FT Lands Niger License

PARIS -- Niger's Government has decided to retain the bid made by the consortium controlled by France Telecom for the awarding of a new global fixed-mobile-internet license for 48 million euros.

France Telecom has joined forces with Mr. Mohamed Rissa, a major business leader from this country, specialized in the Internet and telecommunications services sector, and Mr. Moctar Thiam, a long-standing investor in Orange Mali.

France Telecom is delighted with this operation, which is fully in line with its targeted development strategy on high-growth markets, further strengthening its significant presence in West Africa.

Already present in 12 African countries including five in West Africa, France Telecom will enable its new subsidiary in Niger to benefit from the strength of its orange brand, the quality of its services and its capacity for innovation.

With a growing population of around 13 million people, and a mobile penetration rate of under 5%, Niger offers good prospects for growth.

This operation follows on from the announcement made on November 16, when France Telecom was selected for the privatization of Telkom Kenya.

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