Interviews
Kenya, Burundi & Madagascar to become more competitive
03 Apr '07
3 min read
The Board of Directors responded to the appeal and Governments' requests for assistance by unanimously endorsing RCIP, which will bring affordable high speed connectivity to as many as 25 countries* in East and Southern Africa. The US$164.5 million first tranche of funding consists of IDA credits in the amount of US$114.4 million to Kenya and US$30 million to Madagascar, and an IDA grant in the amount of US$20.1 million to Burundi.
RCIP is an innovative example of the emphasis on regional integration, which accounts for more than 10% of total World Bank support to Africa.
“Improving broadband connectivity will add tremendous public value for Africa. Low cost, high quality communications is essential for economic competitiveness,” said Paul Wolfowitz, President of the World Bank Group. “Africa is becoming more plugged in - this is very encouraging for the continent. Our partner countries are sending a strong signal to the world that they are open for business and ready to leap into the information age.”
RCIP financing of terrestrial networks will be a catalyst to attract and maximize private sector investment in telecommunications infrastructure. RCIP complements regional undersea cable initiatives, such as the Eastern Africa Submarine Cable System (EASSy) developed by telecommunications operators with support from the International Finance Corporation (IFC) and other development partners.
By the end of the Program, it is expected thatall capitals and major cities in East and Southern Africa would be linked to competitively priced high-bandwidth connectivity. This will equip Africa to trade on a level playing field, extend education beyond the classrooms, and accelerate good governance.
RCIP is an innovative example of the emphasis on regional integration, which accounts for more than 10% of total World Bank support to Africa.
“Improving broadband connectivity will add tremendous public value for Africa. Low cost, high quality communications is essential for economic competitiveness,” said Paul Wolfowitz, President of the World Bank Group. “Africa is becoming more plugged in - this is very encouraging for the continent. Our partner countries are sending a strong signal to the world that they are open for business and ready to leap into the information age.”
RCIP financing of terrestrial networks will be a catalyst to attract and maximize private sector investment in telecommunications infrastructure. RCIP complements regional undersea cable initiatives, such as the Eastern Africa Submarine Cable System (EASSy) developed by telecommunications operators with support from the International Finance Corporation (IFC) and other development partners.
By the end of the Program, it is expected thatall capitals and major cities in East and Southern Africa would be linked to competitively priced high-bandwidth connectivity. This will equip Africa to trade on a level playing field, extend education beyond the classrooms, and accelerate good governance.
World Bank
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