By Our Reporter
In a strategic move aimed at advancing Africa’s digital landscape, MTN Group and Airtel have concluded plans to share network infrastructure between Uganda and Nigeria, in compliance to local regulatory and statutory requirements. This collaboration comes as both companies aim to meet the growing demand for digital and financial services across the continent.
Ralph Mupita, President and CEO of MTN Group, stated the company’s commitment to supporting Africa’s progress through digital solutions. “At MTN, we are driven by the vision of delivering digital solutions that fuel Africa’s growth. We are seeing strong structural demand for digital and financial services across our markets, and to meet this demand, we continue to invest in expanding our coverage and capacity to provide high-quality connectivity,” Mupita said. He also highlighted the potential benefits of regulatory frameworks that enable resource sharing, allowing for greater efficiency and improved returns.
Airtel Africa CEO Sunil Taldar echoed this sentiment, revealing that the company is working on developing a shared infrastructure that complies with regulatory guidelines. “While we compete vigorously in the market through our brand, services, and offerings, we are also building common infrastructure within the permissible regulatory framework. This approach will not only enhance the digital and financial inclusion across our markets but also minimize costly infrastructure duplication, leading to operational efficiencies and better outcomes for customers,” Taldar explained.
Both MTN and Airtel are also exploring further opportunities to expand their network-sharing initiatives in other African countries, with a particular focus on Congo-Brazzaville, Rwanda, and Zambia, thus signaling a broader commitment from the two telecom giants to enhance connectivity and foster the growth of digital and financial services across the continent.