Afrimax Group plots Time Division-Long Term Evolution (TD-LTE) networks in DRC, Malawi

Netherlands-based Afrimax Group, which was founded in 2013 by a trio of former Millicom International Cellular (MIC) executives, is planning to deploy Time Division-Long Term Evolution (TD-LTE) networks in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Malawi.

The start-up, which claims to hold licences and spectrum in 14 countries across sub-Saharan Africa – with plans underway to secure a further seven concessions – is currently hiring Radio Access Network (RAN) technicians to deploy its TD-LTE networks in the aforementioned markets, although no prospective launch date has been divulged by the company.
TeleGeography notes that Afrimax currently boasts a pair of active wireless broadband networks in Uganda (Afrimax Uganda) and Rwanda (4G Networks Rwanda). The networks were deployed following assistance from the International Finance Corporation (IFC). In addition, the company has Netherlands-registered businesses in Ghana, Mali, Guinea, Namibia, Sierra Leone, Cameroon, Zambia, Central African Republic, Togo and Burundi.

According to the company’s website, it is actively seeking partnerships with existing African ISPs who hold frequencies in the 2.3GHz, 2.5GHz or 2.6GHz spectrum bands.
Based on documents provided by the IFC, Afrimax appears to boast a wealth of behind-the-scenes experience: chairman Jay Metcalfe was formerly President, CEO and founder shareholder of Millicom International Cellular (MIC), while Peter Langkilde was MIC’s senior VP for Eastern Europe, Middle East and Africa. Both men went on to co-found Virgin Mobile Latin America and Virgin Mobile Middle East and Africa. Chief financial officer Rob Philpott previously worked for MIC and Orascom Telecom Iraq.