Indian telephony major
Bharti Airtel said on Friday it will
invest $25 million in Malawi to develop a 3G network and introduce a mobile commerce service, Airtel Money.
"Our investment of $25 million in the development of the 3G network and introduction of Airtel Money are a clear demonstration of our commitment to deepen our network and bridge the digital divide," Manoj Kohli, chief executive officer (international) and joint managing director, Bharti Airtel, said after meeting president Joyce Banda in Lilongwe.
"Our objective is to provide our customers with innovative mobile services that will help fuel the economic and social development of Malawi," he added.
Airtel Money allows consumers to send and receive money, directly pay their utility bills, provide access to their bank accounts and even top up their phones with airtime.
According to the firm, the service will benefit the rural communities of Malawi as has been proven in neighbouring countries such as Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania.
Kohli also said that by the end of the current financial year the company will make green energy investment of $10 million in the country.
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