We just launched our WhatsApp channel. Want to get the latest news from the Tech in Africa?
Grace Ashiru
MTN Group and Airtel Africa have entered into an agreement to share network infrastructure in Nigeria and Uganda. This strategic collaboration is aimed at reducing escalating operational costs while enhancing mobile coverage in underserved regions. The unusual partnership highlights a larger trend among African telecom giants towards cost optimization as devaluation of currency and economic challenges put pressure on profitability.
Nigeria, the largest market for both companies, has presented particular difficulties. The country generates 40% of MTN Group’s revenue and 34.4% of Airtel Africa’s. However, both telecom giants have faced revenue declines since 2023, driven by the depreciation of the naira. The falling currency value has raised network deployment costs, compelling operators to cut back on infrastructure investment. By sharing towers, base stations, and fiber-optic networks, MTN and Airtel aim to control expenses while improving connectivity in rural and remote areas.
MTN Group’s CEO, Ralph Mupita, stated that the partnership seeks to address the increasing demand for data services and digital financial solutions across Africa. In Nigeria, MTN saw its market share rise to 51% in January, adding over 3 million new subscribers, bringing its total to 87.5 million. Airtel Nigeria also expanded its subscriber base, increasing from 56.6 million in December 2024 to 57.6 million in January 2025.
“We continue to see strong structural demand for digital and financial services across our markets,” Mupita commented in a statement. “To meet this demand, we continue to invest in coverage and capacity to ensure high-quality connectivity for our customers.”
Prior to finalizing this agreement, MTN Nigeria, a subsidiary of MTN Group, had been in talks with 9mobile, a struggling Nigerian operator that has seen a significant loss of subscribers. The mobile-roaming deal, still under negotiation, would allow 9mobile to utilize MTN Nigeria’s infrastructure in certain areas, while MTN would gain access to 9mobile’s spectrum in return.
This agreement also aligns with regulatory efforts. When the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) approved telecom tariff increases in January, it mandated operators to deploy additional infrastructure within three months to improve service delivery. With the new tariffs now in effect as of February, telecom companies have only two months left to meet compliance.
In addition to Nigeria and Uganda, MTN and Airtel Africa are considering further network-sharing opportunities across other African markets, including Congo-Brazzaville, Rwanda, and Zambia. The companies are exploring various models, such as radio access network (RAN) sharing and agreements focused on fiber infrastructure sharing and the construction of new fiber networks.
“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,” said Airtel Africa’s Chief Executive Officer Sunil Taldar. “This allows us to provide a more robust and extensive digital highway while avoiding the costly duplication of infrastructure.”
If successful, this partnership could set a significant precedent for further consolidation in network investments across the African continent.
Stay Ahead with TechInAfrica! 
Join our WhatsApp Channel for the latest updates on tech, startups, and venture capital across Africa! From Cairo to Cape Town, Lagos to Nairobi—we cover all 54 countries! 
Subscribe now: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029Vb3xgMr42DcfICgi7T1N
Be the first to know. Stay informed. Stay ahead!
