Africell’s impact in Africa’s digital development through the Global Infrastructure and Investment Partnership (GIIP)
At the United Nations General Assembly last September, Amos J. Hochstein, United States Senior Presidential Advisor on Energy and Investment, supported Africell’s contribution to the campaign to stimulate digital development in Africa. He described the digital services offered by Africell in Angola, DRC and other African countries as the “connective tissue” of the project.
The US-backed Global Infrastructure and Investment Partnership (GIIP) aims to increase investment in developing markets with a focus on improving digital connectivity. With targeted funding from the U.S. government, private companies like Africell can play a key role in the development of sub-Saharan Africa.
The Lobito Corridor project, which links Angola, the DRC and Zambia, is at the heart of this initiative. It aims to create an integrated transport system to move minerals from the DRC and Zambia to global markets faster and more economically. This project uses both digital and physical infrastructure to connect Africa and international markets, thereby promoting trade and supporting local and U.S. interests.
Africell is the only US mobile network operator in Africa and receives funding from the US International Development Finance Corporation (DFC). The company actively participates in multilateral investment initiatives such as the PGII/Lobito corridor. In Angola, Africell is working with USAID to increase access to mobile money, while in Sierra Leone it is exploring the expansion of broadband internet access in collaboration with the United States Agency for Trade and Development (USTDA).
At an event hosted by Africell in New York, Amos Hochstein highlighted the importance of digital connectivity as a key objective for the Zambian government. He also highlighted the alignment between stakeholders from the United States, Angola, DRC, Zambia and other countries involved in the Lobito Corridor project.
This partnership between Africell and PGII highlights opportunities for private companies to participate in investment initiatives that promote economic development and strengthen regional connectivity in Africa.
In conclusion, Africell plays a vital role in Africa’s digital development through its participation in the Global Infrastructure and Investment Partnership. Its commitment to the Lobito Corridor project illustrates the opportunities available to private companies to contribute to digital connectivity and economic development in the region.