(Ecofin Agency) - Infratel Africa aims to connect underserved communities across Africa amid rapid digital transformation. The company operates in several countries including Nigeria, Ghana, DRC, and Cameroon.

Telecom infrastructure provider Infratel Africa has entered a partnership with Nigerian Communications Satellite Ltd (NigComSat) to enhance connectivity services in rural areas of Nigeria. Under the agreement, Nigeria's national satellite operator will provide connectivity for Infratel Africa's rural infrastructure project by migrating 100 sites to NigComSat-1R satellite's Ka-band platform.

Jane Egerton-Idehen (pictured in the center), CEO of NigComSat, explained that the partnership will significantly impact Nigeria's digital economy, supporting government efforts to bridge the digital divide and improve connectivity in rural areas. The partnership aligns with Infratel Africa's goal to connect underserved communities across the digital landscape of the continent. The company operates in Nigeria, Uganda, Ghana, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Cameroon, and Zimbabwe. Aware of the limitations of terrestrial networks, it has engaged in partnerships with satellite operators like ClearBlue, Yahsat, iSAT Africa, and Eutelsat.

The initiative aims to improve telecom access for Nigerian populations, even in rural and hard-to-reach areas for operators. As of March 31, official statistics reported Nigeria with 219.3 million mobile phone subscribers and 163.8 million internet subscribers. Actual figures may be lower due to multiple SIM ownership counting each as a subscriber.

Additionally, the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) revealed in 2022 that nearly 35 million Nigerians lack access to telecommunications services.