Airtel committed to human capital development in Africa – CEO

Bharti Airtel has reiterated its commitment to further support human capital in African economies across the region through the investment of ICT development and other initiatives.

Speaking during this year's New York Forum Africa, Mr. Christian de Faria, CEO, Airtel Africa said 'Africa is a continent with a young population, and this population is a powerful tool for development.

Yet, the youth can only actively participate in positively transforming the continent if it is well prepared. That is why relevant training for the youth and an enabling ICT infrastructure is vital for the emergence of Africa as a dynamic economic centre.'

Mr. de Faria took an active part in the third edition of the New York Forum Africa held in Libreville, centered on the theme of transforming the African continent through local processing of its vast natural resources. The Forum had a special focus on African youth, as a catalyst for the development of Africa.

'Airtel recognizes the significant potential of the youth to drive the economies where we operate. That is why we are investing in rolling out ICT training programmes in countries such as Chad where over 6,000 will benefit. We are also in the process of training another 5,000 young adults in Gabon - and we will continue doing this across Africa,' said Mr. de Faria.

HE President Ali Bongo Ondimba opened the first New York Forum AFRICA, by calling on the international economic community and all African stakeholders to increase participation in Africa's current growth and to discover the potential of a continent that has a wealth of talent and opportunity.

He was supported in this regard by HE President Paul Kagame of Rwanda, in the presence of hundreds of Africa's policy makers.