Vodacom is poised to acquire a significant 55% controlling stake in Safaricom, Kenya's leading telecommunications operator, a deal valued at approximately $2.1 billion. This strategic move, expected to finalize in the first quarter of 2026, involves Vodacom purchasing 15% of Safaricom from the Kenyan government and an additional 5% from its parent company, Vodafone, solidifying its majority ownership.

Despite the change in majority control, the Kenyan government has stipulated a stringent set of conditions aimed at safeguarding local interests and operational continuity. These conditions include the mandatory requirement that Safaricom's chairman and CEO must always be Kenyan citizens, a clear directive to prevent any major alterations to the company's established brand identity, and a commitment from Vodacom to maintain the existing local supplier base for a minimum period of three years.

Beyond corporate governance, the government's terms extend to employee welfare and community engagement. Vodacom is prohibited from undertaking unusual staff layoffs outside the company's ordinary business operations. Furthermore, the trustees for both the Safaricom Foundation and M-PESA Foundation must remain Kenyan, ensuring that all funds dedicated to local initiatives continue to be focused solely within Kenya, thereby preserving the company's ongoing community and philanthropic efforts.

Even with Vodacom assuming majority ownership and operational control, Safaricom will retain its listing on the Nairobi Securities Exchange. Public investors are set to maintain their approximate 25% shareholding, while the Kenyan government will continue to hold a substantial 20% stake in the company. Vodacom frames this acquisition as an integral component of its overarching