The Minister of Information and Communication Alhaji Ibrahim Ben Kargbo has assured Bharti Airtel that the Government is ready to collaborate with the Indian based mobile company in providing quality and affordable products and services and to also improve on rural connectivity.
The Minister made this statement during a meeting with Manoj Kohli the CEO International of Bharti Airtel during his recent visit to Sierra Leone with the vision to expand rural connectivity for an affordable rate IB Kargbo also assured the visiting Bharti CEO of Government’s commitment and determination to reduce inter-connectivity rates and to also support the landing of the cyber optic cable to provide Broadband internet connectivity.
Responding Manoj Kohli said “we are very delighted to be in Sierra Leone and on the outset like to express our deep gratitude and thanks to the Government for their overwhelming support.”
He added that “we want to be a partner in Sierra Leone’s economic growth and will work closely with the government to take telecom networks deep into all corners of the country to touch the common man.”
The Bharti International CEO also said that the company plans to bring its ecosystem of global partners to Sierra Leone which will result in additional employment opportunities in the country.
Adding that the company also has plans to introduce its corporate social responsibility program in Sierra Leone under which it will set up schools that offer free quality education to under privileged children in rural areas.
He further explained to the Minister of Information about the company’s $25m USD investment plan in Sierra Leone and spoke about the well run inherited Zain Sierra Leone operations.
With the successful completion of Zain’s acquisitions, Bharti Airtel is now the fifth largest mobile company in the world with over 185 million customers across its business units; Bharti Airtel Limited is a leading global telecommunications company with operations in 18 countries across Asia and Africa.
By Saidu Bah