MTN and Airtel Join Forces to Expand Network Coverage in Nigeria and Uganda

In a landmark move for Africa’s telecom industry, MTN Group and Airtel Africa have entered a network-sharing agreement to enhance coverage and optimise infrastructure across Nigeria and Uganda — two of the continent’s most critical telecom markets.

The agreement will see both operators share key network assets, including towers, base stations, and fiber-optic infrastructure. This collaboration aims to improve service delivery, particularly in rural and underserved areas, while managing operational costs in a challenging economic environment.

“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,” said Ralph Mupita, MTN Group CEO.

Responding to Economic Challenges

African telecoms have faced increased economic pressures, including rising infrastructure costs and currency devaluations. The network-sharing strategy enables both companies to reduce capital and operational expenses, accelerate rollout in remote regions, and improve overall network quality.

“As we compete fiercely in the market on the strength of our brand, services, and offerings, we are building common infrastructure within the permissible regulatory framework. This allows us to provide a more robust and extensive digital highway while avoiding the costly duplication of infrastructure,” said Sunil Taldar, Airtel Africa CEO.

More Markets to Follow

Beyond Nigeria and Uganda, both operators are considering similar partnerships in Congo-Brazzaville, Rwanda, and Zambia. These collaborations may include radio access network (RAN) sharing and fiber-sharing agreements to replicate the efficiency gains achieved in the initial phase.

This agreement marks a notable shift in Africa’s telecom landscape as operators adopt collaborative strategies to navigate economic headwinds while meeting the rising demand for connectivity and digital financial services.