Helios Towers Tanzania is planning to further expand its network of telecommunications towers across Tanzania.
The company has announced a US$95 million upsizing of its syndicated term loan facility, led by Standard Bank Group, in order to fund the growth. Over the past five years since launching in Tanzania, Helios said the local market has seen the number of telecom base stations increase by approximately 5,500. During the same period the number of towers has only grown by 2,900, due to increased tower sharing.
Helios has taken on a leading role in this trend in Tanzania, acquiring and upgrading 2,068 operator towers for colocation, and building over 1,000 multi-tenant towers.
“This increased level of sharing highlights the impact that [Helios] has had on driving efficiencies and reducing the environmental impact of delivering the telecommunications services needed to facilitate development in emerging economies,” the company said.
Helios said the new financing package highlights investor willingness to back telecoms infrastructure in Africa, building on the successes in the sector over recent years.
“The continued support of our lenders re-emphasises the appetite of investors for this market, and we thank them for their continuing backing. The new [loan] facility in Tanzania will help us expand tower sharing solutions across the country and meet new demand for tower sharing, benefiting both the citizens and the environment,” said Kash Pandya, chief executive officer (CEO) of Helios Towers Africa - parent of Helios Towers Tanzania.
“Helios’ reputation for operational excellence and client-focused service make any investor and customer confident in their growth and outlook,” said Nina Triantis, Standard Bank’s global head of telecoms and media.
“This transaction demonstrates once again our continued support to infrastructure development in Africa through our excellent understanding and serving of the needs of our clients due to our sector knowledge and our on-the-ground presence in 20 sub-Saharan countries.”
