The European Investment Bank (EIB Global) has announced a US$100 million financing package to AXIAN Telecom to accelerate the expansion of mobile broadband infrastructure across Madagascar and Tanzania, strengthening the region’s access to high-speed 4G and 5G networks.
The landmark investment—part of the European Union’s Global Gateway initiative and backed by a budgetary guarantee from the European Commission—is aimed at driving digital inclusion, economic empowerment, and sustainable development across both nations.
Under the financing arrangement, US$60 million will be invested in Tanzania and US$40 million in Madagascar, enabling the extension of 4G coverage and the rollout of 5G technology through AXIAN Telecom’s Yas brand.
AXIAN Telecom’s CEO, Hassan Jaber, described the partnership as transformative:
“The US$100 million EIB Global financing will help us expand mobile phone infrastructure in Madagascar and Tanzania and benefit millions of people. This large-scale network investment will pave the way for socio-economic growth, digital inclusion, and better opportunities.”
The project seeks to reduce geographic inequality in telecom access by connecting remote communities to the digital world. AXIAN Telecom, which currently serves over 44 million subscribers in nine Sub-Saharan African countries, says the new funding will power a new phase of growth in energy-efficient and resilient broadband networks.
EIB Vice-President Ambroise Fayolle highlighted the broader impact of the initiative, saying:
“Digital connectivity opens doors for education, business, healthcare, and social inclusion. This investment demonstrates the EIB’s commitment to empowering communities, fostering sustainable development, and driving positive change through affordable high-speed communications.”
The financing aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the EU’s Digital4Development (D4D) initiative, targeting improved access to digital tools that support innovation, e-learning, e-commerce, and job creation.
The European Union’s diplomatic missions in both countries have welcomed the EIB’s investment, describing it as a major step toward digital equity and economic empowerment.
Laurent d’Ersu, Deputy Head of the EU Delegation to Madagascar and the Union of the Comoros, said:
“This commitment from the EU through the EIB demonstrates our desire to contribute to sustainable development through private investments that generate growth and opportunities for all. The expansion of 4G and introduction of 5G will be key drivers of digital inclusion, supporting education, innovation, and new jobs.”
Christine Grau, EU Ambassador to Tanzania, echoed similar sentiments:
“This EIB Global investment in AXIAN Telecom is a concrete example of our commitment to invest in digital connectivity. Public-private partnerships are crucial for a human-centric model of digital transformation to ensure that no one is left behind.”
EIB Global’s investment in AXIAN Telecom forms part of the EU’s Global Gateway Strategy for Africa, which aims to mobilise up to €150 billion by 2030 for infrastructure and digital development across the continent.
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