MTN Moves Closer to Controlling Major Share of Africa’s Telecom Tower Infrastructure

MTN Group’s proposed acquisition of IHS Towers has advanced after the tower company’s board reportedly supported the transaction, bringing the deal closer to a shareholder vote that will determine its outcome.

If completed, the acquisition would significantly increase MTN’s ownership of critical telecom infrastructure across Africa, consolidating control over one of the continent’s largest independent tower networks.

Why the Deal Matters for Africa’s Telecom Infrastructure Landscape

IHS Towers operates thousands of mobile towers across multiple African markets and provides infrastructure services to several major telecom operators, including MTN.

The proposed buyout reflects a broader industry shift where telecom operators are reconsidering the long-term cost of leasing infrastructure versus owning key network assets directly. Towers remain central to mobile connectivity, supporting voice, data, and broadband services across rapidly expanding digital markets.



Rising Operational Pressures Are Driving Infrastructure Consolidation

Across Africa’s telecom sector, operators are facing increasing operational costs driven by rising energy prices, network expansion demands, and growing data consumption.

These pressures have accelerated interest in infrastructure consolidation, with companies seeking greater control over assets that directly influence service quality and cost efficiency.

MTN has already been investing heavily in network optimisation and infrastructure resilience across its markets, making full or partial ownership of tower assets a strategic extension of its long-term planning.

What Comes Next for One of Africa’s Largest Telecom Deals

The transaction now moves to a shareholder vote, where investors will decide whether to approve the acquisition.

If successful, the deal would represent one of the most significant infrastructure consolidations in African telecom history, potentially reshaping how telecom infrastructure is owned, financed, and operated across the continent.