Pan-African operator Airtel Africa and ATC Africa, American Tower Corporation’s African operation, have announced a multi-year, multi-product agreement.
The agreement, says American Tower, a leading independent owner, operator and developer of multitenant communications real estate, will leverage ATC Africa’s vast portfolio of communications sites and new site and product development capabilities across its footprint in Kenya, Niger, Nigeria and Uganda in support of Airtel Africa’s network rollout.
All new site development under the agreement will comply with ATC Africa’s new green site specifications, which are expected to substantially reduce reliance on fossil fuels, while advancing American Tower’s progress toward achieving its science-based targets. This strategic partnership is also expected to reduce exposure to fuel price volatility for both ATC Africa and Airtel Africa.
The parties have also committed to continue working together to convert existing telecommunications sites to ATC Africa’s green site specifications over time.
In addition, Airtel Africa and ATC Africa will partner to provide training around information and communications technology skills to underserved communities.
Through their combined efforts, the companies say they expect to substantially increase connectivity on the African continent, extend digital inclusion to underserved communities and advance their mutual greenhouse gas emissions reduction objectives.
To date, ATC Africa says it has invested approximately $300 million in energy efficiency improvements, renewable energy deployments and energy storage solutions to decrease on-site reliance on fossil fuels. The company has also earmarked additional investments to fund the implementation of future energy efficiencies.
