Qatar Telecom seeks North African growth
BUSINESS
| March 4, 2012, 10:04 a.m.
Qatar Telecom aims to grow its North African operations through new acquisitions in the region.
The telco says it will focus on organic growth in Tunisia and Algeria, where it already has a presence. Its heads recently visited Tunisia, where Qtel owns a 75% stake in Tunisiana, Tunisia’s largest mobile network, through its subsidiary National Mobile Telecommunications Company (Wataniya).
QTel chief executive Nasser Marafih said Qtel had seen rapid growth over the past decade, when it had entered 16 countries, from Indonesia to Algeria. The pace of acquisitions had slowed, he said, but there was scope for strong growth it its existing markets. In Tunisia and Algeria, for example, QTel aims to seek 3G mobile licences to grow its business there.
QTel has also partnered with ZTE to deliver advanced technologies to the markets it serves.
Shi Lirong, CEO of the ZTE Corporation, said: “The Qtel Group is the fastest growing group in the telecommunications industry, constantly looking for ways to deliver more choice and value for its customers. We think ZTE, with its focus on innovative technology and competitive cost, is a strong partner for the Qtel Group’s plan for continued investment in new technologies and businesses, particularly in emerging markets.”
