On the back of a US$100m loan received from its largest shareholder the International Development Finance Corporation, Africell has confirmed an investment over US$150-million to build a 5G-ready network with the capacity to initially accommodate over six million customers.

In addition to the introduction of new mobile products and services, the company said it is also creating a technology platform to boost vertical markets including education, entertainment and finance.

The launch of the network comes 14 months after the operator was awarded a licence in Angola. The delay is understood to have been caused by misunderstandings related to a network sharing agreement with the incumbent, Unitel.

The operator said its entry into Angola’s market will usher in fresh competition within the country’s telecommunications industry and indicates progress with efforts by government to open up the economy and accelerate digital transformation.

The company already provides mobile phone services within the DRC, Gambia and Sierra Leone.

Recently, Africell pulled out its operations in Uganda after being squeezed by Africa’s mobile phone giants MTN and Airtel.

Africell Group chairman and CEO Ziad Dalloul said, “Africell has developed the experience and the capabilities needed to embrace this opportunity; bringing competition to a big new market and using our network to stimulate economic and social development. Africell is making a long-term commitment to Angola and we are thrilled to be launching a brand that the country can be proud of.”

Africell Angola CEO Chris Lundh said, “Angolan mobile users will have more choice and better prices. They will have access to a mobile operator they can trust and which puts their interests first. Africell’s strategy is to give all Angolans the digital tools they need to realise their potential. Using all our energies and expertise, Africell is building a mobile network in Angola that will soon be recognised as the best in the country.”