Manoj Kohli, Bharti Airtel CEO and joint MD briefed President Mwai Kibaki on the company’s plans to relocate him to Nairobi in order to run their mobile business.
“We are optimistic that the strength of the Bharti Airtel brand and the historical Indian connection with Africa will enable us to unlock the potential of emerging markets,” says Kohli.
Kohli says the company is committed to partnering with Kenya and other African governments in order to assist the continent’s plans of bridging the digital divide.
As part of its business strategy in Kenya and across Africa, Bharti Airtel will develop human capital and empower mobile users.
Kohli says Airtel Africa’s strategic partners are also planning to set up and expand new offices in Nairobi.
Kibaki welcomed the decision by Airtel Africa to establish its head office in Kenya indicating that it was confirmation that Kenya is a prime investment destination.
“I want to reassure you and other potential investors of the government’s commitment to provide an enabling environment to do business in Kenya,” said Kibaki.
Zain sold its entire African mobile business in June 2010. The Bharti Airtel and Zain deal excludes operations in Morocco and Sudan.
Brian Adero
