Telecommunications giants MTN Group and Airtel Africa have officially embarked on a major partnership aimed at improving mobile connectivity in Nigeria and Uganda. This agreement focuses on sharing network infrastructure to boost mobile services, especially in remote and underserved areas where millions still struggle with access to quality connectivity.
This collaboration marks a significant shift in strategy, as both companies seek to optimise costs while expanding network coverage. In a joint statement on Wednesday, both telecom operators explained that their partnership is designed to enhance digital inclusion, ensuring that more people in these countries can benefit from modern mobile services.
As part of the deal, both companies will explore different infrastructure-sharing arrangements, including the sharing of Radio Access Networks and fibre infrastructure. They also plan to establish commercial and technical agreements that may involve constructing new fibre networks where necessary. This move is expected to create a more efficient and widespread mobile network, benefiting millions of users in Nigeria and Uganda.
MTN Group’s President and Chief Executive Officer, Ralph Mupita, emphasised the importance of this agreement, stating that demand for data services across Africa continues to grow at a rapid pace.
“At MTN, we are committed to delivering digital solutions that propel Africa forward. We are seeing a sustained increase in demand for digital and financial services, and we remain dedicated to investing in network coverage and capacity to meet this demand. By sharing resources, we can improve efficiency and offer better services to our customers,” Mupita said.
MTN and AIRTEL
Airtel Africa’s Chief Executive Officer, Sunil Taldar, echoed similar sentiments, highlighting the benefits of network-sharing in reducing costs and expanding services.
“As we continue to compete strongly in the market, we are also investing in common infrastructure that aligns with regulatory guidelines. This approach helps us build a more extensive and reliable digital network while avoiding the costly duplication of infrastructure. Ultimately, this benefits our customers by providing them with better connectivity and improved services,” Taldar noted.
The agreement comes at a crucial time for both companies, as they navigate the economic challenges affecting Nigeria’s telecommunications sector. The depreciation of the naira has significantly impacted their financial results, leading them to explore cost-saving measures while still maintaining high service quality.
With MTN controlling 51.79% of Nigeria’s telecom market and Airtel Africa holding a 34.11% share, this partnership is expected to have a considerable impact on the industry. By leveraging their combined resources, both companies hope to deliver faster, more stable, and affordable mobile services to millions of people who currently experience poor network coverage.
Beyond Nigeria and Uganda, MTN and Airtel Africa are also looking at extending similar agreements to other African markets, including Congo-Brazzaville, Rwanda, and Zambia. Airtel Africa currently operates in 14 countries across sub-Saharan Africa, serving over 156 million customers. Meanwhile, MTN has a presence in 19 countries in Africa and the Middle East, with a customer base of 287 million.
Industry experts see this collaboration as a positive step toward improving connectivity across the continent. Many African countries still face significant challenges in mobile and internet penetration, particularly in rural areas where network expansion is expensive and logistically challenging. By working together, MTN and Airtel Africa can accelerate digital inclusion and bring reliable mobile services to more people at a faster rate.
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The partnership also aligns with regulatory efforts to encourage telecom companies to share infrastructure rather than build competing networks. This not only reduces environmental impact but also leads to more efficient use of resources, making mobile services more accessible and affordable.
Customers in Nigeria and Uganda can expect to see improvements in mobile network quality and internet speeds as this agreement is implemented. Enhanced network coverage means better call quality, faster internet browsing, and improved access to digital financial services, which have become increasingly important for businesses and individuals alike.
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