World Bank commits US$2.2 billion to African ICT projects

In an effort to promote research and development of technology and science in the telecommunications field, the World Bank has allocated funds totaling more than US$2.2 billion for 22 projects in Africa.

The announcement was made by Ruth Kagia, World Bank country director for Southern Africa, at a recent New Partnership for African Development (NEPAD) Summit held in Johannesburg, South Africa.

Says Kagia about the new initiative: “When competition in the telecommunication sector is heightened, then we all know that the charges will be lower to enable majority people access communication technology. The reason why communication is very expensive in this country (South Africa) is because of the monopoly in the telecommunications cables in east Africa. As World Bank, we will support regional competition in this regard.”

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