Country: Uganda and Nigeria

The challenge and what MTN wanted to achieve

Across Africa, the demand for reliable mobile and broadband services continues to grow, yet large parts of rural and peri-urban communities remain underserved due to the high cost of deploying network infrastructure in low-density areas. Traditional parallel rollout models often led to duplication of expensive assets, slower coverage expansion and higher operating costs, all of which constrained progress toward universal access. To address this challenge more efficiently and inclusively, MTN Group and Airtel Africa pursued a collaborative approach that could extend connectivity while supporting affordability and long-term network sustainability.

What we did

In April 2025, MTN Group and Airtel Africa entered into strategic agreements to share network infrastructure in Uganda and Nigeria, in full compliance with local regulatory and statutory frameworks. The agreements enabled the two operators to share selected passive and active network components while continuing to operate as fully independent competitors in the market. By pooling resources where duplication offered no customer benefit, the collaboration focused on improving cost efficiencies, accelerating rural coverage and enhancing the quality and resilience of voice and data services. The initiative was aligned with both companies’ commitments to expand digital and financial inclusion while strengthening the underlying digital highways that support economic participation.

Outcomes and impact

The network-sharing arrangements targeted improved 4G and 5G expansion in underserved areas, where deploying standalone towers, fibre backhaul and power infrastructure was often commercially unviable. Through shared infrastructure, MTN and Airtel Africa aimed to reduce capital and operating expenditure, unlock faster network deployment timelines and improve service availability for millions of customers who previously experienced limited or unreliable connectivity. The approach supported national universal service objectives in both Uganda and Nigeria, while also reducing the environmental footprint associated with duplicated network assets.

Following the conclusion of the initial agreements, MTN and Airtel Africa began exploring additional collaboration opportunities in Congo-Brazzaville, Rwanda and Zambia, including the potential for radio access network sharing and fibre-infrastructure partnerships. 

Lessons learnt

This initiative demonstrated how responsible collaboration within competitive markets can accelerate access, strengthen network resilience and support inclusive digital growth. It also reaffirmed MTN’s commitment to expanding access to high-quality connectivity in a way that is efficient, sustainable and focused on long-term value for customers and communities.