The two telcos say the sharing agreements target improved network cost efficiencies, expanded coverage and the provision of enhanced mobile services to customers in remote and rural areas.

The telcos say the initiative is part of a growing global trend toward network sharing.

"By collaborating, telecoms operators can explore innovative and pro-competitive solutions to improve service quality while managing costs more effectively," the telcos say.

"The sharing of infrastructure has the potential to enable the delivery of world-class, reliable mobile services to more and more customers across Africa."

MTN Group President and Chief Executive Officer Ralph Mupita said operators on the continent were seeing sustained demand for data services.

“As MTN, we are driven by the vision of delivering digital solutions that drive Africa’s progress," Mupita said.

"We continue to see strong structural demand for digital and financial services across our markets.

"To meet this demand, we continue to invest in coverage and capacity to ensure high-quality connectivity for our customers.

"That said, there are opportunities within regulatory frameworks for sharing resources to drive higher efficiencies and improve returns.”

Airtel Africa Chief Executive Officer Sunil Taldar said the telcos are building common infrastructure to provide a more robust and extensive digital highway, while avoiding duplication of expensive infrastructure.

MTN and Airtel Africa say they are exploring various opportunities in other markets, including Congo-Brazzaville, Rwanda and Zambia.

Among the types of agreements considered are RAN sharing and those aimed at establishing commercial and technical agreements for fibre infrastructure sharing and, if necessary, the construction of fibre networks.