Vodacom

Vodafone Group asserted there were no discussions underway on the sale of its majority stake in Vodacom, as rumours emerged it was mulling ways to make money from its interest in the Africa-focused operator.

Vodacom Tanzania announced the launch of what it described as the first 5G network in the African country, although availability will initially be limited to sites in the capital Dar es Salaam.

Vodacom Group outlined plans to take full ownership in a new tower spin-off currently in the works, as the South African operator looks to follow rivals in attempts to monetise the assets.

Vodafone Group announced a move to transfer its 55 per cent holding in Vodafone Egypt to its sub-Saharan Africa subsidiary Vodacom in a deal valued at €2. 4 billion, as it looks to simplify management of its businesses in the continent.

LIVE FROM MWC21 AFRICA: Executives from Vodacom Group and Airtel Africa called for spectrum allocation and partnerships with ecosystem players to fulfill 5G deployment targets, and fuel the continent’s social and economic growth.

Vodacom DRC MD Anwar Soussa was appointed to take the helm at the first private mobile operator in Ethiopia, after a consortium including Vodafone Group, Vodacom and Safaricom won a licence to operate in the country.

Ethiopia’s finance ministry confirmed two final bids for new operating licences, with MTN Group and a consortium including Vodafone Group, Vodacom and Safaricom in the running to enter the market.