Bharti Airtel has announced its intentions to invest in a 3G network and to introduce Airtel money in Malawi.
Manoj Kohli, CEO (international) and joint managing director at Bharti Airtel, met President Joyce Banda and assured the country of this investment.
Manoj said that the objective of the company in Malawi would be to help fuel economic and social development by introducing innovative mobile services.
“Our investment of $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 added.
The introduction of the 3G network will allow customers in the country to use their phones to access faster Internet connection.
Late last month, the Malawian Government made an announcement that it is seeking for a Public Private Partnership (PPP) to provide Internet broadband in the country. In this spirit, the government said it would announce invitation for bids this August.
Malawi has around 700,000 Internet users in a population of about 15 million people. This Internet penetration is low but the government initiatives would help in raising the Internet users.
Airtel has committed itself to similar investments in Rwanda to expand its network reach across Africa.
