KAMPALA — Yas, a subsidiary of AXIAN Telecom Holding & Management PLC, has officially completed the acquisition of 99.63% of Wananchi Group (Holdings) Ltd, the parent company of Zuku and Simbanet, in a transaction valued at approximately US$63 million.
This acquisition marks a major milestone in AXIAN Telecom’s regional growth strategy, strengthening its leadership in fibre connectivity and expanding its footprint across Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, and Malawi.
Through the deal, Yas consolidates its position as a leading fibre connectivity provider in East Africa, leveraging Wananchi Group’s robust infrastructure alongside AXIAN Telecom’s investment capacity and technical expertise. The integration is expected to accelerate digital transformation across the region, empowering governments, enterprises, and consumers with faster, more reliable, and more affordable broadband services.
“This acquisition marks a strategic step in our mission to make high-quality digital connectivity accessible and affordable to all. East Africa remains a priority growth market for AXIAN Telecom, and Uganda in particular offers tremendous opportunities for innovation, digital inclusion, and sustainable infrastructure development,” said Hassan Jaber, CEO of AXIAN Telecom.
Jaber affirmed that Zuku and Simbanet will continue operating under their existing brand identities in the near term to ensure service continuity, pricing stability, and customer confidence throughout the transition.
He also emphasized AXIAN’s commitment to retaining local talent and progressively introducing the company’s international best practices, operational standards, and customer-centric service models.
“Our first priority is to ensure a smooth transition for both customers and employees. We’re bringing new capital, advanced technology, and fresh opportunities, all while preserving the trust and familiarity that Ugandans already associate with Zuku and Simbanet,” he added.
Over the next 12 to 24 months, Yas plans to upgrade Wananchi’s fibre network in Uganda, focusing on speed, reliability, and coverage improvements. The roadmap includes network densification, expansion of fibre-to-the-home (FTTH) connectivity, and the introduction of next-generation digital services such as enterprise cloud solutions, Internet of Things (IoT) connectivity, and advanced customer experience platforms.
“Wananchi Group’s network, customer relationships, and local expertise align perfectly with our ambition to be a leader in broadband connectivity across Africa,” Jaber said. “This acquisition builds on our deep understanding of East Africa’s opportunities while giving us access to vibrant new markets in Kenya and Uganda.”
Bertrand Lacroix, CEO of AXIAN Telecom Fibre, added; “Our goal is to build a leading pan-African broadband provider, and Wananchi’s addition is a big step forward. We’re committed to bringing high-speed Internet to millions more Africans. Our strong performance—doubling our fixed broadband base and achieving double-digit revenue and EBITDA growth—demonstrates the strength of our model.”
By leveraging AXIAN Telecom’s pan-African infrastructure and strategic partnerships, Yas aims to position Uganda as a regional hub for digital innovation, empowering both the public and private sectors to advance their digital transformation journeys.
The acquisition also reinforces AXIAN’s Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) commitments, emphasizing sustainable growth, local talent development, and rural digital inclusion to ensure that no community is left behind in East Africa’s digital evolution.
About Wananchi Uganda
Wananchi Group is a leading East African provider of pay TV, broadband, and internet services, best known for its flagship brands Zuku (retail broadband) and Simbanet (enterprise connectivity). The company has a strong presence in Kenya and Uganda, offering home internet, pay television, and business-to-business fibre solutions.
About Yas and AXIAN Telecom
Yas is a subsidiary of AXIAN Telecom Holding & Management PLC, a leading pan-African telecoms and digital infrastructure group operating in 11 countries. AXIAN’s diversified portfolio spans mobile, tower, fibre, data centre, and fintech services, collectively serving over 36 million customers and driving Africa’s digital transformation.
