MTN Group and Airtel Africa Partner to Share Network Infrastructure in Nigeria and Uganda

MTN Group and Airtel Africa have officially entered into agreements to share network infrastructure in Uganda and Nigeria. The partnership, announced on March 26, 2025, aims to enhance digital and financial inclusion across the two countries while adhering to local regulatory requirements. The initiative focuses on improving network cost efficiencies, expanding coverage, and offering better mobile services, especially to underserved rural and remote areas.

The collaboration is driven by the increasing demand for digital services across Africa. MTN Group President and CEO Ralph Mupita highlighted that the partnership would help meet the growing need for high-quality connectivity. He also emphasized the importance of resource sharing within regulatory frameworks to improve operational efficiencies and customer satisfaction. This move aligns with MTN’s commitment to fostering Africa’s digital progress.

Airtel Africa CEO Sunil Taldar shared a similar vision, stating that while the companies remain competitors in the marketplace, they are coming together to build shared infrastructure to reduce costly duplication. Taldar noted that the collaboration would help create a stronger and more expansive digital network, advancing both digital and financial inclusion across the region. The agreement is seen as a strategic step towards meeting increasing consumer demand for digital services in Africa.

The network-sharing agreement between MTN and Airtel Africa is part of a broader global trend where telecom operators collaborate to improve service quality and reduce operational costs. The two companies are also considering expanding the partnership to other countries, including Congo-Brazzaville, Rwanda, and Zambia. As part of the agreement, they are exploring shared resources such as RAN and fibre infrastructure, while remaining independent entities in the competitive telecom market.

source: naira metrics