 has extended a $150 million loan to Airtel Africa to accelerate the expansion and modernization){kind=link}
The International Finance Corporation (IFC) has extended a $150 million loan to two subsidiaries of Airtel Africa to accelerate the expansion and modernization of mobile network infrastructure across the continent, in a move aimed at boosting digital inclusion, job creation, and economic growth.
The financing will enable Airtel Africa to expand coverage and increase network capacity in underserved communities over the coming years, improving access to high-speed mobile data for millions of people. The investment is expected to strengthen connectivity for small businesses, entrepreneurs, students, and workers who increasingly rely on digital services to participate in the economy.
The investment builds on a longstanding partnership between IFC and Airtel Africa focused on expanding reliable internet access across Africa. Improved connectivity is expected to enhance productivity across sectors while supporting livelihoods ranging from mobile money agents and online merchants to informal service providers.
“Our ongoing partnership with IFC is helping us advance the expansion and modernization of our network, a core pillar of our long-term strategy,” said Sunil Taldar, Chief Executive Officer of Airtel Africa.
He said the financing aligns with the company’s ambition to accelerate digital inclusion by expanding access to digital tools and services while creating greater economic opportunities for individuals and communities.
According to IFC, expanding digital infrastructure is increasingly becoming a catalyst for employment and inclusive economic development.
“Expanding digital connectivity is ultimately about expanding opportunity,” said Dan Croft, Acting Regional Manager for Infrastructure in Eastern Africa at IFC.
“Stronger networks help businesses reach new customers, enable workers to access wider markets, and connect young people to skills and services that shape their future. Through IFC’s partnership with Airtel Africa, we are supporting infrastructure that translates connectivity into jobs, inclusion, and sustained growth across Airtel Africa’s markets,” he added.
Beyond the latest loan, IFC said its continued support—including longer-tenor and local-currency financing—will strengthen Airtel Africa’s capacity to invest sustainably while delivering long-term impact across its markets.
Expanding reliable digital infrastructure remains a key pillar of IFC’s strategy in Sub-Saharan Africa, where improved connectivity is viewed as critical to enabling entrepreneurship, supporting businesses, and creating employment opportunities.
Over the past decade, IFC has committed and mobilized more than $12 billion in investments across telecommunications, media, and technology sectors in emerging markets.
Airtel Africa operates 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 seeks to deepen financial and digital inclusion across the region.