In a significant development, Sunil Bharti Mittal, founder and chairman of Bharti Enterprises met with the President of The Republic of Kenya, Dr. William Samoei Ruto, in New Delhi during his visit to India. The meeting explored avenues for transformative partnerships, focusing on digital innovation and economic integration.
The meeting took place against the backdrop of the historic inclusion of the African Union in the G20 during India’s G20 Presidency. Sunil Bharti Mittal, serving as the Chair of the B20 India Action Council on African Economic Integration during this period, played a pivotal role. The council, comprised of members from the global business community, formulated recommendations to advance the agenda of regional integration across Africa and attract investments in various sectors.
One of the key areas of focus for the Action Council was the examination of cultivable and arable land in the region. This analysis held the potential to address challenges in the global food value chain that have manifested over recent years. Additionally, the council concentrated on the adaptation of India’s Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) to the African context.
In discussions with President Ruto, Mittal underscored the transformative impact of India’s Unified Payments Interface (UPI) on the digital payment landscape. He highlighted how UPI has significantly accelerated financial inclusion in India. Furthermore, Mittal emphasized the success of India’s Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI), backed by the Jan Dhan Aadhaar Mobile Trinity, showcasing achievements not only in last-mile inclusion but also in advancing digital adoption.
Importantly, there is a growing interest from various countries, including Kenya, in knowledge sharing for the implementation of digital identities—a fundamental aspect of India’s successful DPI. India stands poised to play a crucial role in sharing expertise and fostering collaborative innovation in this regard.
Bharti Airtel, operational in 14 African countries, has been actively contributing to financial inclusion and last-mile connectivity efforts. Kenya, with approximately 20 million customers, holds strategic importance for Airtel. The telecom operator is committed to expanding network coverage, extending Airtel Money accessibility to every Kenyan citizen, and introducing advanced communication technologies such as 5G. Notably, in July 2023, Airtel Kenya achieved a significant milestone by launching its highly anticipated 5G network, marking a substantial leap forward in advancing telecommunications in the region.