Nairobi, Kenya – August 15, 2025 — Airtel Africa and Vodacom Group have signed a strategic infrastructure sharing deal in Mozambique, Tanzania, and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The agreement still requires regulatory approval in each country.

The deal will boost digital inclusion and expand reliable internet access for millions of Africans. It will also cut costs for both operators and speed up service rollouts.

The two companies will share fibre networks and tower infrastructure. This approach will speed up 4G and 5G deployment. It will also reduce infrastructure expenses and improve service reliability.

By using existing assets, Airtel Africa and Vodacom will deliver faster internet speeds and more reliable services. They aim to connect rural and underserved communities, helping close the digital divide in Africa.

Vodacom CEO Shameel Joosub said the partnership supports the company’s mission to connect 260 million customers by 2030. The plan aligns with the African Union Digital Transformation Strategy.

“Providing connectivity to empower people is at the core of our strategy. This partnership lets us offer cost-effective services more quickly, ensuring no one is left behind in the digital age,” Joosub said.

He added that infrastructure sharing offers a scalable and affordable solution to drive digitalisation across the continent.

Airtel Africa CEO Sunil Taldar said the partnership matches the company’s customer-first focus, even in the most remote areas.

“Collaboration is now essential for building strong networks that can support new digital technologies and the rising demand for data services,” Taldar said.

He explained that faster fibre deployment is crucial for 4G and 5G expansion. These technologies enable high-speed, low-latency connections needed for mobile banking, e-learning, and telemedicine.

The collaboration will expand mobile, fixed, and financial services across Africa. It will also strengthen network performance and extend coverage. Both companies believe the move will boost digital and financial empowerment for millions.