Celtel wins the first IFC Client Leadership Award

Celtel International, the leading pan-African mobile communications group with over four million managed customers in 13 countries, has received the International Finance Corporation's (IFC's) inaugural Client Leadership Award for the contribution made to sustainable development in the markets where it operates. The award was made to Celtel for being “a company that sets the gold standard for its peers anywhere in the world, a company that is a role model for others, regardless of sector region or country” said Peter Woicke IFC Executive VP presenting the award at the World Bank and IMF annual Governors' meeting in Washington D.C.

Celtel was chosen for its commitment to high standards of corporate governance, ethics and integrity, its transparent dealings and the efforts it has made for the betterment of local communities. In particular, Celtel has worked with “IFC Against AIDS” on the Group's HIV/AIDS awareness policy for employees and their families. Other initiatives implemented by Celtel include health and education projects such as refurbishment of schools and health centres, scholarships and support programmes for athletes and handicapped people.

The IFC has been a partner for Celtel, both at a Group and operating company level, with loans and shareholdings in some country's operations including the Democratic Republic of Congo, Uganda and Zambia.

Accepting the award, Dr Mohamed Ibrahim, Founder and Chairman said:

“We are absolutely delighted to have won such a prestigious award from our valued shareholder and partner, the IFC.
This proves Celtel has established a profitable company operating to the highest standards of ethics, governance and transparency which delivers sustainable development for Africa.”

Marten Pieters, Group Chief Executive, said:

“Celtel has been chosen as the winner from the IFC's portfolio of over 1300 companies in more than 100 countries. Celtel is “making life better” for more than 4 million customers, for our shareholders and employees and for the communities in which we operate”

For more details, please contact: Martin de Koning, Celtel Corporate Communications Director, +31 23 554 2671 or +31 6558 22409, deKoning.M@celtel.com