Airtel Africa, Vodacom join forces: what this means for connectivity in the region

Two of Africa’s biggest telecom operators join forces to expand high-speed connectivity in Mozambique, Tanzania, and the DRC in a move set to transform access to digital services for millions.

By Nhlanhla Muthe

Vodacom CEO Shameel Joosub says the Airtel partnership will accelerate Africa’s journey toward inclusive, high-speed connectivity.

Two of Africa’s telecom giants, Airtel Africa and Vodacom Group, have struck a landmark network infrastructure-sharing deal set to supercharge connectivity in some of the continent’s most underserved regions.

Covering Mozambique, Tanzania, and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), the agreement promises faster internet, broader coverage, and a strong push towards Africa’s digital inclusion goals.

Announced on Tuesday in Johannesburg, the partnership will focus on sharing fibre networks and tower infrastructure, cutting rollout costs while delivering high-speed, reliable services to millions. Both operators say the move is about more than just business, but about bridging Africa’s stubborn digital divide.

Shameel Joosub, Vodacom Group CEO, described the deal as a critical step in delivering on the company’s vision to connect 260 million customers by 2030.

“Providing connectivity to empower people is at the core of our strategy. This partnership with Airtel Africa allows us to scale up cost-effective services quickly, ensuring that no one is left behind in the digital age. It is aligned with our purpose to connect for a better future,” he said.

Vodacom already serves over 211 million customers in markets spanning South Africa, Kenya, Egypt, Mozambique, and Tanzania, with mobile networks covering a population of over 500 million people.

Sunil Taldar, CEO of Airtel Africa, which operates in 14 countries with 170 million customers said the collaboration would extend the reach of essential digital and financial services.

“Even as competitors, it has become a business imperative to collaborate on critical infrastructure. Working with Vodacom, we will transform access to connectivity, especially in the remotest locations, and accelerate Africa’s adoption of 4G and 5G technologies,” he stated.

The telecoms giants say the partnership will enable faster rollout of next-gen mobile tech, improve network reliability, and open up access to e-learning, telemedicine, e-commerce, and mobile financial services.

By pooling resources, Airtel Africa and Vodacom are signalling a shift in Africa’s telecom sector, from fierce competition towards strategic cooperation, in pursuit of universal digital access.

If regulators give the green light, millions in Mozambique, Tanzania, and the DRC could soon enjoy faster, more affordable internet, potentially unlocking new economic opportunities in some of Africa’s most challenging connectivity markets.