Axian Telecom

Axian Telecom is a group operating in the telecommunications services, ICT infrastructure and mobile money services across Africa and the Indian ocean.[1] The group started its activities in 2003 and maintains its headquarters in Mauritius and Dubai.[1] AXIAN Telecom was ranked 74th on the Financial Times' 2025 list of Africa's fastest growing companies in Africa. Currently, AXIAN Telecom and its operations are active across eleven markets: Tanzania, Madagascar, Togo, Uganda, Senegal, Comoros, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Reunion, Mayotte, Kenya and Malawi.

In 2024, AXIAN Telecom's MNO's rebranded as Yas across Tanzania, Madagascar, Comoros, Senegal and Togo, while it's fintech arms in Tanzania, Togo and Senegal became Mixx.[2]

History

In 2004, AXIAN Telecom, acquired 68% in then Télécom Malagasy, rebranded[3] Telma in 2006 and became Yas Madagascar in 2024 as a pan-African rebranding.[4]

Subsidiaries and investments

The companies that compose Axian Telecom include, but are not limited to, are the following:[1]

Free Sénégal (trading as "Yas Sénégal") – Dakar, Senegal – 78.4% Shareholding – A telecommunication company in Senegal. Acquired in 2020.[14]

STELLAR-IX Data Centers – Ebène, Mauritius – 100% Shareholding – Holding company for the STELLAR-IX companies. These subsidiaries provide Data center services.

STELLAR-IX Tanzania – Dar es Salaam, Tanzania – 80% Shareholding

STELLAR-IX Madagascar – Antananarivo, Madagascar – 100% Shareholding

Telecom Comores – Moroni, Comoros – 43.3% Shareholding – A telecom operator in Comoros. Acquired in 2016.

Telecom Malagasy SA (Telma) – Antananarivo, Madagascar – 80.8% Shareholding – A telecom operator in Madagascar. Acquired in 2005.

Telecom Reunion Mayotte – Réunion, France – 50% Shareholding – A telecommunication company operating in Reunion and Mayotte. Acquired in 2015

Togo Telecom – Lomé, Togo – 51% Shareholding – A telecom operator in Togo. Acquired in 2019.

Towerco of Africa Ltd – Ebène, Mauritius – 100% Shareholding – Holding company for the Towerco subsidiaries. These subsidiaries construct and operate of telecommunication infrastructures such as base station towers.

Towerco of Africa DRC – Kinshasa, DR Congo – 70% Shareholding.

TowerCo of Africa Uganda Limited – Kampala, Uganda– 90% Shareholding – Formally known as Ubuntu Towers.[15] Acquired in 2021.

Towerco of Africa Madagascar – Antananarivo, Madagascar – 99.7% Shareholding.

Towerco of Africa Tanzania Ltd – Dar es Salaam, Tanzania – 80% Shareholding.

Yas Tanzania (officially known as MIC Tanzania Limited) – Dar es Salaam, Tanzania – 78.4% Shareholding – A telecommunication company in Tanzania. Acquired in 2022 after a treaty with Millicom International Cellular (Tigo).[16]

Zanzibar Telecom Limited (trading as "Zantel") – Dar es Salaam, Tanzania – 78.4% Shareholding – A telecommunication company in Tanzania. Acquired in 2022[16]

type	Private
industry	Telecommunications, Media
foundation	June 20, 2003
location	Ebène, Mauritius
area served	Africa
key people	Hassanein Hiridjee (Founder and (Chairman)) Hassan Jaber (CEO)
products	Mobile, broadband, Mobile Financial Services
revenue	US$1.1 billion (2023)
operating income	US$232 million (2023)
net income	US$55 million (2023)
assets	US$3.2 billion (2023)
equity	US$305 million (2023)
owner	Axian Group Ltd (100%)
homepage	https://www.axian-telecom.com/

History

Expansion in West Africa

Acquisition in Tanzania

Other Ventures and Acquisitions

Subsidiaries and investments

Ownership

Governance

See also

References