Indian telecom giant hails Zambia’s economy

ONE of India's telecommunications giants BHARTI Airtel Limited, a shareholder of Airtel Networks Zambia Plc (the company), says it has confidence in the Zambian economy, as it remains one of the best destinations for investment.

Vice Chairman, Bharti Enterprises Limited and Director, Bharti Airtel, Rakesh Bharti Mittal, said Bharti Airtel Zambia had been a good corporate citizen and that it was committed to digitally empowering Zambia.

"President Edgar Lungu continues to make the business environment conducive, and the company will continue to invest in upgrading technology and creation of employment," Mr. Mittal said.

He said this when he held talks with Zambia's High Commissioner to India, Judith Kapijimpanga in New Delhi, India.

"The company contributes in excess of US$ 100mn taxes annually to the Government of Zambia," Mr Mittal said.

He said with 5.9m customers, Airtel Zambia had invested US$ 105m over the last 3 years towards the modernisation of the network with a roll out of 100% 3G coverage and the largest 4G coverage in Zambia.

He said the company had spent approximately US$ 250,000 on Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives in Zambia over the last three years in the areas of Education, Youth Entrepreneurship, Maternal Health and the Environment.

And Zambia's High Commissioner to India Judith Kapijimpanga said the relationship between Zambia and India had heightened, as could be seen by the visit by the President of India, Shri Ram Nath Kovind in April 2018.

"Zambia is looking forward to attracting credible investors such as Bharti Airtel, when President Lungu undertakes a reciprocal visit possibly later this year," Mrs. Kapijimpanga said.

This was contained in a statement released by First Secretary Press and Tourism at the Zambian Mission in India Bangwe Naviley.