Africa: EXIM Prepares Nearly $100 Million Loan for Africell Networks

Reuters reported on Friday, September 11, 2026, that the operation is nearing completion, citing a source familiar with the matter and a draft official statement. The document indicates that the funds will support Africell’s investments in the latest mobile network technologies.

This project is part of an initiative that has been underway for several years. EXIM indicated in 2023 that it was continuing its due diligence on a new transaction aimed at supporting Africell’s wireless service expansion, while the operator subsequently reported a preliminary commitment of $100 million to extend its networks in Angola and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

The funding comes amid a technological rivalry between Washington and Beijing. According to Reuters, Huawei accounts for approximately 52% of the African 5G infrastructure market, according to Counterpoint Research. U.S. authorities have been advocating for the use of telecommunications equipment from suppliers they deem reliable, while Huawei has denied U.S. allegations regarding the security of its equipment.

Four African Markets Involved

Africell operates networks in Angola, Gambia, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Sierra Leone. Reuters estimates that the group serves approximately 15 million users across these four markets.

The loan will enable the operator to purchase network equipment from American companies and allied partners. Africell is already working with several Western suppliers in its digital infrastructure and positions itself as the only major mobile operator with American capital active on the continent.

The group has previously received $100 million in U.S. funding, initially granted by the Overseas Private Investment Corporation, which later became the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation. This facility was used to develop its infrastructure in several African markets before its expansion into Angola.

EXIM Aims to Boost U.S. Technology Exports

EXIM is the official export credit agency of the United States. It provides loans, guarantees, and insurance to support the sales of American goods and services abroad, with a specific mandate to develop its financing in sub-Saharan Africa.

The new funding for Africell is expected to extend this strategy into digital infrastructure. The loan will directly finance the modernization of mobile networks covering West Africa, Central Africa, and Southern Africa.