Guinea Government Acquires Full Ownership of Areeba Guinee

The government of Guinea has announced the successful acquisition of 100% ownership of mobile network operator Areeba Guinee. This landmark move follows a decree issued by President Mamadi Doumbouya, which officially transfers the shares previously held by MTN Group to the state. President Doumbouya highlighted in a national address that Areeba Guinee will now operate as a fully state-owned entity under a newly established board of directors. The operator has also gained significant financial and managerial autonomy, marking a new chapter for the Guinean telecommunications sector.

End of a Transitional Era for Areeba Guinee

This acquisition concludes an interim period that began in December 2024, when the government initially took control of MTN’s shares. During this time, Areeba Guinee operated under temporary management while plans for restructuring were underway. In a significant development, minority shareholders have also fully exited the company, enabling the government to streamline operations and fully focus on its vision for the telecom operator. This milestone marks a concerted effort by Guinea to solidify its hold on a critical sector and ensure better telecommunications services for its citizens.

Guinea Telecom and Areeba Guinee: A Potential Merger in Sight

The future trajectory of Guinea’s telecommunications landscape remains an intriguing topic. The government had previously announced plans to launch Guinea Telecom as a replacement for the defunct state-owned operator SOTELGUI. While operations for Guinea Telecom were initially slated to begin in early 2023, the initiative was delayed due to various challenges, most notably the outdated infrastructure inherited from SOTELGUI. Following the complete acquisition of Areeba Guinee, authorities are reportedly exploring the possibility of merging the two entities. According to sources, one operator could focus on wholesale services while the other might act as a retail provider, catering directly to consumers.

Transforming Guinea’s Telecom Market

This move could signify a transformative moment for Guinea’s telecom sector, potentially improving connectivity and boosting the market’s competitiveness. By leveraging state control and introducing strategic partnerships, Guinea aims to modernize its network infrastructure and expand coverage to underserved areas. The complete acquisition of Areeba Guinee and the ambitious plans for Guinea Telecom suggest that the government is committed to establishing an innovative and sustainable telecommunications framework, aligning with the country’s broader economic development goals. Stakeholders and market observers will be closely monitoring these developments to assess their long-term impact on Guinea’s telecom landscape.