Mascom Wireless is one of the leading mobile network providers in Botswana, known for its reliable connectivity and wide network coverage. If you’ve ever wondered who owns Mascom, this article will provide you with all the details about its ownership structure and key stakeholders.
Mascom’s Ownership Structure
Mascom is primarily controlled by Deci Investments (Pty) Ltd (“Deci Investments”), which holds the majority stake in the company. The remaining ownership, approximately 40% of Mascom’s issued share capital, is held by Econet Wireless Citizens (“Econet Citizens”).
Who Owns Deci Investments?
Deci Investments is a Botswana-based company that plays a crucial role in Mascom’s ownership. It is controlled by the Botswana Public Officers Pension Fund (BPOPF), which is one of the largest pension funds in the country. This means that a significant portion of Mascom’s ownership is effectively in the hands of Botswana’s public officers through their pension fund investments.
Econet Wireless Citizens’ Role
Econet Citizens, which owns the remaining 40% stake in Mascom, is affiliated with Econet Wireless, a well-known telecommunications group with operations across Africa. Econet Wireless was originally the majority owner of Mascom but later sold a significant portion of its stake, making Deci Investments the controlling shareholder.
Why This Ownership Structure Matters
- Local Control: With Deci Investments, and by extension BPOPF, being the majority owner, Mascom is largely controlled by local interests, ensuring that a substantial part of its profits benefit Botswana’s economy.
- Econet’s Expertise: Despite Econet Wireless no longer being the majority shareholder, its 40% stake means that Mascom can still benefit from Econet’s industry expertise and international experience in telecommunications.
- Long-term Stability: The involvement of BPOPF suggests a long-term investment approach, which helps maintain stability in Mascom’s operations.