Airtel to invest $1b in Ghana, others

India’s telecommunications company, Bharti Airtel says it will invest about $1 billion into its operations in Africa in 2011.

The Economic Times of India reports that this investment is to expand the company’s network throughout its 16 operating countries including Ghana.

“We have already invested $ 11 billion here and have committed nearly $1 billion investment for this year for expansion of our network,” the publication said citing Bharti Group Chief Sunil Mittal in an interview with India’s News Agency Press Trust of  India (PTI).

“Out of 16 countries many are very profitable, most of them are profitable. As far as Africa is concerned, we have to grow in Nigeria , we have to grow in Ghana , Uganda, Kenya — these are few countries where we have to step up,” he said.

Sunnil Mittal said Africa offers a long-term opportunity for Indian businesses in manufacturing, agriculture, services and it is his desire and recommendation that more and more Indian businesses should participate in Africa.

The company seems not to be interested in any further acquisition in Africa as Mr Mittal was quoted by ET as saying “At the moment we are focusing on our 16 countries and for any future expansion in Africa, we will see as the opportunities come, as there is nothing on the table at the moment.”

Airtel’s acquisition of Zain Telecommunications last year according to the World Bank was seen as the one largest takeover in Africa. The deal was worth $10.7 billion.

By Ekow Quandzie