Facebook’s $5.7 bn investments in India’s Jio Platforms to expedite digital transformation

25 / 04 / 2020

By Marwa Nassar - -

Facebook announced investing $ 5.7 billion in India’s Jio Platforms with an aim to accelerate India’s digital transformation.

This investment made Facebook the largest minority shareholder in Jio Platforms. This underscores Facebook’s commitment to support India in general and Jio in particular for its achievement over the past few years.

In less than four years, Jio has brought more than 388 million people online, fueling the creatiorn of innovative new enterprises and connecting people in new ways.

Facebook is committed to connecting more people in India together with Jio.

India is in the midst of one of the most dynamic social and economic transformations the world has ever seen, driven by the rapid adoption of digital technologies. In just the past five years, more than 560 million people in India have gained access to the internet.

“Our goal is to enable new opportunities for businesses of all sizes, but especially for the more than 60 million small businesses across India. They account for the majority of jobs in the country, and form the heart and soul of rural and urban communities alike. In the face of the coronavirus, it is important that we both combat this global pandemic now, and lay the groundwork to help people and businesses in the years to come, Facebook said.

“One focus of our collaboration with Jio will be creating new ways for people and businesses to operate more effectively in the growing digital economy. For instance, by bringing together JioMart, Jio’s small business initiative, with the power of WhatsApp, we can enable people to connect with businesses, shop and ultimately purchase products in a seamless mobile experience.”

Over the years, Facebook has invested in India to connect people and help businesses launch and grow. WhatsApp is so ingrained in Indian life that it has become a commonly used verb across many Indian languages and dialects.

Facebook brings together friends and families, but moreover, it’s one of the country’s biggest enablers of growth for small businesses. And Instagram has grown dramatically in India in recent years as the place where people follow their interests and passions.

“We are excited about furthering our investment in India’s vibrant digital economy. Our efforts with Jio will be focused on opening new doors and fueling India’s economic growth and the prosperity of its people. We look forward to working with Jio, and to future collaborations in India to advance this vision.”