Wedoany.com Report-Dec.8, Vodacom Group, Vodafone Group's African operating company, has signed an agreement to acquire an effective 20% stake in Safaricom, Kenya's largest telecommunications operator.

The transaction comprises a 15% stake purchased from the Government of Kenya for €1.36 billion (approximately KES 204 billion) and a 5% stake acquired from Vodafone Group for €0.45 billion (approximately KES 68 billion). Upon completion, expected in the first quarter of 2026 subject to regulatory approvals in Kenya, South Africa and Ethiopia, Safaricom's shareholding will be Vodacom 55%, Government of Kenya 20%, and public/free-float investors 25%. Safaricom will be fully consolidated by both Vodacom and Vodafone.

Listed on the Nairobi Securities Exchange with a market capitalisation of €7.7 billion, Safaricom operates extensive mobile networks, a substantial tower and spectrum portfolio in Kenya, and the M-Pesa mobile-money platform, which processes over 100 million daily transactions and serves 38 million customers in Kenya. Safaricom also holds the majority stake in Safaricom Ethiopia. In the six months ended 30 September 2025, Safaricom’s Kenyan service revenue grew 9.3% year-on-year, driven by 14% growth in M-Pesa revenue.

Vodafone Group CEO Margherita Della Valle said: "In line with our focus on growth, this is an opportunity to gain a controlling shareholding in a highly successful African business in an attractive market. We have enjoyed a successful partnership with Safaricom since 2000, including the co-development of M-Pesa, which has brought wide-ranging financial inclusion to millions of customers."

The acquisition strengthens Vodafone and Vodacom's position in one of Africa's leading digital economies while maintaining significant local ownership and public participation in Safaricom.