Expanding Connectivity Across Africa Through Infrastructure Collaboration

Airtel Africa’s CEO, Sunil Taldar, is advocating for greater infrastructure sharing among African telecom operators. In a recent interview with Arise News, Taldar emphasized that coordinated equipment and spectrum sharing could significantly reduce costs while expanding coverage to underserved communities.

“When we all deploy similar infrastructure in the same areas, we’re essentially duplicating investments,” he explained. “By sharing resources like fiber optic networks, we can extend our reach further with the same investment.” For example, instead of two companies each laying 1,000 kilometers of fiber in an area, they could share a single network that serves both.

This approach aligns with Airtel’s existing partnerships. In March 2025, Airtel and MTN announced plans to share infrastructure in Nigeria and Uganda—a move expected to lower operational expenses and avoid unnecessary duplication.

Addressing Coverage Gaps Through Collaboration

Taldar highlighted that many areas of Africa remain underserved due to economic limitations. “It’s a continent where the population is sparse, and extending networks to remote communities can be financially challenging,” he noted.

To address this, Airtel has pursued innovative solutions like its partnership with Starlink—which provides direct-to-cell satellite connectivity in areas beyond terrestrial network reach. This approach ensures that businesses and individuals in rural locations have access to the digital tools they need to thrive.

“We’re committed to bridging the digital divide by leveraging all available technologies,” Taldar stated. “Whether it’s sharing infrastructure with competitors or partnering with satellite providers, our goal is to connect as many Africans as possible.” This aligns with broader industry efforts to promote digital inclusion and economic empowerment across the continent.