MEA-backed e-VBAB program to digitally empower African countries

NEW DELHI: India’s telecom consultancy and engineering firm Telecom Consultants of India Limited (TCIL) has rolled out e-Network initiative in as many as 14 African countries, and aims to digitally connect underserved institutions and hospitals with Indian experts.

“First, it was a dedicated network Pan Africa project using submarine optic fibre cable and satellite for connectivity. Now with the availability of connectivity, the program is now rechristened to e-VidyaBharati and e-AarogyaBharati (e-VBAB)network project,” TCIL chairman Rajiv Gupta told ETT.

The ambitious e-VBAB program is backed by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) and is an extension of the Pan-African e-Network initiative that aims to offer free tele-education courses in various academic disciplines.

“Of the total 54 countries, we have so far signed agreements with 15 nations,” the top official added.