Global Broadband Solution
BIO granted a USD 600,000 loan to GBS, aimed developing a new WIMAX network in Lubumbashi. This will substantially reduce the operating costs for the company, and reduce the price for the clients.
Amount
€ 454,740.00
Type of investment
Debt
Development impacts
- Private sector consolidation/innovation
- Access to basic services & goods
Beneficiary locations
Investment field
Enterprises
Activity
ICT - Internet
ICT for development is an established discipline that has identified a host of socio-economic benefits. Increased access to technology and networks facilitates information dissemination, web-based learning, entrepreneurialism and connection to international resources.
Despite inherent challenges in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), internet penetration has increased from just 500 users in 2000 to an estimated 10,000 in 2008. However this is still only 0.2 percent of the population. Much still needs to be done to come close to Africa’s average internet penetration level of 5.3 percent.
Active since 2004, GBS offers internet and telephone connections, using satellite technology.
Development impacts
-
Private sector consolidation/innovation
Transfer of know-how to local employees.
The project responds to a market need by introducing new and approved technologies.
The project will bring more competition in the mobile phone operator sector, bringing prepaid cards at a competitive price.
-
Access to basic services & goods
The new network enables quality internet access, previously lacking in the market.
An improved coverage in the cities.
Quality service.
View more of our investments in this region
Acumen Resilient Agriculture Fund II (ARAF II)
5,000,000.00
Côte d'Ivoire, Egypt, Ethiopia, Ghana, Kenya, Morocco, Nigeria, Senegal, Tanzania, Uganda
06/07/2026
Equity
