MTN and Airtel to share networks in Uganda and Nigeria

MTN and Airtel to share networks in Uganda and Nigeria is profiled by BTW Media because published evidence links it to internet infrastructure, governance, operational dependencies, or market visibility.

• MTN Group and Airtel Africa will share network infrastructure in Uganda and Nigeria to reduce costs and expand coverage.
• The collaboration focuses on improving service delivery in rural and underserved areas through shared resources.

What happened: MTN Group and Airtel Africa to share networks in Uganda and Nigeria

MTN Group and Airtel Africa have agreed to share mobile network infrastructure in Uganda and Nigeria. This collaboration aims to reduce investment costs and expand service coverage, particularly in rural areas. The agreement includes sharing radio access networks and fiber infrastructure, enhancing operational efficiency and accelerating network expansion. ​

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Why it’s important

By sharing infrastructure, MTN and Airtel can deliver more reliable and affordable mobile services to millions of customers, particularly in rural and underserved areas where building individual networks can be costly and inefficient. This collaboration allows both operators to reduce capital and operational expenses while expanding coverage and improving service quality.

It also reflects a broader industry shift across Africa, where telecom providers are increasingly working together to maximise infrastructure use, reduce duplication, and accelerate digital inclusion. As connectivity becomes essential for education, business, and social development, such partnerships play a key role in bridging the digital divide and enabling broader access to mobile and internet services.