Africa – Page 12
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Strategy & Change
TowerCo agenda in “final stages” as Vodacom targets power resilience
Inter-operator synergies and power supply assurance the top priorities for upcoming TowerCo.
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Financial & Performance
Vodafone Q4 FY21–22: Super apps and fintech investment to drive Vodacom growth
FY21–22 results underline revenue diversification ambitions, with ‘new services’ set to contribute increasing proportion to bottom line.
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Elsewhere in Vodafone Africa: Telkom SA settles with ICASA
Telkom SA reaches out-of-court settlement with ICASA over spectrum auction; Vodacom granted appeal in Please Call Me case.
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Partnerships & Alliances
Still no date for Safaricom Ethiopia launch
STE indicates it is close to reaching network-sharing agreements with Ethio Telecom. Changes to national payments law should pave way for M-PESA.
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Vodafone people moves: German leadership continues evolution
Vodafone Germany CEO replacement named; Networks lead confirmed; and Commercial Operations lead filled temporarily. Vodafone UK’s strategy chief Dixit set to join former CEO Jeffery at Frontier. Vodacom SA CEO Sharma confirmed departure leaving vacancy at the top. Vodafone Carrier and Partner Markets names regional management changes.
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Partnerships & Alliances
Vodacom signs “exclusive” deal with Visa in South Africa
New contract builds on similar deal between Safaricom and Visa for M-PESA. Visa payments option likely to be available as a virtual card integrated into the recently launched VodaPay Super App.
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Network & Infrastructure
Vodacom Tanzania targets rural areas with fibre investment
TZS 25bn investment secures use of government-owned fibre infrastructure. State wants 80% population coverage by 2025. OpCo aims to offer increased access to healthcare, education and “financial inclusion”.
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Network & Infrastructure
“A serious tragedy”: Vodacom begins repairs following SA floods
KwaZulu-Natal flooding declared an emergency with more than 300 dead. Vodacom cites ‘social contract’ in ZAR 3m relief donation. Operators begin network restoration, with power outages a core issue after backup batteries washed out.
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Partnerships & Alliances
M-PESA gets interoperability boost in Kenya
Airtel, Telkom, and Safaricom customers granted access to M-PESA till payments. Central Bank of Kenya says first phase will “deepen digitalisation” for businesses. Airtel Money and T-kash equivalents still some way off.
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Venturing & Investments
UK’s rebranded BII embarks on new impact investing
British International Investment (BII) embraces broader digital strategy.
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Operations
“A country with enormous potential”: Safaricom poised for Ethiopia launch
Safaricom Telecommunications Ethiopia aims to go live on 9 April 2022. Hopes to add M-PESA within the next 12 months. Over 300 staff recruited to work in the country.
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Vodafone people moves: Vi actions Digital shake-up
Indian operator Vi sees Chief Digital Officer Jain exit ahead of Consumer Digital function refresh. Operations and skills transformation appointments made at Group-level. Italy’s INWIT JV names Technology and Planning leads in senior changes. TechCo transition takes hold at Vodafone Italy. Fintech vertical in the spotlight at Safaricom on ...
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Elsewhere in Vodafone Africa: corruption in Lesotho?
Allegations of corruption in Lesotho said to be hampering 5G deployment; Vodacom appeals Please Call Me High Court ruling.
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Public Affairs
Safaricom stands alone against tariff changes
Kenyan communications authority set to cut mobile termination rates by 88%, with Safaricom seen as biggest loser. Rate cuts said to level playing field, and enable greater competition and lower barriers for new market entrants.
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Public Affairs
Please Call Me inventor resolute against Vodacom appeal
Nkosana Makate will pursue compensation “until the end of the road” after Vodacom lodged a formal appeal against High Court rulings. Vodacom offers millions to Makate, who claims billions are owed.
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Products & Services
Claws out for M-PESA from Central Bank, Treasury
Bank Governor Njoroge tells Senate ICT Committee that a standalone m-money business will improve regulation and customer protection in Kenya. Treasury Cabinet Secretary Yatani adds that M-PESA transaction charges are too high. Njoroge and Yatani’s submissions are part of probe into alleged monopolistic practices by Safaricom. Central Bank opens ...
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Network & Infrastructure
Vodacom is big spender in SA spectrum auction
Long-awaited auction finally complete, but legal challenge looms. Vodacom is highest bidder, just ahead of MTN, and snags most spectrum. Government halts plan for controversial Wholesale Open Access Network.
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Products & Services
M-PESA not threatened by talk of central Kenyan e-money
A central digital currency would not step on M-PESA toes, says MD Sitoyo Lopokoiyit, but cooperation key to finding efficiencies in a market dominated by Safaricom’s e-money offering. M-PESA at 15: 51 million users in seven markets; Kenyan strength; Super App prospects on the horizon, as is competition.
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Network & Infrastructure
Vodacom on starting line for SA spectrum auction
Rain Networks and Telkom win spectrum in the initial ‘opt-in’ auction for tier-two operators. Telkom court case is still due to take place in April 2022. ICASA insists there is no legal impediment to the main auction on Thursday.
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Setback for Vodacom in Please Call Me legal battle
High Court orders operator to pay inventor 5% of Please Call Me revenue. 20-year dispute not over yet, but end is in sight.