Landmark transaction sets South Africa up for a new era of high-speed connectivity and digital inclusion.
Article: Lonwabo Mtyeku –Community Newsroom Photo Credit: Supplied
Johannesburg, 03 December 2025 — In a move set to reshape South Africa’s digital infrastructure landscape, Standard Bank — the continent’s largest bank by assets — has announced the financial close of a groundbreaking R11.5 billion fibre transaction between Vodacom and Maziv, the parent company of Vumatel and Dark Fibre Africa.
The deal sees Vodacom acquire a 30% stake in Maziv, consolidating the strengths of two of the country’s most influential connectivity players into a unified fibre powerhouse.
Standard Bank Corporate and Investment Banking (CIB) played a central dual role in the historic agreement:
- Advisor to Maziv on Vodacom’s investment
- Co-global coordinator, joint arranger, and joint funder to Vodacom
This strategic involvement positions the bank at the heart of the largest fibre transaction ever concluded on the African continent.
Four Years of Negotiation, One Transformative Milestone
The deal marks the culmination of a four-year journey, with regulatory approvals granted by the Competition Regulator in July 2025 and certified by ICASA in November 2025.
What began as a vision to unify and expand fibre access at scale has become a nation-shaping breakthrough — one that aims to close South Africa’s enduring digital divide.
Maziv CEO, Dietlof Mare, underscores the human impact of the deal:
“Our purpose is to change lives by connecting South Africans to fast, accessible fibre and to bridge the digital divide that limits opportunities for businesses and communities, particularly those in underserved communities. We are proud to have partnered with Standard Bank as M&A Advisors on this landmark transaction.”
A New Connectivity Future for South Africa
Vodacom’s participation marks a bold strategic investment in long-term infrastructure development.
Kabelo Mokoena, Group Executive at Vodacom Group Limited, emphasises the shared vision:
“At Vodacom, our purpose is to connect for a better future. That means investing in infrastructure that gives more people and businesses access to quality connectivity where they live and work. We’re excited to partner with Standard Bank, who share our passion for supporting South Africa’s growth and creating real opportunities for communities.”
The deal promises widespread benefits:
- Expansion of fibre into rural and township communities
- Improved digital access for households and small businesses
- Connectivity upgrades for over 8,000 mobile base stations
- Acceleration of fibre deployment to complement SA’s mobile internet dominance
Maziv already services more than 2 million homes and 25,000 commercial buildings. Vodacom’s capital injection is expected to rapidly amplify this footprint.
Standard Bank’s Strategic Role: Driving Africa’s Growth Through Connectivity
Standard Bank CIB’s involvement reflects its continued commitment to enabling Africa’s digital transformation.
Mulalo Takaedza, Corporate Financing Solutions Executive at Standard Bank CIB, highlights the bank’s role in both empowerment and impact:
“Standard Bank is proud to partner with Vodacom on delivering a funding package for this strategic acquisition — the largest fibre deal on the continent — which will increase connectivity to previously underserved communities.”
The importance of the deal becomes even clearer when viewed against national statistics. According to ICASA’s 2025 State of the ICT Sector in South Africa report:
- 72.6% of South Africans connect to the internet primarily through mobile
- Only 14.5% of households have fixed internet access
This disparity underscores the urgency of accelerating fibre rollout — an urgency the new joint entity is positioned to meet.
Grant Tidbury, Head of M&A Advisory at Standard Bank CIB, adds:
“We are honoured to have advised Maziv on this landmark transaction which will result in the continued expansion of digital access for South Africa.”
Kumbirai Gundani, Head of Telecommunications, Media and Technology at Standard Bank CIB, reinforces the bank’s broader mission:
“We are incredibly honoured to be associated with this acquisition as it speaks directly to the purpose for our existence at Standard Bank — to drive Africa’s growth.”
A Defining Moment for South Africa’s Digital Future
The Vodacom–Maziv partnership, facilitated by Standard Bank’s advisory and funding expertise, is more than a corporate transaction — it is a national building block.
By scaling fibre access into areas historically left behind, the deal is set to:
- Strengthen digital equity
- Support small business growth
- Enhance economic participation
- Future-proof South African connectivity infrastructure
With the financial close now complete, South Africa stands on the cusp of a new era of high-speed connectivity, one where access to digital opportunity becomes a reality for millions.
