Free Senegal is the country’s second largest mobile operator
Axian, which has headquarters in Madagascar, has completed its acquisition of more shares in Senegal’s Free in a deal that was announced in July. Axian has now doubled its stake in Free from 40% to 80%.
Free Senegal is the country’s second largest operator with and in July had 5.36 million subscribers, equating to a market share of 25%.
Free Senegal was bought from Millicom in April 2018 by a consortium called Saga Africa Holdings. The consortium comprised the French telecom billionaire Xavier Niel’s investment arm, NJJ Group, plus Teyliom Group and Axian Group via its subsidiary Axian Telecom. Niel’s Iliad group operates under the mobile brand name Free in the French and Italian markets.
Pivotal role
Mamadou Mbengue, CEO of Free Senegal, said in a statement, “This transaction underscores the significance of Free Senegal as a key player in the market and its pivotal role in transforming Senegal’s telecommunications landscape.
“Together, we are strongly positioned to drive forward the digital transformation agenda, focusing on deploying relevant technologies to ensure an enhanced experience for individuals and businesses alike.”
Expansion plans
Axian Telecom has opcos in African markets, including Comoros, Madagascar, Mayotte, Reunion, Senegal, Tanzania and Togo, and is involved in telecoms-related activities in Cote d’Ivoire and Uganda.
It is in talks with MTN over the possible acquisition of the latter’s opcos in Guinea, Guinea-Bissau and Liberia.