Vodacom has officially become the majority shareholder in Safaricom after completing its $2.1 billion acquisition of the Kenyan government's 15% stake in the telecom operator. The transaction increases Vodacom's ownership from 35% to 55%, making it the controlling shareholder of East Africa's largest telecommunications company.

The deal follows approval from Kenya's Court of Appeal, bringing an end to months of legal delays that had temporarily halted one of Africa's largest telecom acquisitions.

A Major Shift for East Africa's Largest Telecom Operator

With a 55% stake, Vodacom now holds greater influence over Safaricom's strategic direction while the company remains listed on the Nairobi Securities Exchange. The Kenyan government will retain a 20% ownership stake and continue to have representation on the company's board.

The acquisition strengthens Vodacom's position in East Africa and supports its long-term strategy of expanding digital connectivity and financial services across the continent.

Expansion Plans Remain in Focus

Safaricom has grown beyond Kenya in recent years, with significant investments in Ethiopia and continued expansion of M-Pesa, one of Africa's leading mobile money platforms.

The new ownership structure is expected to give Vodacom more control over regional investments, digital services and future growth initiatives as competition across Africa's telecom sector continues to intensify.

Why It Matters

The acquisition represents one of the biggest telecom deals in Africa in recent years and reflects growing consolidation within the continent's telecommunications industry.

As digital services, mobile money and cross-border connectivity become increasingly important, stronger regional operators are positioning themselves to serve millions of users across multiple African markets.

With the transaction now complete, attention will turn to how Vodacom shapes Safaricom's next phase of growth, particularly its expansion beyond Kenya and its ambitions in digital financial services.