Tanzania and Madagascar have secured a $100 million investment from the European Investment Bank (EIB) and Axian Telecom to expand their broadband infrastructure.

The funding will support the rollout of 4G and further deployment of 5G technology, with $60 million allocated to Tanzania and $40 million to Madagascar.

The initiative is backed by the European Commission’s Global Gateway strategy, which seeks to mobilise €150 billion by 2030 to develop digital infrastructure across Africa.

The investment will be channelled through Axian Telecom, which rebranded Tigo and Zantel in Tanzania after acquiring the brands with fintech firm Mino by M-Pesa.

EIB’s Ambroise Fayolle said the project will drive economic growth and digital inclusion, while Axian CEO Hassanein Hiridjee highlighted the move as pivotal for bridging the connectivity gap in underserved areas.

The broadband upgrade aligns with the EU’s Digital4Development programme and supports Africa’s digital transition goals, reinforcing public-private partnerships aimed at inclusive digital access.