MTN Group and Airtel Africa have unveiled a groundbreaking partnership to share mobile phone network infrastructures in key markets such as Nigeria and Uganda. This initiative aims to reduce investment costs and expand service coverage, particularly in areas with historically difficult network deployments. As demand for digital and financial services rises in Africa, mobile operators face pressure from the high costs of building advanced networks for fast 5G connectivity.

MTN Group CEO Ralph Mupita emphasised the opportunities for improving operational efficiencies through resource sharing, while Airtel Africa CEO Sunil Taldar highlighted its importance in avoiding costly resource duplication. The partnership opens possibilities for collaboration with other operators, broadening their reach.

The benefits of infrastructure sharing are particularly significant in rural areas, allowing faster network coverage deployment. Following their successes in Nigeria and Uganda, MTN and Airtel are exploring further partnerships in markets like Congo-Brazzaville, Rwanda, and Zambia, including plans for sharing radio access and fibre networks.

This collaboration represents a strategic move towards improving operational efficiency and expanding market presence, showcasing the vital role of cooperation in overcoming telecommunications challenges across Africa.