South Africa: Competition Commission issued ruling in favor of merger between Vodacom and Maziv

On 8 July 2025, the Competition Commission of South Africa reached an agreement with Vodacom and Maziv on revised conditions to address competition and public interest concerns linked to their proposed merger. The agreement applies to the fixed wireless access (FWA) and fibre-to-the-home (FTTH) sector, with obligations including improved capital expenditure commitments, enhanced network coverage and connection targets, maintenance of lower-cost broadband options, and a stronger divestiture process to safeguard competition. To address vertical foreclosure risks, the revised conditions introduce governance changes and a fast-track interim relief mechanism, while public interest commitments have been strengthened through additional fibre rollout, free high-speed access for public libraries and clinics, expanded broadband support for police stations, enterprise development, and an enhanced employee share ownership scheme.