- Support 4G and 5G rollout for faster mobile connectivity.
- Improve coverage in rural and remote areas.
- Lower costs through shared infrastructure investments.
- Enhance mobile, fixed broadband, and financial services accessibility.
