14 June 2019

Senegalese telecom firm Sonatel is set to strengthen its position in west Africa by entering the Gambian market.

Sonatel said that it has entered into an agreement for the acquisition of 91.6 per cent of the share capital of XOOM Wireless. The agreements are said to be subject to approval by Gambian authorities.

XOOM Wireless is said to hold an internet service provider (ISP) licence in the Gambia and offers a full spectrum of high-speed wireless packages including VOIP and other hosting services in the country.

Sonatel said the acquisition will be carried out in partnership with Teranga Capital, which will hold a minority stake in the company and that through this acquisition.

Kalifa Faal, founder of XOOM Wireless said, in his opinion, that the deal will boost Gambia’s internet capacity, enhance quality, access and will be cheaper. He also cited that Gambians over the years have been struggling with access and affordable internet.

In addition to its market share in Senegal, growth operations have allowed Sonatel to market shares in four countries: Mali, Guinea, Guinea Bissau and Sierra Leone.