Afrimax Group has signed a partner market agreement with Vodafone in Zambia to offer 4G data services under the Vodafone Zambia brand.
The two companies signed a framework agreement in November 2014 pledging to pursue opportunities in the region, and this latest move forms part of Afrimax’s goal of creating “the largest portfolio of 4G wireless broadband networks across sub-Saharan Africa.” The companies have already partnered to deliver 4G services in Uganda.
In September 2015, Afrimax obtained $120 million in funding from a consortium of international investors in order to step up its deployment of LTE networks in the Sub-Saharan Africa region. Currently, Afrimax owns TD-LTE spectrum in 12 African markets.
The Vodafone Zambia deployment is aimed at both consumers and businesses, and will involve Vodafone-branded kiosks and retail outlets being set up in “key locations”. 4G-capable handsets and devices will also be available through a supplementary network of distributors and resellers, while connectivity products such as data services and software will be offered through direct sales channels.
Vodafone Zambia will be headquartered in Lusaka, with Lars Stork taking the position of CEO. Partner market agreements are a common strategy for the operator group in markets where it does not have its own mobile infrastructure. Vodafone owns its mobile networks in 26 markets and has partner market agreements in a further 58 countries, partnering with 37 companies.
