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Satellites put Africa at global top table

Facilitated satellites and ground facilities to deliver fibre quality broadband communications services to emerging markets.

November 2010

Ob3

Pan-Africa
Pan-Africa
Digital communications infrastructure
Digital communications infrastructure
Overall: US$ 1.2b
EAIF: US$ 12.5m senior (+ US$ 12.5m sub debt)

O3b’s medium orbit (MEO) satellite constellation puts Africa at the forefront of world telecommunicates technology. O3b stands for “the other 3 billion” referring to the three billion people in the world with no broadband connection in 2007.

Access to digital communications technology is now fundamental to poverty reduction. The internet has the ability to bring about wholly beneficial progress in education and health care provision, business expansion and new business creation. Mobile communications is revolutionising retail banking services in many parts of Africa, particularly smart phones become platforms for mobile banking. In rural areas internet access can help crop management and yields and create new opportunities for the food processing industry.

In 2010 The Emerging Africa Infrastructure Fund loaned US$25 million to support the O3b satellite project. The satellites were launched between 2012 and 2014 and operate on a pan-Africa basis.

Applying for project support

If you are looking for debt finance for an infrastructure project in sub-Saharan Africa please talk to us.

EAIF mainly supports private sector infrastructure projects to create new or expand existing facilities. We welcome enquiries from companies in Africa and worldwide that want to grow their businesses in sub-Saharan Africa and share our commitment to the continent and its peoples. Enquiries are also welcome from  financial advisers and specialist consultants.