Helios Towers Expands Mobile Connectivity Across Africa and the Middle East

Helios Tower

Helios Towers, a leading independent telecommunications infrastructure company, is playing a pivotal role in enhancing mobile connectivity across Africa and the Middle East. By providing shared telecom tower infrastructure, Helios Towers enables mobile network operators (MNOs) to expand and improve their coverage more efficiently and cost-effectively. This approach not only accelerates the rollout of mobile services but also reduces the environmental footprint associated with building duplicate infrastructure. ​

The company’s operations span several countries, including Ghana, Tanzania, and the Democratic Republic of Congo, where they have established an extensive portfolio of telecom towers. This infrastructure supports the increasing demand for mobile connectivity driven by the region’s young and growing populations. By facilitating better network coverage, Helios Towers contributes to digital inclusion, connecting individuals and communities to essential services such as education, healthcare, and employment opportunities. ​

Helios Towers’ business model promotes the sharing of tower infrastructure among multiple MNOs, allowing for quicker, more reliable, and cost-effective delivery of mobile connectivity. This strategy not only supports the expansion and quality of mobile networks but also aligns with sustainable development goals by minimizing environmental impact. ​

As mobile penetration continues to grow in Africa and the Middle East, the role of infrastructure providers like Helios Towers becomes increasingly critical in bridging the digital divide and fostering socio-economic development across the continent.​

Source: Extensia

Helios Towers’ 2024 Signals a New Era of Growth

Helios Tower

Helios Towers has delivered a defining year in its financial journey, achieving two major milestones: ten consecutive years of Adjusted EBITDA growth and the company’s first-ever positive free cash flow. This marks a significant shift from expansion-driven financial strategies to a business model that is not just scaling, but self-sustaining.

What the Numbers Reveal

  • Tenancy Growth as a Profit Driver: The company recorded 2,481 new tenancies, bringing its total to 29,406. This translated into a 14% jump in Adjusted EBITDA and a 10% revenue increase to $792 million.
  • Efficiency at Scale: The tenancy ratio rose to 2.05x (from 1.91x), reinforcing the efficiency of Helios’ colocation model. This ratio is key—higher colocation rates mean greater revenue from existing assets, reducing capital intensity and improving return on invested capital (ROIC).
  • Positive Free Cash Flow – A Pivotal Moment: With $100 million in cash flow expansion, Helios recorded $18.7 million in free cash flow, a crucial turning point that signals financial self-sufficiency. This is a game-changer, paving the way for deleveraging and potential capital returns to shareholders in 2026.
  • Debt Refinancing & Improved Credit Profile: Net debt fell by 3% to $1.73 billion, and leverage reduced to 4.0x from 4.4x. Rating agencies took notice—S&P upgraded Helios to BB-, marking its second upgrade within a year.

Beyond the Numbers: The Strategic Impact

Helios Towers’ success is not just about revenue and profit growth—it is about optimizing operational efficiency while expanding network reach. The company now covers 151 million people, up from 144 million in 2023, and has exceeded its 2026 target for rural sites two years ahead of schedule.

The strong 99.99% power uptime further underlines Helios’ focus on reliability, a key metric for mobile operators in emerging markets where infrastructure challenges remain a bottleneck.

Looking ahead, Helios’ 2.2x tenancy ratio target by 2026 is critical. Achieving this will unlock even greater margin expansion, strengthen free cash flow, and ensure sustainable, long-term growth. The company’s commitment to digital transformation, AI-powered network planning, and energy efficiency will further bolster its competitive edge.

What This Means for Africa’s Telecom Landscape

Helios Towers’ trajectory highlights the evolving telecom infrastructure model in Africa. The shift from single-operator sites to shared infrastructure is not just about cost savings—it is about accelerating connectivity in a sustainable way. As mobile penetration deepens and data demand surges, Helios is positioning itself as a linchpin in Africa’s digital transformation.

With its 2024 results setting a solid financial foundation, Helios Towers is no longer just expanding—it is now poised to optimize and monetize its infrastructure at an unprecedented scale.

Source: TechAfrica News

New Helios Ghana MD pays courtesy call on the Telecoms Chamber

2. Helios

(Back, L-R: Karim Ndiaye, Barbara Martinson and Kweku Frempong)

(Front,L-R: Kenneth Ashigbey and Fritz Dzeklo)

The new Managing Director of Helios Towers Ghana, Mr.  Kweku Frempong, has highlighted the immense importance of increased collaboration between the regulator of the telecommunications industry (NCA), the Ministry of Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations and the players within the ecosystem.

He made the remarks in the company of other leading executives of Helios Towers (Fritz Dzeklo, Regional CEO – West, Central & Southern Africa, Barbara Martinson -Head, Legal & Regulatory, Helios Towers, Ghana and Karim Ndiaye -Managing Director, Helios Towers, Senegal), when they paid a courtesy call on the Ghana Chamber of Telecommunications in Accra, Ghana, on Tuesday February 4, 2025.

The occasion was used to introduce Mr. Frempong, who took over as Managing Director from Mr. Angelo Govina, effective Monday February 3, 2025.

On his part the CEO of the Chamber Ing. Dr. Kenneth Ashigbey welcomed the new Managing Director and pledged the Chambers’ support, and wished him well as he takes over one of the leading infrastructure companies in Ghana.

During the interaction, which took place at the premises of the Chamber in Cantonments Accra, the group also discussed the opportunities available to improve the ecosystem for all of Ghanaians and businesses, especially as there is a new administration in place, as well as a new sector Minister and NCA Director General.

About Helios Towers

  • Helios Towers is a leading independent telecommunications infrastructure company, having established one of the
    most extensive tower portfolios across Africa. It builds, owns and operates telecom passive infrastructure, providing
    services to mobile network operators.
  • Helios Towers owns and operates over 14,000 telecommunication tower sites in nine countries across Africa and
    the Middle East.
  • Helios Towers pioneered the model in Africa of buying towers that were held by single operators and providing
    services utilising the tower infrastructure to the seller and other operators. This allows wireless operators to
    outsource non-core tower-related activities, enabling them to focus their capital and managerial resources on
    providing higher quality services more cost-effectively.