The European Investment Bank (EIB) announced Tuesday that it would offer a 100-million-euro loan to Tunisie Telecom in support of upgrading the networks of the mega company.

Funding the Tunisian telecommunication project comes within the framework of EIB program dedicated to EU member states and affiliated countries, including Tunisia, the sole partner in the African continent, President of the European Investment Bank Werner Hoyer said.

Hoyer added that such funding is the first of its kind to be implemented outside EU countries.

Meanwhile, Chairman of Tunisie Telecom said that the fund reflects the trust of EIB in the advanced technical and financial capabilities of Tunisie Telecom and its ability to undertake mega projects. 

The loan has been agreed upon during EIB participation in the International Investment Conference "Tunisia 2020" that kicked off here earlier in the day with the participation of 70 countries and more than 2,500 investors, a joint statement issued by the EIB and Tunisie Telecom indicated.

Earlier on Tuesday, an international conference on economic support and investment promotion kicked off, under the theme "TUNISIA 2020".