27 May 2025
Vodacom Group is exploring other opportunities in the fibre optic sector across its African markets, should its merger and acquisition plans with Maziv not proceed, according to CEO Shameel Joosub.
While no specific country was mentioned, South Africa remains a potential market, and Vodacom emphasizes that numerous opportunities exist within its existing operations. The company intends to focus on strengthening its position through partnerships rather than pursuing new market entries.
“When it comes to fibre, future growth will likely be through joint ventures,” Joosub stated. “We’re not looking to acquire or enter entirely new markets. Our strategy is to enhance our current markets through collaborations, as we cannot finance everything independently.”
This increased interest in the African fibre sector aligns with the continent’s rapid digital transformation, driven by surging demand for high-speed internet. Telecom operators are ramping up investments to expand infrastructure: MTN aims to boost its fibre subsidiary’s efficiency, Airtel launched a dedicated fibre entity in 2024, and Maroc Telecom is accelerating fibre deployment across sub-Saharan Africa.
The outcome of Vodacom's ongoing appeal against the merger blockade remains uncertain. If the merger is ultimately rejected, and the company shifts focus to other markets, it will face competition from major telecom players such as MTN, Airtel Africa, and Moov Africa.
