Airtel Africa and Vodacom Group Forge Strategic Infrastructure Sharing Agreement
Airtel Africa and Vodacom Group have recently announced a groundbreaking partnership in key markets such as Mozambique, Tanzania, and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). This strategic infrastructure sharing agreement, subject to regulatory approvals, signifies a significant step towards promoting digital inclusion and expanding access to reliable connectivity across Africa.
The primary focus of this partnership is on sharing fibre networks and tower infrastructure to expedite the deployment of digital services in these markets. By leveraging existing infrastructure, the collaboration aims to enhance connectivity, increase internet speeds, and deliver more reliable services to customers. This not only enhances the overall customer experience but also helps in bridging the digital divide in Africa by providing access to digital services for a broader population, particularly those in underserved areas.
Vodacom Group’s CEO, Shameel Joosub, emphasized the importance of providing connectivity to empower people and create a sustainable, inclusive, and connected digital future for the continent. Through infrastructure sharing, the partnership aims to provide cost-effective services to more people rapidly, ensuring that everyone can benefit from the digital age.
On the other hand, Airtel Africa’s CEO, Sunil Taldar, highlighted the commitment to delighting customers by making their network available even in remote locations. The collaboration with Vodacom will open up greater access to digital and financial opportunities, transforming the lives of customers while complying with regulatory requirements. Taldar also stressed the importance of accelerating fibre connectivity to enable the deployment of 4G and 5G technologies in Africa, providing high-speed, low-latency, and reliable connections for modern digital applications.
Overall, this partnership presents further opportunities for both operators to enhance network performance, extend coverage, and increase mobile, fixed, and financial services across the continent. It is a significant step towards creating a more connected and digitally inclusive Africa, aligning with the operators’ shared purpose of connecting for a better future.
