India, June 15 -- Bharti Airtel is strengthening its commitment to Africa, with shareholders approving a proposal that will increase the telecom operator's effective ownership in Airtel Africa to around 79%, subject to regulatory clearances.The move signals Airtel's growing confidence in Africa as a long-term growth market, at a time when telecom operators are increasingly seeking opportunities beyond saturated domestic businesses.

The proposal received strong backing from shareholders, including institutional and public investors, according to the company. Airtel said the approval reflects investor confidence in the strategic direction of the business and the role Airtel Africa is expected to play in the group's future expansion.

At th...