Airtel Africa is set to receive a $100 million investment from the International Finance Corporation (IFC), aimed at strengthening its operations in Kenya and Rwanda. The funding, announced on March 28, 2025, will support the company’s network expansion, service upgrades, and debt refinancing.
The investment will be split between Airtel Kenya ($70 million) and Airtel Rwanda ($30 million), marking the latest phase of IFC’s ongoing support for the telecom giant. This follows a $200 million investment in April 2024, which also benefited Airtel’s operations in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Strengthening Market Position in Africa
Airtel Africa, which operates in 14 countries and serves around 156.6 million customers as of September 2024, relies heavily on its East African operations. The region ranks second only to Nigeria in revenue contribution, making this investment crucial for maintaining its competitive edge.
Beyond expanding mobile network coverage, Airtel Africa aims to increase broadband penetration and promote financial inclusion through its mobile money service, Airtel Money. With the IFC providing funding in local currencies, Airtel’s operations in Kenya and Rwanda will gain much-needed financial stability.
IFC’s continued backing highlights the challenges African telecom operators face in securing local funding. By offering long-term financial support, the organisation is playing a key role in boosting digital connectivity and economic growth in the region.
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