It’s not just Europe that will see a wave of operator mergers in 2014. M&A action is also heating up in the emerging markets of Africa and Asia, as major cellcos look for areas where there is still significant mobile growth to chase. This week, Vodafone’s South African-based venture, Vodacom, is close to acquiring control of that country’s second landline carrier, Neotel; in Kenya, Safaricom and Bharti Airtel have made a joint bid for the country’s smallest cellco, Yu; and Middle East group Zain has announced plans to expand significantly in North Africa. Vodacom has been extending its reach around sub-Saharan Africa, but majority owner Vodafone has also been keen on a stronger position in South Africa itself ‘ the…