Standard Bank has successfully announced the financial close of the landmark R11.5 billion transaction that culminates in Vodacom Group acquiring a 30 per cent equity stake in Maziv, the fibre infrastructure holding company.
This significant deal, set in motion four years prior, represents the largest fibre transaction ever conducted on the African continent. Standard Bank Corporate and Investment Banking (CIB) played a multifaceted role throughout the process, initially advising Maziv on the investment and subsequently acting for Vodacom as co-global coordinator, joint arranger, and joint funder for the necessary capital injection.
The complex transaction only recently received all requisite regulatory endorsements, demonstrating the long-term, structural importance of the deal to South Africa’s telecommunications sector. It secured approval from the Competition Regulator in July 2025, followed by critical certification from the Independent Communication Authority of South Africa (Icasa) in November 2025. Standard Bank CIB merger and acquisition advisory head Grant Tidbury acknowledged the privilege of advising Maziv on the transaction, emphasising its expected role in the continued expansion of digital access for the nation.
This capital injection from Vodacom is designed to significantly accelerate Maziv’s network deployment strategy. Maziv’s CEO, Dietlof Mare, noted that the partnership allows the company to rapidly advance its core mission of empowering people and unlocking the potential of South Africa through widespread connectivity. The deal aligns directly with Vodacom’s stated purpose to “connect for a better future” by investing in core infrastructure that ensures more people and businesses have access to quality connectivity where they live and work.
The core economic and social benefit of the deal is its anticipated role in narrowing the country’s digital divide. The capital infusion is specifically intended to unlock fibre connectivity in previously underserviced and neglected areas, delivering faster internet connectivity to homes and businesses in rural and township areas. This focus is critical given that, according to Icasa’s ‘2025 state of the information and communication technology sector in South Africa’ report, while mobile access remains the dominant means of connecting for the majority of the populace (reported at 72.6 per cent), the national average for fixed internet access at home remains low at just 14.5 per cent.
As part of the commitments underpinning the transaction, Maziv has set clear infrastructure expansion targets. The entity, which currently provides fibre connectivity to over two million homes and more than 25,000 commercial buildings nationwide, aims to connect an additional 8,000 mobile base stations across South Africa. This dual focus on both fixed-line to the home and backhaul to mobile infrastructure will significantly enhance the overall quality and resilience of the national network.
Standard Bank’s involvement was highlighted by CIB corporate financing solutions executive Mulalo Takaedza, who expressed pride in partnering with Vodacom on the funding package for this strategic acquisition, noting the bank’s shared commitment to increasing connectivity for underserved communities. Vodacom group executive Kabelo Mokoena reciprocated, stating excitement about partnering with Standard Bank, which shares the group’s passion for supporting South Africa’s growth and creating real opportunities for communities.
Ultimately, the successful financial close of this acquisition is framed as a significant achievement that speaks directly to the purpose of driving Africa’s growth, according to Standard Bank CIB telecommunications, media and technology head Kumbirai Gundani. The partnership is expected to drive substantial investment in digital infrastructure, ensuring that high-speed fibre becomes a more accessible and foundational element of South Africa’s economic future.