Axian Telecom taps $500 billion U.S. software giant, Oracle, to modernize African operations

Axian Telecom, the pan-African telecom group led by Malagasy businessman Hassanein Hiridjee, has entered a strategic partnership with Oracle Corporation, the U.S. software and cloud giant valued at about $500 billion, in a move aimed at strengthening its operations across Africa and preparing the business for long-term growth.

The agreement will see Axian Telecom roll out a group-wide enterprise resource planning transformation using Oracle’s cloud technology across Yas and its wider portfolio, including TowerCo of Africa, STELLARIX, zuku, MVola, Mixx, and its operations across nine markets.

The partnership comes as telecom operators across the continent push to modernize their systems, improve efficiency, and use artificial intelligence to make faster and better business decisions. Oracle, which has expanded its position in AI-driven enterprise software and cloud services, will provide the digital backbone Axian Telecom needs to manage its growing footprint.

Oracle Cloud powers Axian Telecom’s growth 

For Axian Telecom, the move supports its NEXT 2030 strategy, a long-term plan focused on expansion, stronger operations, and deeper digital transformation. By building on Oracle Fusion Cloud ERP, the company aims to standardize processes, improve financial reporting, strengthen supply chain oversight, and create a single operating system across its businesses.

Executives say the goal is simple: give teams better visibility across the business and help leaders make decisions faster with real-time data. The system is also expected to improve governance and support AI-led tools that can help manage costs, improve customer service, and support future investments.

Oracle was selected for its experience in large-scale telecom projects, its cloud infrastructure, and its growing leadership in artificial intelligence. Axian Telecom said the partnership is expected to create lasting value as the company continues to grow across the continent, with Tanzania set to mark the first major go-live milestone later this year.

Hiridjee builds pan-African telecom giant 

Founded by Hiridjee, Axian Telecom has grown into one of Africa’s largest telecom operators, with operations in Tanzania, Madagascar, Togo, Uganda, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Senegal, Réunion, Mayotte, and the Comoros. It now serves about 36 million customers and ranks as Africa’s seventh-largest mobile operator.

Since 2015, the company has expanded through acquisitions and major network investments, building its presence across mobile and fixed networks, digital infrastructure, and mobile financial services. Its growth has also strengthened its financial position.

Profit nearly doubles to $226 million

At the end of the 2025 financial year, Axian Telecom reported revenue of $1.69 billion, up from $1.4 billion in 2024. Profit after tax nearly doubled to $226.3 million from $114.08 million a year earlier, reflecting stronger operating performance across its markets.

The company’s balance sheet also improved. Total assets rose from $2.45 billion as of Dec. 31, 2024, to $2.88 billion by the end of 2025. Total equity increased from $301.6 million to $385.8 million, while retained earnings climbed from $130.04 million to $180.12 million.

The company expects to begin rolling out the new system in phases, with Tanzania set to be the first market to go live later this year. Executives say the partnership with Oracle is intended to support long-term growth and improve how the business runs across its African operations.