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Vodacom, one of Africa’s leading telecommunications operators, is investing over R500 million ($29 million) in South Africa’s network infrastructure for the 2026 financial year (FY26).
Africa’s second-largest telecommunications operator by user base is reinforcing its push for digital inclusion with a major investment in Limpopo.
Building on last year’s R414 million ($24 million) milestone, the initiative underscores the company’s commitment to bridging the digital divide, stimulating economic growth, and expanding access to high-speed broadband across the continent.
Over the past seven years, Vodacom has invested R3.1 billion ($179 million) in Limpopo’s radio and transmission infrastructure. The latest investment marks a comprehensive network overhaul, reflecting a long-term strategy to deliver reliable connectivity and empower communities across the province.
Rural communities in Limpopo often face limited broadband infrastructure, slower network speeds, and weaker mobile coverage compared with major cities such as Johannesburg, Cape Town, or Durban, with many residents still relying on 2G or patchy 3G connections.
“Our vision is to connect every individual and community, ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to participate in the digital economy and benefit from its socio-economic opportunities,” said Lynn Benjamin, Managing Executive for Vodacom Limpopo region. “By investing in advanced network infrastructure and affordable digital solutions, we are laying the foundation for a brighter, more inclusive future for all.”
Expanding Networks and 5G Deployment
Vodacom is deploying advanced 4G and 5G technologies across urban and rural areas, bringing high-speed connectivity to regions that were previously underserved, both locally and across the continent.
Over the next two years, the company will invest R312 million ($18 million) in expanding its radio network, with an additional R346 million ($20 million) planned for the following year.
Transmission infrastructure will receive R194.2 million ($11.2 million) to strengthen coverage and network capacity.
The rollout will introduce over 250 new 5G sites, reaching major urban centres including Polokwane, Makhado, Thohoyandou, and Makhuduthamaga.
At the same time, new towers will extend connectivity to remote communities such as Giyani, Malamulele, and Musina, helping bridge the digital divide in rural Limpopo.
This regional expansion is part of a broader R20 billion ($1.1 billion) investment for the 2025–2026 financial year, aimed at scaling 5G services and deepening network coverage across underserved African markets.
Pan-African Strategy and Vision 2030
In a continental push, under Shameel Joosub’s leadership, the telecommunications company has grown its subscriber base to over 211 million across Africa, up from 115.5 million in 2020, with a market capitalization of approximately R255.89 billion ($14 billion USD).
Its network now spans key markets, including South Africa, Egypt, Tanzania, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Mozambique, Lesotho, Kenya, and Ethiopia.
