US mobile operator Africell is confident of increasing competition within Angola’s mobile telecommunications market after securing the licence to serve as the country’s fourth operator.

Company executives are now pushing to recruit up to 6500 employees to help roll out its network in the next few years.

Africell has made significant investments in telecommunications in Gambia, Sierra Leone and Uganda, among others.

Group CEO Ziad Dalloul described Angola as an attractive investment destination. “This is the logical next step for Africell as we continue to grow our network and deepen our footprint across the continent.”

The operator joins rivals Movicel, Unitel and Angola Telecom that have already established operations in the West African country.

Africell has the financial backing of International Finance Corporation and the US Development Finance Corporation which in 2018 channelled a US$100-million loan to power up its expansion programs.

Having secured the mobile licence, Africell issued a statement: “A more competitive and transparent market will not only stimulate the telecoms sector as a result of greater innovation and efficiency, but it will also develop complementary sectors such as entertainment, financial services, other technology solutions – improving services, increasing access and creating jobs and opportunities for the Angolan people.”

The Angola Institute of Communications board of directors’ president Pascoal Borges Alé Fernandes, said the organisation expects Africell’s expansion to help develop telecommunications and improve service quality to consumers.

The government says this will include internet and mobile coverage.

The country is also expected to conclude a Fintech switch deal in the next few months, which could include mobile money platforms.