BHARTI AIRTEL TARGETS $600M

The new management of Bharti Airtel, owners of Zain Telecommunication Company has disclosed that its target in the Nigerian market is $600 million in the next three years and 50 per cent in the first year.

Speaking during a press conference yesterday, its Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Rajan Swaroop, said Bharti would continue to build on the momentum and that it was committed to taking telecommunications in Nigeria to the next level.

He stressed that Bharti was in serious telecommunications business and as such the reason for the target, which the management knew was possible to meet within the set time.

'It will be our endeavour to raise the bar and bring in best class service, seamless network experience and introduce innovative products and services for our customers in Nigeria,'

He also said Bharti planned to bring its ecosystem of global partners to Nigeria and that would result in additional employment opportunities in the country. The company also disclosed its plans to evolve Corporate Social Responsibility programme in Nigeria under which it would set up schools that offer free quality education to underprivileged children in rural areas.

Swaroop also stressed that quality enthusiasm as well as entrepreneurship spirits would be their priority, while adding that Zain acquisition was the sixth and final one because there were lots of opportunities in Nigeria.

'There is no concept of divorce in India. So, we are here forever, this is a marriage that is built on solid ground,' he said.

Earlier, the Chairman of the conglomerate, Oba Otudeko, explained that Bharti is in serious business for it to have committed $10.7 billion in acquiring Zain and that there was no going back for the Indians.

He added that building value and a long time growth was the focus of the new management.