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Business Reporter
ECONET Global subsidiary Liquid Telecom has announced the takeover of Tanzanian leading Internet service provider, Raha, in a major acquisition as it expands its business.
Liquid Telecom, the leading provider of independent data, voice and IP provider in Africa, plans to invest in the rollout of fibre across Tanzania, enabling greater access to high-speed, reliable broadband for more businesses and households.
The move is expected to buttress Tanzania’s key education initiatives by providing high-speed connectivity to more state schools across that country.
“We welcome Raha as the latest exciting addition to the Liquid Telecom group. Tanzania is a rapidly growing and dynamic African market and through this acquisition, we will be able to support the demand for internet access across the country,” said Mr Nic Rudnick, Liquid Telecom group chief executive.
Raha’s chief executive officer Mr Aashiq Shariff said their rollout plans would allow them to extend fibre coverage to thousands of new customers and create hundreds of new jobs.
“With Liquid Telecom’s support, Raha can explore new ways to increase connectivity within Tanzania as well as to the rest of the region.
“We will also benefit from the group’s skills and expertise, helping us to achieve our vision of a more connected Tanzania.”
Liquid Telecom also plans to significantly increase the number of free Wi-Fi hotspots throughout Tanzania, helping to bridge the digital divide by providing more of the population with access to the internet. Raha has already introduced more than 150 free Wi-fi hotspots across all major cities in Tanzania, which are enjoyed by more than 150 000 unique users.
Tanzania becomes the latest market to be added to Liquid Telecom’s large fibre network, presently the largest of its kind serving eastern, central and southern Africa.
@BiancaMlilo
Bongani Ndlovu
Online Reporter