Middle East and North Africa

Shareholders in Zain have agreed to sell a 46 percent stake in the Kuwaiti-based firm to an Asian consortium that includes Indian state-owned operators MTNL and BSNL, reports the Financial Times.

Indian state-owned operators MTNL and BSNL have denied forming a consortium to buy a 46 percent stake in Zain, reports Telecompaper.

Reports this week claim that Indian mobile operator Bharti has sweetened its offer to buy a 49 percent stake in South Africa's MTN, increasing the likelihood that the two companies will reach a deal to create a global industry giant

A deal between MTN, of South Africa, and Bharti Airtel, of India, to allow the telecoms groups to exploit markets in Africa and the Middle East may be in trouble, according to a Financial Times (FT) report.

Financial Times reports that the planned merger between India's Bharti and South Africa's MTN could be scuppered by the South African government, which is worried about the business falling under control of a foreign entity.

Zain Nigeria has announced the appointment of Alain Sainte-Marie as the company's new CEO, replacing Bayo Ligali who resigned to pursue other interests after a three-year stint as CEO of the mobile operator, notes Telecompaper.

Telecompaper, citing a Business Standard report, notes that a consortium led by India-based Vavasi group has sent feelers to China Mobile for a possible joint bid for Zain.