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Vodacom Tanzania Plc, a subsidiary of the Johannesburg-based telecommunications giant Vodacom Group, led by leading South African executive Shameel Joosub, has completed the acquisition of Smile Communications Tanzania Limited, solidifying its position in the Tanzanian mobile network operator market.
Under the terms of the transaction finalized on April 3, 2024, Vodacom Tanzania acquired 100 percent of Smile Communications Tanzania Limited’s issued share capital for Tsh68.81 billion ($26.67 million), marking a strategic move just two years after a significant investment by Saudi investors.
Strategic move to enhance network infrastructure
In a public announcement, Vodacom Tanzania emphasized the strategic significance of the acquisition in enhancing its network infrastructure and delivering superior services to its customers. The move aligns with the company’s plans to optimize efficiency and strengthen its market hold by increasing spectrum holdings and subscriber base.
Vodacom Tanzania, a leading telecommunications company in the region, aims to leverage Smile’s extensive 4G LTE network to offer reliable internet and voice services to its customer base in key regions such as Pwani, Dar es Salaam, Morogoro, Dodoma, Mwanza, Mbeya, Kilimanjaro, and Arusha.
Vodacom acquires Smile Tanzania assets
The acquisition underscores Vodacom Group’s commitment to driving connectivity and digital access across the continent under the leadership of South African business executive Shameel Joosub. With a customer base exceeding 129.9 million across multiple African countries, Vodacom Group solidifies its position as a key player in the African telecom market.
As Vodacom Group navigates this strategic acquisition phase, the company continues to prioritize adaptability and innovation, aiming to maintain its position as a cornerstone of connectivity and digital access across Africa.
While Smile Tanzania’s smaller customer base of 15,171 subscribers represents a fraction of the market share, the acquisition brings valuable assets, including 800MHz and mid-band spectrum licenses, to enhance network capacity and meet growing mobile data demand in Tanzania.
Vodacom Tanzania anticipates competition from rivals like Airtel and Tigo as it endeavors to retain its edge in the expanding Tanzanian telecom sector. With mobile data usage on the rise, Vodacom’s acquisition signals its dedication to the market, bolstering spectrum and network capabilities to meet growing demand.
