MTN, Airtel Agree To Network Sharing In Nigeria And Uganda

In an effort to enhance digital and financial inclusion across Africa, MTN Group and Airtel Africa have signed agreements to share network infrastructure in Uganda and Nigeria.

This was disclosed by Airtel in a statement released on Wednesday in Lagos.

The statement emphasised that both companies would adhere to local regulatory and statutory requirements in implementing the agreement.

The agreement aims to improve network cost efficiency, expand coverage, and deliver better mobile services to millions of customers.

It also highlighted the potential benefits for rural and remote areas, enabling customers in these regions to experience the advantages of a modern connected life.

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Speaking on the development, Ralph Mupita, MTN Group President and CEO, said that operators in Africa were witnessing consistent demand for data services.

He added, “As MTN, we are driven by the vision of delivering digital solutions that drive Africa’s progress.

“We continue to see strong structural demand for digital and financial services across our markets.

“To meet this demand, we continue to invest in coverage and capacity to ensure high-quality connectivity for our customers.

“That said, there are opportunities within regulatory frameworks for sharing resources to drive higher efficiencies and improve returns.”

Sunil Taldar, Managing Director and CEO of Airtel Africa, also shared insights, stating that telecommunications companies (Telcos) compete intensively in the market based on their brand, services, and offerings.

Despite this competition, Taldar noted that companies were building shared infrastructure within the constraints of regulatory frameworks.

He further explained that this approach fosters digital financial inclusion and reduces duplication of infrastructure costs, benefiting customers through improved operational efficiencies.

He added, “The initiative is part of a growing global trend toward network sharing. By collaborating, telecoms operators can explore innovative and pro-competitive solutions to improve service quality while managing costs more effectively.

“The sharing of infrastructure has the potential to enable the delivery of world-class, reliable mobile services to more and more customers across Africa.”

Taldar also revealed that, following the agreements in Uganda and Nigeria, MTN and Airtel Africa are exploring similar opportunities in other markets such as Congo-Brazzaville, Rwanda, and Zambia.

The agreements being considered include RAN sharing, the development of commercial and technical arrangements for fibre-sharing, and, if required, the construction of fibre networks.

During the process, both companies will maintain their independence as market entities and will continue to compete in shared markets.

The collaboration does not preclude either party from partnering with other operators in any specific market.

NAN