Bharti Airtel is believed to be looking for a partner in South African after it plans to tie up with local giant MTN failed to take off, according to media reports.

The weekly Sunday Times quoted an unnamed source close to Bharti Airtel Africa to say that the company is trying to expand its operation in Africa after it acquired Zain Telecom.

The word is doing rounds that Bharti Airtel is working on an alliance with Cell C, the third largest mobile company in South Africa. The report said that it is also eyeing 8ta for a possible tie-up. 

But with 8ta struggling to made inroads into the market, the equation is skewed in favor of Cell C, the report said.  Cell C and Bharti Airtel did not comment on the development.

The rumors are doing rounds that Cell C and 8ta could merge together following the talks about a consolidation within the industry in South Africa by Cell C Chief Executive Officer Alan Knot-Craig.