Airtel Africa, one of sub-Saharan Africa’s largest mobile network operators, is poised to receive a substantial investment of $100 million from the International Finance Corporation (IFC). This funding, announced on March 28, 2025, is designed to support capital expenditures and debt refinancing for Airtel’s subsidiaries in Kenya and Rwanda.
Investment details and allocation
The IFC’s $100 million loan will be divided between Airtel Kenya and Airtel Rwanda, with $70 million allocated to Kenya and $30 million to Rwanda.
This investment extends previous financial support provided by the IFC, including a $200 million facility in April 2024 aimed at enhancing operations in Kenya, Rwanda, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. The funding will primarily focus on expanding network infrastructure, modernising services, and refinancing existing debt to strengthen Airtel Africa’s financial health in these markets.
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Airtel Africa operates in 14 African countries, serving approximately 156.6 million customers as of September 2024. The company’s mobile services in East Africa are a crucial contributor to its earnings, second only to Nigeria. The IFC’s continued support reflects its commitment to helping Airtel address challenges in markets where access to local funding remains underdeveloped.
Strategic expansion and financial health
This investment is part of Airtel Africa’s broader strategy to bolster its position in the African telecommunications sector. The company aims to meet the growing demand for broadband internet across the continent by enhancing network infrastructure and promoting financial inclusion through services like Airtel Money.
The IFC’s funding will be delivered in the local currencies of Kenya and Rwanda, further supporting the financial stability of Airtel’s operations in these countries[3]. As noted by the IFC, the funding is linked to previous investments and will help upsize operations in covered countries.