Table of Contents
Vodacom Group led by South African executive Shameel Joosub, has signed a clean energy agreement with independent power producer SOLA Group, taking an important step toward reducing its reliance on South Africa’s overburdened national grid. The company also introduced a virtual wheeling solution, allowing businesses to access renewable electricity from independent producers through the grid.
Vodacom’s subsidiary Mezzanine designed the digital platform powering the system, with the first supply coming from SOLA’s Virginia-based solar plant in the Free State. “Virtual wheeling is a game changer for companies like ours with distributed operations, removing long-standing barriers to accessing renewable energy,” Vodacom South Africa CEO Sitho Mdlalose said.
South Africa’s energy crisis spurs innovation
South Africa has faced years of rolling blackouts as Eskom’s aging infrastructure struggles with demand. Vodacom, which secured Eskom’s approval in 2023 to develop the framework for virtual wheeling, sees the new model as a blueprint for other corporations tackling energy shortages.
The move also supports Vodacom’s ambition to hit net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2035. Earlier this year, the company announced it had achieved its target of sourcing 100 percent of purchased electricity from renewable sources across its Energy Management-certified operations in Africa.
Joosub leads Vodacom growth amid headwinds
Vodacom, which serves more than 210 million subscribers across Africa—including Tanzania, Mozambique, Lesotho, and the Democratic Republic of Congo—remains on a growth path despite currency pressures.
CEO Shameel Joosub, who owns a 0.09 percent stake in Vodacom valued at about $15 million, has guided the telecom group through energy reforms while delivering shareholder returns. For the fiscal year ended March 31, 2025, revenue rose 1.1 percent to R152.23 billion ($8.67 billion), compared with R150.59 billion ($8.58 million) a year earlier.
Expanding network and fiber investments
Vodacom is also pouring millions into digital infrastructure. The company recently unveiled a $40 million investment to improve rural connectivity in KwaZulu-Natal. It is committing another $27 million to modernize broadband in Cape Town, aiming to boost digital inclusion.
Separately, Vodacom is investing $322 million in fiber assets to secure a 30 percent stake in Maziv, South Africa’s largest independent fiber company. The $741.7 million deal, approved with Remgro, is set to strengthen Vodacom’s position in the high-speed internet market. With clean energy, infrastructure, and fiber investments, Vodacom is positioning itself as both a telecom and energy transition leader in South Africa’s evolving economy.
