Malagasy tycoon Hassanein Hiridjee’s AXIAN Telecom secures 5G license for Free in Senegal

Pan-African telecommunications services provider AXIAN Telecom, a part of the AXIAN Group led by Malagasy businessman Hassanein Hiridjee, has successfully acquired a 5G license for its mobile operator Free au Sénégal (Free in Senegal) in a significant stride toward advancing digital connectivity in Senegal.

The development follows AXIAN Telecom’s strategic move in July 2023, where the company, led by Hiridjee, increased its stake in Free in Senegal to 80 percent. This transaction solidified AXIAN Telecom’s position as the majority shareholder, enabling enhanced financial consolidation and operational control.

The acquisition follows AXIAN Telecom’s recent increase in stake in Free in Senegal to 80 percent, a move finalized in July 2023. This development solidifies AXIAN Telecom’s position as the majority shareholder, enabling enhanced financial consolidation and operational control over the telecommunications venture.

AXIAN Telecom secures 5G license, pledges technological advancement across 9 African markets

AXIAN Telecom officially announced the 5G license acquisition, emphasizing its commitment to advancing technology across nations. The telecom company, with operations in nine markets, including Tanzania, Madagascar, Togo, Uganda, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Senegal, Reunion, Mayotte, and Comoros, is known for its expertise in optical fiber connectivity, 4G mobile networks, and online money transfer solutions.

“As we embrace the power of 5G, we anticipate a transformative impact on industries, education, healthcare, and beyond,” AXIAN Telecom stated. “We are excited about the positive impact 5G will have on communities, businesses, and Senegal’s overall development. Let us work together to create a connected future.”

AXIAN Telecom’s impactful telecom strategies in Africa

Under the leadership of Hiridjee, AXIAN Telecom has achieved remarkable growth since 2015 through active acquisitions and network investments. Presently, it ranks as Africa’s seventh-largest mobile operator, serving over 35 million customers with a comprehensive range of mobile and fixed networks, digital infrastructure, and mobile financial services.

In a further move to support its operations, AXIAN Telecom secured a loan of $158.3 million from JPMorgan Chase Bank in Sept. 2023. The funds will be utilized to repay previous investment expenses and efficiently finance future investments necessary for the completion of network modernization programs in Tanzania and Madagascar.

AXIAN Telecom’s strategic initiatives underscore its pivotal role in shaping the telecommunications landscape in Africa and its unwavering commitment to driving socio-economic development through cutting-edge technology.