US Targets Africa’s Telecom Market With Nearly $100m Africell Loan

The United States is stepping deeper into Africa’s telecommunications sector with a planned loan of almost $100 million to Africell.

The financing is expected to help the telecom company invest in newer mobile-network technology supplied by American and allied technology companies.

The move is part of Washington’s wider effort to increase the use of Western technology in Africa and challenge China’s strong position in the continent’s telecommunications infrastructure.

Reuters reports that Huawei currently holds about 52% of Africa’s 5G infrastructure market.

Africell operates in Angola, The Gambia, the Democratic Republic of Congo and Sierra Leone, serving about 15 million customers.

The development shows that Africa’s telecommunications market has become more than a business competition.

It is increasingly becoming a battleground for global influence.

China has invested heavily in African digital infrastructure over the years. The United States now wants to increase its own presence.

Monafrika’s Take

Africa should welcome investment in its digital future.

But African countries must also ask an important question:

Who controls the technology, the infrastructure and ultimately the data?

Whether the technology comes from China, America or Europe, African governments need policies that protect African data and ensure that technology investments create real value for African citizens.

The future of Africa’s digital economy should not simply be a contest between foreign powers.

Africa must have a seat at the table.