New Angolan network operator Africell announced today that it has launched commercial mobile services, bringing fresh competition to the country’s two established cellcos Unitel and Movicel. The start-up’s initial service range includes free on-net calls and mobile data bundles priced ‘up to 50% cheaper’ than rivals, with 1GB costing AOA750 (USD1.67). Africell – which is launching with coverage in and around the capital Luanda – says it has already invested USD150 million in Angola to build a ‘4G-native, 5G-ready’ network with a starting capacity for over six million mobile connections, with significant further investment planned, while it has created ‘over a thousand direct and indirect jobs’, 95% of which went to Angolans. In addition to introducing new mobile products and services, Africell notes that it is ‘creating a technology platform that will boost related sectors such as education, finance and entertainment’.
A press release continued: ‘Partnerships with blue-chip international technology vendors including Nokia and Oracle, as well as with carefully selected local suppliers such as Angola Cables and MSTelcom, promise Africell Angola’s users an unprecedented level of service quality on a secure, trustworthy and resilient network.’ The release added: ‘Preparations for Africell’s launch in Angola have encountered external challenges related to COVID-19 including restrictions, shortages and supply chain disruptions.’ Africell received its Angolan ‘Unified Global’ operating licence in February 2021, permitting infrastructure-based mobile, internet, fixed telephony and pay-TV services.
Chris Lundh, CEO of Africell Angola, declared: ‘We have heard the message loud and clear that when it comes to mobile services, Angola wants change. From today, Angolan mobile users will have more choice and better prices.’
The UK-headquartered Africell group – backed by Lebanese and US investors – has existing mobile divisions in Gambia, Sierra Leone and the Democratic Republic of Congo.