Bharti to invest USD100m in Niger

Bharti Airtel has revealed plans to invest around USD100 million in Niger by 2012, Reuters reports. ‘We are going to start our activities in Niger in October and, by 2012, we will invest USD100 million in expanding the network, improving quality and the coverage in the rural areas,’ commented Manoj Kohli, chief executive of the group’s international business, adding: ‘We will ensure that telecoms becomes more accessible in terms of price and the quality of the service improves.’
The Bharti exective also revealed that would invest a further US$ 200 million into its Ghana operations to expand its activities and services.

Mr. Manoj Kohli, Chief Executive Officer (International) of Bharti Airtel Africa , on a visit to Ghana, told journalists in Accra on Saturday that the company wanted to be a partner in the growth story of the West African country.

“We are committed to offering affordable services, deep network coverage and dis tribution backed by a superior brand experience to customers,” Mr. Kohli said, a d ding “there is tremendous opportunity in Ghana…I believe that our unique busin e ss model will allow us to unlock the true potential of Ghana.”

Bharti Airtel also said it planned to bring its ecosystem of global partners to Ghana and this would result in additional employment opportunities.

“The company also plans to introduce its Corporate Social Responsibility program me in Ghana under which it will set up schools that offer free quality education

to underprivileged children in rural areas,” Kohli said.

The company last month finalised the acquisition of Kuwait-based Zain Group, in a deal valued at USD10.7 billion.