Guinean Government Completes Full Acquisition of Areeba Guinee

Guinea Takes Full Control of Areeba Guinee

In a significant development for Guinea’s telecom industry, the government has officially acquired 100% of the shares in mobile network operator Areeba Guinee. The decision, initiated through a decree signed by President Mamadi Doumbouya, marks the end of MTN Group’s stake in the company and declares Areeba Guinee as a fully state-owned entity. This move signifies a notable shift in Guinea’s telecommunications landscape, as the operator will now operate under a new board of directors with enhanced financial and managerial autonomy.

Since December 2024, when the government originally intervened to acquire the network’s shares, Areeba Guinee had been functioning under an interim management framework. This transitional phase came to an end with minority shareholders also exiting the company. The adjustment aligns with the government’s longer-term ambitions to restructure and strengthen Guinea’s telecom infrastructure.

Plans for Guinea Telecom Face Uncertainty

The acquisition has reignited questions about the future of Guinea Telecom, a proposed state-owned operator intended to replace the defunct SOTELGUI, which once led the local telecommunications sector. Guinea Telecom was initially scheduled to launch in early 2023, but a range of challenges, including outdated infrastructure, delayed the project. It remains unclear whether the government plans to proceed with launching Guinea Telecom as originally envisioned, now that it fully controls Areeba Guinee.

Ecofin Agency has reported the government may now be exploring alternative strategies to reorganize the telecom sector, including a potential merger between Areeba Guinee and Guinea Telecom. The plan would see one entity functioning as a wholesale network provider while the other focuses on customer-facing retail operations, ensuring optimal service delivery for consumers and businesses.

Implications for Guinea’s Telecommunications Sector

This latest development highlights Guinea’s determination to reclaim control over its communication infrastructure and bolster local ownership within the sector. By establishing complete governance over Areeba Guinee, the government aims to drive innovation, improve service delivery, and address persistent connectivity gaps that have hindered the nation’s progress in recent years. The move could also position Guinea as a growing player in the West African telecom market, attracting further investment and international collaboration.

However, analysts have cautioned that significant challenges lie ahead. Managing a state-run telecom company effectively will require addressing legacy issues, investing in modern infrastructure, and implementing robust leadership. Whether the government strategically integrates Areeba Guinee with Guinea Telecom or operates them separately, the next steps will be critical in shaping the future of Guinea’s telecommunications industry.