Indian passive telecom infrastructure provider Indus Towers is set to expand its footprint into Africa, with its board of directors approving a strategic entry plan on 2 September.
The company will initially focus on establishing operations in Nigeria, Uganda, and Zambia, as announced in a statement on the National Stock Exchange of India (NSE) website.
This move reflects Indus Towers’ strategic effort to diversify its revenue streams, enhance operational capabilities, and create long-term value in emerging markets. The company plans to capitalize on its financial strength and leverage its existing partnership with Bharti Airtel, which is active across the continent through Airtel Africa, to establish a competitive presence. Looking ahead, Indus Towers also intends to explore additional African countries where Airtel already has a significant presence, aiming to expand its reach further.
Prachur Sah, Managing Director and CEO of Indus Towers, highlighted the company’s confidence in its ability to differentiate itself in the rapidly growing African telecommunications sector. He emphasized that their expertise in providing innovative and cost-effective infrastructure solutions positions them well to become a preferred tower provider on the continent.
This expansion coincides with increased investments by telecom operators across Africa, as they aim to broaden network coverage and bridge the digital divide. According to the International Telecommunication Union, 2G networks covered approximately 93.8% of the African population in 2024, while 3G, 4G, and 5G coverage lagged at 85.9%, 70.9%, and just 11%, respectively. The GSMA estimates that around 13% of sub-Saharan Africa’s population remains without broadband coverage, underscoring the ongoing need for infrastructure development. Industry forecasts from Mordor Intelligence project that the number of telecom towers on the continent will grow from around 218,000 in 2025 to over 273,000 by 2030.
