Nepal’s leading internet service provider, WorldLink Communications has received an investment of €10 million from Finnfund, Finland’s development financier.

The agreement was signed by WorldLink’s Chairman, Dileep Agrawal, and Finnfund’s Senior Investment Manager and Head of Digital Infrastructure and Solutions Portfolio, Kutti Kilpeläinen, in the presence of Finland’s Minister for Foreign Trade and Development, Ville Tavio.

“WorldLink has been working towards bridging the digital divide in Nepal by expanding its services to rural and remote areas,” said Kutti Kilpeläinen. “As a Finnish investor, we also value the fact that WorldLink is using Nokia’s advanced technology to expand its services.”

“Finnfund is ready to assist WorldLink in managing environmental and social risks during the data centre construction,” Kilpeläinen added.

WorldLink Chairman Agrawal described the investment as an important step in expanding internet access nationwide. “This funding will help us accelerate digital transformation, bridging the gap between urban and rural areas.”

The collaboration between Nokia, a Finnish technology and equipment manufacturer, and WorldLink aims to offer customers a more reliable, faster, and secure internet experience.

Worldlink with over 5,000 employees has been able to attract significant foreign investment from British International Investment (BII) and Dolma Impact Fund (DIF), the internet service provider said. Finnfund, a development and impact investor, focuses on sustainable businesses primarily in Africa, Asia, and Latin America. It only invests in countries defined as developing by the OECD/DAC, read a press release issued after the signing ceremony.