Bharti Airtel will continue with IBM for IT support in 16 African countries

Bharti Airtel pens a 10-year extension with IBM by way of an agreement that will see the latter providing IT services to the employees of the former in as many as 16 African nations. As per the contract, IBM will facilitate a standard operating environment and help desk, in addition to desk side support.
IBM will be supporting Airtel employees with comprehensive end user services in two languages; French and English. IBM will also ensure management of a standard operating environment for Airtel employees.
According to Manoj Kohli, Chief Executive Officer (International) & Joint Managing Director, Bharti Airtel, their agreement with IBM stands to facilitate growth of innovative mobile solutions in Africa, in addition to augmenting an enhanced customer experience, by way of supporting their employees with the best IT capabilities.
The partnership between Airtel and IBM had taken off when the former had chosen the latter for running IT and applications for its entire Indian network, back in 2004.
Incidentally, the agreement was signed at the beginning of this year, barring the fact that it is announced only now.