Mobile broadband is an essential resource in Africa, where mobile phones often serve as the primary or sole means of internet access. A significant new investment of $100 million, backed by the European Union, will accelerate the continent’s digital transformation by providing millions with faster, more reliable internet access.
AXIAN Telecom, a leading pan-African telecom provider, has successfully secured $100 million in funding from the European Investment Bank (EIB). The announcement on 10th April outlines plans to enhance 4G and 5G mobile broadband infrastructure in both Tanzania and Madagascar.
Hassan Jaber, CEO of AXIAN Telecom, which operates under the Yas brand in both countries, emphasised the investment’s transformative impact. “This large-scale network expansion will drive economic growth, promote digital inclusion, and unlock new opportunities for millions,” he stated.
This funding is part of the European Union’s Global Gateway initiative, which aims to improve African digital connectivity. With $60 million allocated for Tanzania and $40 million for Madagascar, the project will double 4G coverage and accelerate the introduction of 5G networks.
The funds, backed by a European Commission guarantee, are designed to improve internet access in remote and underserved regions, drive economic development, and bridge the digital divide. EIB Vice-President Ambroise Fayolle highlighted the broader societal benefits of this initiative. “Digital connectivity is key for education, business, healthcare, and social inclusion,” he said, underscoring the potential for positive change.
Africa still lags in internet penetration despite global progress, with just 37% of its population online as of 2023, according to the International Telecommunication Union (ITU). The expansion of 4G and the deployment of 5G networks in Tanzania and Madagascar will address significant connectivity gaps, particularly in rural areas that have long been underserved.
