Telecommunications developments in Angola and South Africa

In Angola, Africell is utilizing an operator-grade data center in Luanda to support its mobile network infrastructure. Since entering the Angolan market in 2022, the company has established this facility to manage its mobile core network, business support systems, and data services. The data center features an estimated capacity of 30-50 racks and provides direct fiber connectivity to Angola Cables and AngoNAP.

In South Africa, Cell C CEO Jorge Mendes has highlighted structural barriers preventing major operators MTN and Vodacom from aggressively pursuing the Mobile Virtual Network Operator (MVNO) hosting market. Mendes argues that because MTN and Vodacom hold dominant retail market shares, expanding their wholesale business could cannibalize their own retail margins.

In contrast, Cell C operates without its own radio access network, relying instead on the infrastructure of its competitors. This allows Cell C to focus on wholesale, where its division grew revenue by 20% to R1.76-billion in the year ending May 31, 2026. Cell C currently hosts approximately 80-85% of the South African MVNO market.