Africa – Page 18
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Network & InfrastructureEthiopia 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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PremiumSafaricom upgrades order management software
Longstanding partner Celfocus said it has implemented a ‘master orchestrator’ to improve order processing.
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Partnerships & AlliancesProsegur wants to take Telefónica JV international
Overlapping LatAm markets being eyed for expanded partnership between Telefónica and connected security partner Prosegur. Movistar Prosegur Alarmas JV said to be maintaining growth in Spain, despite lockdown.
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Strategy & ChangeElsewhere in Vodafone Africa: Safaricom’s data centre refresh
Safaricom plans data centre refresh; Millicom backs out of Tanzania.
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Products & ServicesVodacom 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 & ChangeSafaricom: 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 & ServicesJoosub 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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Network & InfrastructureSafaricom 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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Suppliers & SCMEricsson 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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Strategy & ChangeElsewhere in Vodafone Group: Tomorrow Street partner bags investment
Innovation partner SecurityScorecard lands more cash; TiVo maintains TV relationshi
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Strategy & ChangeElsewhere 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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PeopleCo-founder of Vodacom’s IoT.nxt resigns
CEO of South African IoT startup steps down in what appears abrupt decision. Move comes despite repeated talking-up of IoT.nxt’s progress and potential by parents Vodacom and Vodafone. Statement highlights new leadership will steer IoT.nxt’s “journey of globalisation” under Vodacom’s stewardship.
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Network & InfrastructureICASA 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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Public AffairsRegulations 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 & ChangeElsewhere 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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M&AVodafone readies cheque for Egyptian fintech players
Vodafone Egypt signs MoU for minority stakes in digital payment players Bee and Masary. New Vodafone Egypt CEO Abdallah seeks to paint deal as part of “promising” strategic investment plan, following Group’s failed exit.
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Strategy & ChangeVodacom’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 & ChangeVodafone 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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Network & InfrastructureVodafone spectrum auctions to watch, 2021
Markets across Vodafone’s footprint have spectrum auctions planned in 2021. UK, India, Australia among the key bids to watch — though 2020 set a precedent for delays.
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Strategy & ChangeElsewhere in Vodafone Africa: banking products extended
Vodafone Ghana and Safaricom look to expand financial services offering with new products.