World Bank shows support for communications project in West Africa

22 June 2011

The World Bank has confirmed it will support an infrastructure project in West Africa.

Yesterday (June 21st), its board of executive directors gave its decision over whether to approve funding for the West Africa Regional Communications Infrastructure Program.

It announced it will give financing of $23 million (£14.29 million) for Burkina Faso, $34 million for Guinea and $35 million for The Gambia to boost internet coverage in the countries.

The aim of the project is to improve communications systems across the region, which will be done through increasing web usage and widening the reach of broadband networks.

The money will be used to give The Gambia and Guinea international cable submarine connectivity, as well as allow Burkina Faso to gain access to submarine connectivity via virtual landing points.

Africa is also hoping to boost its mobile phone usage and the International Finance Corporation recently announced it has invested $1.2 billion in the nation's telecommunication sector over the last ten years, improving the availability and reliability of phone networks.  

Category: ICT