PRISTINA (Kosovo), July 6 (SeeNews) – The World Bank said it approved a 20.4 million euro ($25 million) to increase access to better high-speed broadband services and online knowledge sources, services, and labour markets for the people of Kosovo.
“The project will have a broad range of benefits for people in Kosovo, connecting them to information, services, and jobs,” World Bank country manager for Kosovo Marco Mantovanelli said in a statement on Thursday, following a meeting of the bank’s board of executive directors.
“By developing and strengthening Kosovo’s digital infrastructure, this project will deepen Kosovo’s connections to the global economy, which is critical for growth and development throughout the country,” Mantovanelli added.
According to the World Bank, inhabitants of some of the underserved rural areas, healthcare institutions, and primary and secondary schools will benefit from the project through access to high-speed broadband Internet and a digital awareness initiative.
“Mobile network operators and their customers will also benefit from higher-quality mobile services, while under/unemployed youth will have access to an online work training program. Students, researchers, and staff of higher education institutions will benefit too, as the project will also support access to the pan-European data network GEANT.”
The project is financed with a credit from the International Development Association (IDA), part of the World Bank Group. IDA credits are provided on concessional terms with zero or very low interest charge and long repayment periods.
"The financing for this project has a maturity of 25 years, including a 5-year grace period. The project will be implemented over five years by Kosovo’s Ministry of Economic Development, which guides and coordinates ICT sector development and all major Digital Economy initiatives in the country," according to the statement
($ = 0.85574 euro)