The International Finance Corporation has committed a 150 million dollar loan to two Airtel Africa subsidiaries to support the expansion and modernisation of mobile network infrastructure across the continent, a move expected to strengthen digital inclusion, create jobs and drive broader economic growth.
The funding is intended to help Airtel Africa extend coverage and boost network capacity in underserved communities over the coming years, opening up better access to high speed mobile data for millions of people. The investment is expected to improve connectivity for small businesses, entrepreneurs, students and workers who increasingly depend on digital tools and online services to participate in the economy.
The latest financing deepens an existing partnership between IFC and Airtel Africa centred on improving reliable internet access across Africa. Stronger connectivity is expected to support productivity across multiple sectors while also helping sustain livelihoods for mobile money agents, online traders, informal service providers and other participants in the digital economy.
Airtel Africa Chief Executive Officer, Sunil Taldar, said the continued support from IFC is helping the company move forward with one of the key pillars of its long term strategy, which is the expansion and upgrade of its network infrastructure.
According to him, the financing fits directly into Airtel Africa’s wider goal of accelerating digital inclusion by broadening access to digital services and tools, while also creating more economic opportunities for individuals and communities across its markets.
IFC said the expansion of digital infrastructure is becoming increasingly important not only for connectivity, but also for job creation and inclusive economic development.
Dan Croft, Acting Regional Manager for Infrastructure in Eastern Africa at IFC, said expanding digital connectivity is ultimately about widening access to opportunity. He noted that stronger networks make it easier for businesses to reach new customers, help workers tap into wider markets and connect young people to the skills and services that can shape their future.
He added that IFC’s partnership with Airtel Africa is focused on backing infrastructure that goes beyond connectivity alone, by turning digital access into jobs, inclusion and long term growth across the company’s markets.
Beyond the current loan, IFC said its broader support to Airtel Africa, including longer tenor financing and local currency funding, is aimed at strengthening the company’s ability to invest sustainably while delivering lasting impact across the region.
Expanding dependable digital infrastructure remains one of IFC’s major priorities in Sub Saharan Africa, where better connectivity is seen as essential for supporting entrepreneurship, helping businesses grow and creating employment opportunities.
Over the last decade, IFC said it has committed and mobilised more than 12 billion dollars in investments across telecommunications, media and technology sectors in emerging markets.
Airtel Africa currently provides telecommunications and mobile money services in 14 countries across Sub Saharan Africa, offering voice, data and digital financial services to millions of customers as it continues to push deeper financial and digital inclusion across the region.
