Standard Bank on Wednesday announced the financial close of the R11.5-billion deal that will result in Vodacom acquiring a 30% stake in Maziv.

Standard Bank Corporate and Investment Banking (CIB) initially appointed by Maziv as advisor to the company in relation to the investment by Vodacom, was appointed by Vodacom as co-global coordinator, joint arranger and joint funder for the funding.

The deal, set in motion four years ago, was approved by the Competition Regulator’s approval in July 2025, followed by the Independent Communication Authority of South Africa’s (Icasa) approval, which was certified in November 2025.

“We are honoured and privileged to have advised Maziv on this landmark transaction which will result in the continued expansion of digital access for South Africa,” said Standard Bank CIB merger and acquisition (M&A) advisory head Grant Tidbury.

The partnership with Standard Bank as M&A advisors on the landmark transaction enables Maziv to accelerate its mission in empowering people and unlocking the potential of South Africa through connectivity, said Maziv CEO Dietlof Mare.

“Standard Bank is proud to partner with Vodacom on delivering a funding package for this strategic acquisition and largest fibre deal on the continent which will increase connectivity to previously underserved communities,” added Standard Bank CIB corporate financing solutions executive Mulalo Takaedza.

Vodacom’s purpose to “connect for a better future” includes investing in the kind of infrastructure that provides more people and businesses access to quality connectivity where they live and work.

“We are excited to partner with Standard Bank, who share our passion for supporting South Africa’s growth and creating real opportunities for communities,” said Vodacom group executive Kabelo Mokoena.

The deal is the largest fibre deal on the continent and will unlock fibre connectivity to previously underserviced areas and communities in South Africa, thereby narrowing the digital divide, by delivering access to fast Internet connectivity to homes and businesses in rural and township areas.

According to Icasa’s ‘2025 state of the information and communication technology sector in South Africa’ report, mobile access remains the predominant means of connecting to the Internet for most of the populace, with mobile connectivity reported at 72.6%.

However, the national average for fixed Internet access at home is 14.5%.

As part of the commitments under the deal, Maziv aims to connect more than 8 000 mobile base stations across South Africa.

The entity currently provides fibre connectivity to more than two-million homes and more than 25 000 commercial buildings across the country and this capital injection from Vodacom will accelerate further deployment.

“We are incredibly honoured to be associated with this acquisition as it speaks directly to the purpose for our existence at Standard Bank, to drive Africa’s growth,” concluded Standard Bank CIB telecommunications, media and technology head Kumbirai Gundani.