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Vodacom Group has reached a significant milestone with the approval from South Africa’s Competition Appeal Court to proceed with its acquisition of a 30% stake in MAZIV, which houses key fibre assets including Vumatel and Dark Fibre Africa Zimbabwe. This approval, subject to revised conditions proposed by the merger parties and the Competition Commission, reflects a major step forward in Vodacom’s long-term strategy to expand its fibre infrastructure and enhance digital connectivity across South Africa.
The acquisition is poised to play a transformative role in bridging the digital divide by accelerating the rollout of high-speed broadband services. By strengthening its fibre footprint, Vodacom aims to provide more communities with reliable and faster internet access, fostering inclusivity and supporting economic participation in areas that have historically been underserved. This move directly aligns with South Africa’s broader ambition of driving a more inclusive digital economy.
Vodacom Group CEO Shameel Joosub emphasized the significance of the ruling, stating that the acquisition is a cornerstone of Vodacom’s strategy to enhance connectivity, promote digital inclusion, and contribute to the growth of South Africa’s digital economy. By leveraging Maziv’s established fibre infrastructure, Vodacom can deliver broader access to next-generation connectivity solutions, empowering households, businesses, and institutions alike.
With the court’s approval secured, Vodacom and Maziv will now shift their focus to finalizing the last outstanding regulatory requirement: unconditional approval from the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA). Once complete, this partnership will be instrumental in shaping South Africa’s connectivity landscape, strengthening digital resilience, and ensuring that no community is left behind in the journey towards a connected future.
