Zain Becomes Airtel

by Kayondo Jimmy Emmanuel
(Kampala)

Zain rebranded to Airtel after Bharti Airtel acquired 16 Zain African operations for $ 11.7bn. This change took place in several other countries where Airtel is beginning operations. Bharti Airtel is a global telecommunications with operations in 19 countries across Asia and Africa. With the unveiling of the new brand identity Airtel becomes the master brand for all the group’s operations across Africa, India and South Asia.

The takeover of Zain Uganda comes with a promise of delivering high quality customer services by investing $100mn in expansion of the network by erecting more masts. Airtel has its work cut out after interruptions that come with brand changing. The one network seamless product where Zain subscribers can use their sim cards anywhere on the continent.

According to Mr. Arjun Narian, the Head of projects and Integration said “we are in the process of extending to where we have a presence”. He goes on to state that “Africa is on the grasp of change. The mobile handset will be the device that will change the lives of the people for the better”.

Airtel is looking at growing to 100 million subscribers by the year 2012. Mr. Yesse Oenga, the managing director, added that the target is to make Airtel the most loved brand by 2015 by driving affordability and availability. Oenga said there was work going on to unveil packages that are relevant for different categories.

By Kayondo Jimmy Emmanuel