African giants MTN and Vodacom are both interested in the Ugandan assets of Orange, according to a single sourced report by the Daily Monitor.
A few days ago, the French incumbent launched a review of its operations in Kenya and Uganda, which have both…
African giants MTN and Vodacom are both interested in the Ugandan assets of Orange, according to a single sourced report by the Daily Monitor.
A few days ago, the French incumbent launched a review of its operations in Kenya and Uganda, which have both struggled to remain competitive. Scenarios being considered include bringing in a new partner or a sale.
South Africa’s MTN is already the leading operator in Uganda and the deal would help consolidate the mobile market, which is currently home to six operators.
Vodacom however is not present in the country after reportedly losing out to India’s Bharti Airtel, which snapped up Warid Uganda last year.
Vodacom CEO Shameel Joosub said in May 2013 that the telco was looking to enter three new African nations.
In particular, the company would focus on local operators in countries with a population of more than 10 million, a high gross domestic product growth, low mobile penetration and a stable political situation, he stressed at the time. Uganda has a population of 36 million and mobile penetration is around 60%.
A Vodacom spokesperson said the operator is looking at opportunities on a regular basis but declined to comment on a specific company or country.
MTN could not be reached for comment.
