Grace Ashiru
Lyca Group, a leading global mobile virtual network operator (MVNO), has unveiled plans to increase investment and drive growth within the African market. This initiative aligns with the company’s strategic reorganization, which focuses on streamlining business units, enhancing digital capabilities, and positioning the organization for long-term growth in what it describes as “a competitive and challenging global market.”
In its statement, Lyca emphasized its commitment to expanding its MVNO base while actively exploring new opportunities and markets as a mobile network operator (MNO) in Africa. Currently, Lyca operates in 22 global markets, with its African presence limited to Tunisia and Uganda. Most of its operations are concentrated in Europe. The company previously operated in South Africa but ceased its services there in January 2024.
Looking ahead, the British-based firm plans to announce its entry into additional African countries during the first quarter of 2025. Alongside this expansion, Lyca will launch new digital brands in Spain and the United States.
The company highlighted that this transformation is a critical element of its long-term strategy to grow its global business services. Lyca intends to bolster its operations by integrating them into established service centers and setting up new hubs in strategically important regions. The group also plans to reshape its country-specific operations into leaner, sales-driven organizations, ensuring a sharper focus on market performance and efficiency.
Lyca Group stated that its strategic reorganization is a response to increasing competition and rising costs in the telecom industry. The company revealed that it had conducted a thorough review of its operations and business areas to pinpoint opportunities for growth and improved efficiency.
Although the potential impact on jobs remains unclear, the wording of the statement hinted at possible downsizing. Lyca announced plans to “streamline operations by consolidating functions, reducing overlaps, and automating processes.” The company added that any cost savings realized through these measures will be reinvested into market expansion and “customer-focused initiatives.”
A leaner, more specialized team will remain in London to handle select advisory, compliance, and financial responsibilities that require a UK presence. Other roles will be managed either from existing service centers or new hubs designed to optimize cost efficiencies and expertise, allowing Lyca to “reinvest resources into innovation.”
The group emphasized its commitment to a smooth transition, explaining that it is engaging in a comprehensive consultation process with employees and collaborating closely with partners to minimize disruptions. Lyca assured stakeholders that its high standards of service and collaboration would be maintained throughout the transition.
Premananthan Sivasamy, Deputy Chairman of Lyca Group, described the reorganization as “a bold step forward” for the company. He stated, “This paradigm change not only enhances our efficiency but also strengthens our ability to adapt to a rapidly changing industry, ultimately benefiting our customers, partners, and employees globally.”
