Gunners announce partnership with African mobile firm

Arsenal have signed a three-year partnership with African mobile network operator Airtel for rights across five markets on the continent.

Airtel will be able to utilise official Arsenal merchandising, hospitality and content rights in Nigeria, Zambia, Ghana, Uganda and Rwanda, as well as being the mobile operator of the 2012 Arsenal Tour to Nigeria.

The Gunners will also support the Airtel Rising Stars football programme and provide UEFA-trained coaches to help the initiative.

Arsenal’s head of global partnerships Vinai Venkatesham said: “This is the second long-term partnership arrangement to arise from the continent and we look forward to developing a number of exciting initiatives with Airtel, starting with our forthcoming tour to Nigeria in August.

“This underlines the depth of our following in Africa and how the profile of the club continues to grow internationally.”

Arsenal will take on Nigeria’s national team in Abuja on August 5, with Arsene Wenger’s side also set for pre-season games in both China and Malaysia next month.