OREANDA-NEWS. Vodafone and Afrimax Group ("Afrimax") - a 4G telecommunications operator in sub-Saharan Africa - today jointly announced a new Partner Market agreement for Zambia.

Under the non-equity agreement, the two companies will offer customers high speed 4G data services using the 'Vodafone Zambia' brand, with market-leading customer services and delivered over a high quality network.

The roll out of Vodafone Zambia for consumers and businesses will include the opening of Vodafone branded retail stores and kiosks in key locations, bolstered by a network of distributors and resellers and offering a full range of 4G handsets and devices.

Vodafone Zambia will offer businesses of all sizes a range of connectivity products at retail and through direct sales channels, including 4G and Wi-Fi mobile data services, fixed internet and a suite of office solutions.

Vodafone Partner Markets Chief Executive Stefano Gastaut said: "We are delighted that Zambia will be joining the Vodafone Partner Market community as the next stage in our agreement with Afrimax for sub-Saharan Africa.  We look forward to bringing the best high-speed 4G data services to consumers and businesses in Zambia."

Lars Stork has been appointed by Afrimax as Chief Executive Officer of Vodafone Zambia, which will be headquartered in Lusaka.  Afrimax Group Management Peter Langkilde, CEO and Rob Philpott, CFO commented: "Launching Vodafone Zambia is an exciting development for Afrimax and another big step towards our ambition of building the leading LTE focused operator in sub-Saharan Africa."

The launch in Zambia builds further on the framework agreement between Vodafone and Afrimax, announced in November 2014, to co-operate and explore potential Partner Market opportunities in a variety of territories in sub-Saharan Africa.   As part of the agreement, Vodafone and Afrimax have already partnered to launch 4G services in Uganda.

About Vodafone Group

Vodafone is one of the world's largest telecommunications companies and provides a range of services including voice, messaging, data and fixed communications. Vodafone has mobile operations in 26 countries, partners with mobile networks in 58 more, and fixed broadband operations in 17 markets. As of 31 March 2016, Vodafone had 462 million mobile customers and 13.4 million fixed broadband customers. 

About Vodafone Partner Markets

Vodafone's Partner Markets team works to form strategic alliances with operators all over the world, partnering to offer a range of global products and services that extend Vodafone's reach into local markets.  Vodafone Partner Market agreements vary from roaming and service resale to full partner branding.  Established in 2002, Vodafone Partner Markets now partners with 37 companies in 58 countries.

About Afrimax Group

Afrimax is led by an experienced Management team with a successful track record in acquiring spectrum, building networks, and operating mobile services in diverse geographic markets, including Africa, and is backed by prominent private and institutional investors. 

With an existing 4G Licence footprint covering 12 countries, population under Licence coverage of 250 million, and further Licences being acquired, Afrimax is building the largest portfolio of 4G wireless broadband networks across sub-Saharan Africa.