World Bank to Invest $215 Million to Boost Internet in Africa

The World Bank says it will spend $215 million to help central African countries provide better quality and more affordable high-speed Internet service.

The bank announced Tuesday the funds will be used to build a broadband Internet infrastructure in 11 African countries.

The World Bank said in a statement that central African countries currently offer the worst quality and most expensive Internet service in the continent.

The initial phase of the 10-year program, called the Central African Backbone Program, will cost about $26 million and involve Cameroon, Chad and the Central African Republic.

Eight other countries are also eligible to take part, including the two Congos, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, Niger, Nigeria, Sao Tome and Principe and Sudan.