As we had anticipated after the Bharti Airtel takeover of Warid Uganda (Orange will need a makeover), news reaching our business desk reveals of how French operator Orange has mandated Lazard to find a buyer for its mobile telecoms business in Uganda.
Orange is thought to be planning an exit from several markets in Africa where it does not already hold a number one or two spot.
Uganda’s mobile market is dominated by MTN and Bharti Airtel and according to sources, the most logical buyer of the Orange Uganda unit could be MTN. The South African operator has previously been vocal about consolidation in the country, and will be keen to firm up its number one position, with second place Airtel gaining valuable ground who are unlikely to buy after the US$100m Warid deal.
Vodacom is thought to have made a bid for Warid Telecom Uganda, before losing out to Bharti Airtel, are also tipped to make a bid and enter the local stage.