Guinea Government Takes Full Ownership of Areeba Guinee, Paving Way for Telecom Restructuring

The Guinean government has officially acquired full ownership of mobile network operator Areeba Guinee, marking a significant milestone in the nation’s telecom industry. The decision, authorized by President Mamadi Doumbouya via a presidential decree, transfers 100% of Areeba Guinee’s shares to state ownership. Previously a part of the MTN Group, the operator is now expected to function under a renewed governance structure with a state-appointed board of directors and enhanced financial and managerial independence.

A New Era for Guinea’s Telecom Landscape

This acquisition concludes a transitional period that began in December 2024, when the government initially took control of MTN Group’s shares. During this interim stage, Areeba Guinee functioned under temporary management while plans for its full integration into the public sector were outlined. Additionally, minority shareholders have exited the business, simplifying its ownership structure. This signifies a strategic step by the government to centralize telecom resources and boost its influence in the sector.

What Happens to Guinea Telecom?

Before the acquisition, the government had plans to launch Guinea Telecom, a publicly owned entity intended to replace SOTELGUI, the former state-run telecom operator. Guinea Telecom’s launch, initially set for early 2023, encountered delays due to challenges such as outdated infrastructure and logistical hurdles. Now, with Areeba Guinee under government control, authorities are reportedly reassessing their strategy, exploring the possibility of merging Areeba Guinee with Guinea Telecom. If executed, the merger would create two distinct entities – one focusing on wholesale operations and the other on providing retail telecom services to customers.

Opportunities and Challenges Ahead

The full acquisition of Areeba Guinee presents both opportunities and challenges for Guinea’s telecom sector. The move could strengthen national connectivity and potentially stimulate competition by providing a streamlined public option for wireless services. However, integrating operations, addressing legacy infrastructure issues, and ensuring seamless service continuity remain significant hurdles. The government’s ability to navigate these challenges will largely dictate the future of Guinea’s telecom industry, both domestically and in the broader West African market.

This development signals a transformative era for Guinea’s telecommunications sector. As the government proceeds with its plans, the focus will likely shift toward enhancing infrastructure, improving service quality, and fostering innovation to remain competitive in an industry that is rapidly evolving worldwide.