Vodacom Group Limited has announced that its planned acquisition of a 30% stake in Maziv Proprietary Limited has received the necessary regulatory approvals, clearing the path for one of South Africa’s largest fibre-infrastructure transactions. The deal, first announced on SENS on 10 November 2021, is set for implementation on 1 December 2025 and represents a major milestone in the country’s ongoing broadband expansion efforts.
Maziv is the holding company for Community Investment Ventures Holdings (CIVH) fibre assets, which include Vumatel and Dark Fibre Africa (DFA). These companies collectively form a critical part of South Africa’s open-access fibre ecosystem, providing high-speed broadband connectivity to residential and enterprise customers across urban and semi-urban areas. The acquisition will enable Vodacom to significantly scale its fibre footprint, strengthening its position as a leading provider of digital infrastructure in the country.
The Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA) granted approval for the transaction, following a thorough review to ensure the deal aligns with competition, market growth, and national connectivity objectives. With the regulatory green light, Vodacom has confirmed that all conditions precedent have been fulfilled, paving the way for a smooth integration of Maziv’s fibre assets into its network.
Strengthening South Africa’s Fibre Ecosystem
The acquisition comes at a pivotal time for South Africa’s digital economy. With broadband demand surging due to remote work, online education, and digital commerce, robust fibre infrastructure has become essential. Vumatel and DFA are already recognised for their high-quality, open-access fibre networks that serve thousands of homes and businesses. By taking a 30% stake in Maziv, Vodacom not only gains access to these critical assets but also positions itself to drive innovation in connectivity services.
According to industry analysts, the deal could help accelerate the rollout of fibre networks into underserved areas, where internet penetration remains low. Vodacom has previously emphasised its commitment to improving digital inclusion and broadband access, and this transaction aligns with its broader strategy to expand fibre coverage while supporting South Africa’s digital transformation agenda.
A Strategic Move for the Digital Economy
This acquisition also reinforces Vodacom’s role in South Africa’s broader telecommunications and technology ecosystem. As the demand for high-speed connectivity grows, fibre networks are increasingly seen as the backbone for next-generation technologies, including 5G, cloud computing, and enterprise-grade solutions. By strengthening its fibre capabilities, Vodacom can enhance service quality, offer competitive pricing, and develop new digital products that cater to both businesses and consumers.
Moreover, the deal highlights the growing trend of telecom operators investing heavily in open-access fibre infrastructure to support digital economies across Africa. By combining Vodacom’s operational scale and financial resources with Maziv’s fibre assets, the partnership is expected to deliver faster, more reliable broadband services while promoting market competition and innovation.
Market and Investor Implications
Investors and market watchers have welcomed the move as a sign of confidence in South Africa’s digital infrastructure sector. Remgro, a key shareholder in CIVH, published a complementary SENS announcement providing further details about the transaction, reinforcing transparency and clarity for stakeholders. Investec Bank Limited is serving as Vodacom’s sponsor and financial adviser for the deal, ensuring a smooth process.
Industry experts suggest that the deal could also catalyse additional private-sector investments in fibre networks, as companies look to expand connectivity to meet rising consumer and enterprise demand. With the government promoting digital economy initiatives and broadband expansion policies, strategic investments like this are likely to play a central role in bridging South Africa’s digital divide.
Looking Ahead
Vodacom’s acquisition of a 30% stake in Maziv represents more than a financial transaction; it is a strategic investment in the future of South Africa’s digital infrastructure. By leveraging Maziv’s fibre assets, Vodacom is poised to strengthen its broadband services, enable digital innovation, and support economic growth across the country.
As the digital economy continues to evolve, partnerships between telecom operators and fibre infrastructure companies will be critical in ensuring South Africa remains competitive in the global digital landscape. This deal underscores Vodacom’s long-term vision of connecting more communities, enabling enterprise-grade services, and fostering an inclusive, technology-driven economy.
