Africa – Page 10
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Strategy & Change
Elsewhere in Africa: Vodacom pairs with Microsoft
Vodacom pairs with Microsoft for Mozambique SMEs; Safaricom adds digital menus to M-PESA ecosystem.
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Financial & Performance
Q4 FY20–21: Vodacom turns to M&A to turbo-charge change
Fibre expansion back on as Vodacom steps up diversification plans. Operator negotiating potential strategic partnerships across infrastructure assets, as it develops own take on Vodafone’s leaner and lighter TechCo vision. South African group-within-a-group being offered greater freedom by Vodafone than increasingly tightly-controlled businesses in Europe. One question, as it ...
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Financial & Performance
Vodafone Q4 FY20–21 headlines: footing regained and Group ready for climb
Top execs keen to portray Vodafone as ready for bounce-back. Top-line recovery remains Africa- and Germany-centric. Signs domination of efficiency drives may have run course and revenue base needs a boost.
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Network & Infrastructure
Ethiopia tender win: gov talks up Vodafone’s ‘quality’
Safaricom-led consortium emerges as sole new entrant in damp squib of an auction. Group’s rare move into new market muddied by competitors’ apparent wariness regarding risks in Ethiopia. Only two bidders emerge for new licences. Fears of incumbent’s political heft added to suitors’ macro uncertainties. Plan for an Ethio ...
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Partnerships & Alliances
Safaricom upgrades order management software
Longstanding partner Celfocus said it has implemented a ‘master orchestrator’ to improve order processing.
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Strategy & Change
Elsewhere in Vodafone Africa: Safaricom’s data centre refresh
Safaricom plans data centre refresh; Millicom backs out of Tanzania.
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Products & Services
Vodacom eyeing M-PESA’s biggest money transfer yet?
M-commerce froth suggests possible eight-figure valuation for M-PESA. High-profile friends could add further appeal. Joosub showing signs of monetisation interest, possible temptation.
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Strategy & Change
Safaricom: deadline for Ethiopia entry bid pushed back (again)
ECA grants Kenyan operator and other interested parties more time to consider ins and outs of Ethiopian expansion. Deadline revised for the second time in as many months. Laws blocking Safaricom from operating fintech service in country remain in place (for now).
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Products & Services
Joosub hints at pan-African ambitions for Vodacom’s Super App
Vodacom CEO Shameel Joosub says Alipay-backed “Super App” could “transform the continent”. Super App’s enterprise offering will build on current VodaTrade and VodaPay functionality, with Vodacom targeting SMEs in its expanding financial services goals.
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Suppliers & SCM
Ericsson joins team on Safaricom’s backhaul refresh
Deal sees Safaricom expanding focus on E-band microwave for bandwidth boost. Ericsson joins Aviat Networks in declaring participation in Safaricom’s 5G-era network programme.
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Network & Infrastructure
Safaricom partners Huawei, Nokia for 5G trials
Kenyan operator becomes the first East African telco to launch commercial 5G services in a limited rollout. Huawei and Nokia named technology partners, with local communications authority giving full backing to the China vendor’s security credentials.
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Strategy & Change
Elsewhere in Vodafone Africa: Safaricom seeks partners
Safaricom looks to expand app ecosystem; Vodacom wins Cell C traffic but loses state mobile exclusivity.
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Public Affairs
Regulations hit Vodacom customer tally
Vodacom Tanzania indicates impact of regulator’s fraud reduction scheme. Another 1.1 million SIM cards due for disconnection imminently.
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Strategy & Change
Elsewhere in Vodafone Africa
Vodafone launches Africa.Connected campaign to bridge the digital divide, while Joosub clears things up regarding Ghana in Q3 results.
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Network & Infrastructure
ICASA digs heels in over spectrum auction rules
Regulator stands firm against legal action taken by MTN, Telkom. VdSA proves unlikely ally.
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Strategy & Change
Vodacom’s Joosub dismisses Vodafone Ghana buyout talk
Acquisition of Ghanaian OpCo by Vodacom not under consideration, according to Chief Executive.
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Strategy & Change
Vodafone said to be considering Ghanaian switcheroo
Possible offload to Vodacom said to be under consideration. Deal would chime with Group leadership’s bid to consolidate Africa and Europe power bases while improving financial position. Political complications likely to be a factor.
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Strategy & Change
Elsewhere in Vodafone Africa: banking products extended
Vodafone Ghana and Safaricom look to expand financial services offering with new products.
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Partnerships & Alliances
Vodacom Tanzania fine-tuned for Mdundo music
Co-developed “proof of concept” lays groundwork for VdT digital media set expansion. Group enabling ambitious Kenya-based startup to broaden horizons in Africa.
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Network & Infrastructure
Vodacom SA files 4G/5G auction application
Much-delayed auction of spectrum licences still mired in controversy and legal action.