Vodacom Group has received the green light from South Africa’s competition watchdog to acquire a stake in fibre infrastructure provider Maziv, a move that supports the operator’s ambition to expand connectivity in underserved areas.

In a statement, Vodacom described the decision by the Competition Commission as a “significant milestone” in its goal to upgrade digital infrastructure across the country. The operator confirmed it had made a series of concessions to secure the regulator’s support.

The next step is a hearing at the Competition Appeal Court, scheduled for 22 July. The proposed deal is valued at approximately ZAR 13.2 billion (USD 743 million) and would see Vodacom acquire a 30% stake in Maziv.

Maziv was formed in 2022 by South African investment firm CIVH (Community Investment Ventures Holdings), which consolidated its fibre assets Vumatel and Dark Fibre Africa into a single infrastructure entity. Vumatel is South Africa’s largest fibre-to-the-home provider, while DFA specialises in wholesale dark fibre networks.

Vodacom Group CEO Shameel Joosub welcomed the Competition Commission’s support, stating: “We are thrilled with the Competition Commission’s decision, as it aligns with our purpose of connecting people to a better future and our vision of bridging the digital divide through world-class connectivity – reaching more homes and businesses, including underserved communities. Should the transaction be approved by the Competition Appeal Court, I’m confident that it will enable us to accelerate network expansion, help address the cost to communicate, and contribute meaningfully to job creation.”