Bharti Airtel to Invest $25 Million in Malawi

RMN Digital | June 22, 2012 | Backend, Corporate, Enterprise, Lifestyle, Masses, Middle East and Africa, Regions, Strategy | No Comments

Manoj Kohli, the international CEO of Indian telecom company Bharti Airtel paid a courtesy call Thursday on the President of the Republic of Malawi, Mrs. Joyce Banda, to update on the telecommunication company’s investments in Malawi.

During the visit, Kohli outlined Airtel’s commitment to Malawi through investments and human resource development. Kohli who heads the African operations at Bharti Airtel also appreciated the Government reforms in the telecom sector, citing the proposed converged licensing regime that is poised to enhance telecommunications connectivity within the region.

[ Also Read: Airtel to Offer Mobile Services in Rwanda ]

“Our objective is to provide our customers with innovative mobile services that will help fuel the economic and social development of Malawi. Our investment of USD 25 million in the development of the 3G network and introduction of Airtel Money are a clear demonstration of our commitment to deepen our network and bridge the digital divide,” Manoj Kohli said.

Airtel Money allows consumers to send and receive money, directly pay their critical utility bills, provide access to their bank accounts and even top up their phones with air time. The Airtel Money service will benefit the rural communities of Malawi as it is being used in neighbouring countries: Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania.

[ Also Read: Using Orange Money in Africa and the Middle East ]

The planned upgrade of Airtel’s High Speed Packet Access (HSPA) 3G network in Malawi will contribute towards meeting the growing demand for high speed internet and wireless connectivity for businesses, says the company.

Kohli also highlighted his company’s USD 10 million Green energy investments in Malawi by the end of the current financial year. The move to build a Green network will address short term issues; cutting back the reliance on fuel, ensuring uninterrupted network upgrades and the medium to long term issues; such as managing operational costs and conservation of the environment. The announcement was made today, June 22.

In the picture above: Manoj Kohli, CEO (International) & Joint MD, Bharti Airtel, paid a courtesy call on the President of the Republic of Malawi, Mrs. Joyce Banda, to update on the telecommunication company’s investments in Malawi.