March 2026

Mobile tower operator Helios Towers is embarking on a new five-year strategy that was unveiled at its Capital Markets Day in November 2025, and includes a new tenancy ratio target and capital allocation policy, among other aspects.

One of the key goals of the IMPACT 2030 plan will be to achieve a group tenancy ratio of over 2.5 occupants per site (2.5x) in 2030. The aim under the previous five-year strategy was to reach a tenancy ratio of 2.2x in 2026, but this was effectively achieved by the end of 2025 when rounding up the actual figure of 2.17, the company said. In East and West Africa, and Central and Southern Africa, Helios reported 2.23x and 2.31x respectively.

UK-based Helios has focused on the Middle East and Africa with the lofty goals of helping drive mobile communications growth and “contributing to social and economic development,” as the towerco says. It is currently present in eight markets in Africa (Congo Brazzaville, DRC, Ghana, Madagascar, Malawi, Senegal, South Africa and Tanzania) and one in the Middle East (Oman).

Following a period of expansion from 2020 to 2022, when it doubled the number of towers, the towerco has focused more on improving tenancy ratios in order to increase the utilization of towers, and that strategy is set to continue. At the end of 2025, the number of sites was 14,746, up from 14,325 a year previously.

Chief financial officer Manjit Dhillon confirmed that M&A is at the “lower end of our priority rankings at the moment … We’ve really got a very diversified, well-structured portfolio … and we don’t need to go further afield.”

Dhillon noted that there is plenty of growth to be had in the eight markets as mobile network operators continue to densify and expand their mobile networks to meet growing demand. In addition, MNOs will take increasingly more space as they add 4G and eventually 5G network equipment to the sites.

“Africa and Middle East will be the most populous place on the planet by the end of the century. The growth of that market is really phenomenal. I think it’s something like a billion more people will be in that market by 2050. It’s huge. And of that billion it’s forecast there is going to be 800 million new mobile subscribers … when you’ve got that kind of momentum in terms of mobile subscribers, you’ve got to improve the network capacity,” Dhillon said.

Because of its market focus, Helios certainly faces different challenges to towercos in more developed markets where growth is much slower. Compared to towercos in Europe and the US, “we’re probably in the early to mid 2000s,” Dhillon said.

Power to the towers

Owing to the unreliability of energy grids in some of its markets, Helios has also become something of an expert in energy supply and network resilience.

“One of our key products we provide is power,” Dhillon said. “We’re almost a tower- and powerco” that is able to provide back up for 24 hours at a stretch.

“Either the grid doesn’t work 24 hours, or in certain locations, they don’t have a grid at all. So you’ve got to think about that kind of temporary power management solution on a site-specific basis. So that will be solar panels, batteries, diesel generators where required, all supplementing the overall power system. So we are very much focused on that power piece,” he said.

In the meantime, Helios is also looking at digital solutions that it “can utilize internally to make ourselves more efficient, and we’ll look to provide those to the customer, because ultimately, if we can provide a better product to the customer, they’ll roll out more so there’s always that kind of self-fulfilling cycle,” Dhillon said

These solutions include digital twins, with the aim of providing more proactive site management that focuses on preventative maintenance. Although Helios is “still in the earlier stages” here, it ultimately aims to have digital twins of all sites.

Dhillon also noted that “every single site has remote monitoring. These things are pinging hundreds of data points every single day, every single hour. So the quantity of data that we and other companies are all getting is just growing exponentially. You’ve got to make sure that you have a very, very efficient and accurate digital tool that’s going to be able to ingest all of that, because otherwise you’re going to drown in the data.”

In 2025, Helios reported a +0.12x rise in its tenancy ratio from 2.05x in 2024 to 2.17x. The number of tenancies increased by 9% to 31,944. Adjusted EBITDA rose 12% to $471 million. Revenue grew by 7.8% to $854.1 million.

In 2026, the company is expecting adjusted EBITDA of $510 million–$525 million. According to a statement from CEO Tom Greenwood, “we look ahead to a strong year in 2026, which is seeing strong structural demand trends, and guidance demonstrating meaningful progress towards our IMPACT 2030 targets, with continued growth, cash flow generation and shareholder distributions, which have already begun.”

source : www.lightreading.com

The Chief Executive Officer of Telecel Ghana, Patricia Obo-Nai, says the company expects to declare a profit this year following strong growth in the 2025 financial year.

Speaking on the Super Morning Show on Joy FM, she revealed that the telecommunications operator recorded about 30 percent growth by the end of the 2025 financial year.

According to her, the performance reflects the company’s continued investment in network expansion and service improvement since the transition to the Telecel brand.

“We grew by about 30 percent by the end of the 2025 financial year and we are hoping that this year we will declare a profit,” she said.

Mrs. Obo-Nai noted that the company remains focused on strengthening its operations and delivering improved services to customers across the country.

She added that Telecel Ghana will continue to invest in its infrastructure and digital services as it positions itself for further growth in the telecommunications sector.

Telecel Ghana, which operates one of the country’s major mobile networks, has been expanding its services and network capabilities as part of efforts to strengthen competition within Ghana’s telecom industry.

source : www.myjoyonline.com

The Chief Executive Officer of Telecel Ghana, Patricia Obo-Nai, says the company has not taken over the operations of AT Ghana, clarifying that its current role is limited to providing network capacity support.

Speaking on the Super Morning Show on Joy FM, she explained that the intervention followed a request from government to help stabilize AT’s network operations.

According to her, Telecel Ghana stepped in quickly to support the operator by making its network infrastructure available to improve service for AT customers.

“Government asked us to step in and provide network capacity to AT, so we immediately started by preparing the networks which was done by engineers from both sides. So till date that’s what we are doing,” she said.

Mrs. Obo-Nai noted that the arrangement involves technical collaboration between engineers from both companies to ensure AT customers continue to receive reliable network services.

She stressed that Telecel Ghana’s involvement does not amount to a takeover of AT Ghana, but rather a support mechanism aimed at maintaining connectivity while broader decisions about the operator’s future are addressed.

The clarification comes amid ongoing public discussions about the operational status of AT Ghana and the role of other telecom operators in supporting the company’s network services.

Telecel Ghana and AT Ghana are among the telecommunications companies operating in the country, providing mobile and data services to millions of subscribers nationwide.

source : www.myjoyonline.com

MTN Ghana has launched a GH¢1.2 million model farm project at Pantang Hospital to train women farmers in modern agricultural practices aimed at improving productivity, food safety and sustainable farming.

The initiative, implemented in partnership with Holland Greentech and the La Nkwantanang-Madina Municipal Assembly, would provide practical training for smallholder farmers while promoting safer and more efficient farming techniques.

The project formed part of activities marking International Women’s Day and was expected to strengthen the role of women in Ghana’s agricultural sector.

Chief Corporate Services and Sustainability Officer of MTN Ghana, Adwoa Wiafe said that the project sought to empower women farmers with the knowledge and skills needed to improve their livelihoods and contribute to national food security.

She noted that women remained a critical force in agriculture and must be supported with access to modern farming knowledge and opportunities.

According to her, the model farm would provide hands-on training in improved farming methods and serve as a learning hub for farmers within the municipality.

We promised the women that we would return to establish a model farm where they could receive practical training in modern agricultural methods, and today we are fulfilling that commitment,” she said.

About 60 women farmers were expected to benefit directly from the programme, where they would learn improved crop management techniques, sustainable production practices and modern cultivation methods.

MTN Ghana believes the knowledge gained would not only benefit the participants but also extend to other farmers within their communities as beneficiaries share what they learn.

Ms Wiafe explained that the initiative builds on earlier engagements with women farmers in 2022 when MTN facilitated visits to farms in Akuse, Sontor and the Presbyterian Boys’ Secondary School area to expose farmers to modern agricultural practices.

She added that the project aligned with the focus areas of the MTN Foundation, which includes health, education and economic empowerment, aimed at supporting communities through sustainable development initiatives.

West Africa Regional Director of Holland Greentech, Celestina Danso Arhin, emphasised the need for farmers to adopt safer and more efficient farming methods to improve food quality and protect farmer health.

She cautioned farmers against the excessive use of pesticides, warning that improper chemical use could pose health risks to both farmers and consumers.

Instead, she encouraged the adoption of integrated pest management systems, regular water quality testing and improved cultivation methods such as trellising to enhance crop quality.

Ms Arhin also urged farmers to organise themselves into cooperatives to improve their access to financing, farm inputs and markets.

According to her, modern farming techniques made it possible to achieve strong yields even on relatively small parcels of land.

The Municipal Director of Agriculture for the La Nkwantanang-Madina Municipal Assembly, Lydia Aku Fiatuho, commended the initiative and highlighted the important role women played in Ghana’s agricultural sector.

She noted that women contributed more than 50 percent of the agricultural workforce and remained central to food production.

Mrs Fiatuho encouraged the beneficiary farmers to take full advantage of the opportunity and actively participate in the training programme.

source : www.businessghana.com

The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Telecel Ghana, Ing. Patricia Obo-Nai, has announced that the company will provide free coding training to 100,000 young Ghanaians under the Government’s One Million Coders Programme. Speaking on Joy FM’s Super Morning Show on Thursday, 12th March, as part of activities to mark the company’s second anniversary, she explained that while the course normally costs US$50 to obtain a certificate, Telecel Ghana will sponsor all participants at no cost.

“We are partnering with the government on the One Million Coders. We are training 100,000 for free, as our contribution.”

“If you were going to pay for it, it is US$50 per license, but our platform, in partnership with Start Your Code, is about a five-million-dollar contribution that we will be putting into society,” she said.

“So, carrying your Telecel SIM is not just about enjoying data and voice services, but it is also your opportunity to give back to society through our brand,” the CEO added. The initiative forms part of the company’s commitment to youth empowerment and skills development, equipping young people with digital and technological competencies for the future workforce. In April 2025, President John Dramani Mahama revealed that within just 48 hours of opening applications for the One Million Coders Programme, 90,000 individuals had already applied, demonstrating the overwhelming demand for digital skills among Ghanaian youth.

He said this during the official launch in Accra. He added that the programme would take a decentralised approach, ensuring that training would be available across the country, from metropolitan cities to remote villages.

Source: Myjoyonline.com

Ing. Patricia Obo-Nai, Chief Executive Officer of Telecel Ghana, has assured customers of improved network service as the company undertakes measures to upgrade its operations in the country.Speaking on Joy FM’s Super Morning Showon Thursday, 12th March, as part of activities to mark Telecel Ghana’s 2nd anniversary, Obo-Nai revealed that the initiative involves collaboration with top engineers from China to strengthen the firm’s technological infrastructure.

“In 2026, please look forward to an improved experience on our network. We will continue to invest, as I have said. Every order has been placed, and the equipment will arrive so that you will see the transformation. We have over twenty engineers coming from China to support us on this project.”

She noted that the upgrades are aimed at enhancing connectivity, reducing network disruptions, and providing a more reliable experience for subscribers across Ghana.

Ing. Obo-Nai added that “You are also going to see products that are tailored for you. You will also see your money reinvested in society, so all the investment you put in helps.”

“We always pay the fees of people who are insolvent and can’t come out of the hospital. Last year, more than 500 were brought home. You will also see our digital academy. We have trained over two thousand young people already, and this year, in March alone, over a thousand people from the ages of 10 to 14 will be trained on coding, and this is for free,” she added.

Source: Myjoyonline.com

At the Industrial Digital and Intelligent Transformation Summit at MWC 2026, Huawei explored how AI will soon be integrated throughout core production environments, necessitating a fundamental shift in how industries operate

AI is maturing at a blistering pace, heavily disrupting businesses around the world. 

First, agentic workflows have matured, allowing AI agents to move beyond simple prompts to predicting and executing complex tasks. Second, the rise of physical AI allows digital intelligence to understand and interact with the physical world, making autonomous decisions that impact real-world infrastructure. 

Embracing the ACT framework

To overcome the bottleneck for current large-scale industrial adoption barriers, Huawei introduced the ACT pathway, a blueprint designed to bridge the gap between pilot projects and full-scale industrial intelligence: 

• A: Assess high-value scenarios. Companies must evaluate business value, scenario maturity, and technical readiness. Huawei has already identified over 1,000 core production scenarios across industries where AI can play a big role.
• C: Calibrate AI models with high-quality vertical data. Huawei has built a 6-layer AI security framework to ensure every stage of the AI lifecycle is secure and trustworthy.
•  
• T: Transform business operations with AI talent. Talent that understands both industry and AI are needed. The final pillar focuses on organisational change, advocating firms to cultivate “bilingual” talent capable of translating industrial challenges into AI solutions.

By embracing these principles, industries can finally unlock the true economic potential of the “Industrial All Intelligence” era. 

Huawei’s SHAPE 2.0 partner framework receives an AI makeover

For Huawei, facilitating this industrial AI transformation has required a fresh approach to how the company collaborates with partners. 

Its SHAPE 2.0 partner framework, has received a significant update, infusing AI throughout the process: 

• AI-powered products. Huawei is embedding AI directly into infrastructure and solutions (e.g., network agents that automatically detect faults and optimise networks).
• AI-based joint innovation. Partners can co-develop AI applications and agents using Huawei cloud platforms such as AgentArts.
• AI capability development for partners. Huawei has released a set of standards for AI capabilities and launched over 20 new AI certification courses. It is aiming to help over 1,000 partners get AI-certified.
• AI-assisted partner collaboration. AI tools improve partner operations (e.g., AI-assisted configuration, AI chat support, and automation tools).
• AI-driven growth opportunities. The ecosystem targets new revenue opportunities through industry-specific AI solutions across sectors like energy, finance, transport, and retail. Huawei has deployed over 3,000 scenario-specific AI experts, with ‘intelligent transformation lighthouse projects’ across 38 industries.

Huawei reveals 115 global industrial showcases

The ACT and SHAPE 2.0 partner frameworks are already bearing fruit. At MWC, Huawei presented 115 global showcases for industrial intelligence, as well as 22 of its latest industrial intelligence solutions jointly developed with partners in diverse array of sectors. 

Some of these partners were present at the summit itself, including Eskom, Shandong Port Group, Converge ICT, HM Hospitales, and PetroChina (Beijing)’s Digital Intelligent Research Institute (CNPC). These varied companies took to the stage to share their journeys so far, including battling with legacy infrastructure and pressure to move quickly. 

“How do we develop AI for an organisation that’s 100 years old and needs to update its infrastructure to support everyone? We have a big road to walk,” explained Len de Villiers, CTIO of Eskom, the energy company that supplies 98% of South Africa. 

For de Villiers, the answer lies in a culture of focussed experimentation. 

“All staff at Eskom are experimenting with AI, within specific guardrails,” said de Villiers. “We’re making sure AI is carefully directed and not inhibited.” 

“It’s very important to be selective based on the business cases,” he added. “Ask your leadership team and your experts to give you their priorities.” 

For Eskom, these priorities are closely linked to their strategic turnaround plan, aiming to pursue financial and operational sustainability, and to modernise power system and energy transition.” 

For Ng Wun-kit, Principal of Pui Kiu Middle School in Hong Kong, China, AI has already become a core focus throughout the education process. 

“AI is not seen as a tool, but the very operating system of the school,” he explained, emphasising that incorporating AI is vital for both modernising the learning environment and equipping the next generation with crucial digital skills. Having already deployed an AI General Knowledge Course, AI-Empowered Smart Classroom, and Smart & Safe Campus, Pui Kiu Middle School is increasingly capable of delivering personalised learning for students. 

“We are producing a factory of knowledge, moving from a standarised education to personalised learning. We’re moving from passive learning to interaction,” Ng said. 

For Huawei, deploying the right infrastructure solution to meet their specific needs is crucial. 

The shift from AI as an experimental tool to a foundational “operating system” marks a critical turning point for both industrial efficiency and workforce development. By bridging the gaps in data, talent, and integration through the ACT and SHAPE 2.0 partner frameworks, Huawei and its partners and customers are transforming “all intelligence” from a visionary concept into a scalable, high-value reality. 

Source : www.totaltele.com

The Chief Executive Officer (CEO)  of the Ghana Investment Fund for Electronic Communications (GIFEC), Tanko Rashid-Computer, has reiterated that improving the Rural Telephony Project remains a top priority for the fund as it works to expand digital connectivity in underserved communities across the country.

Speaking during a high-level engagement with a global technology company, Huawei, at the 2026 Mobile World Congress (MWC) in Barcelona, Spain, Mr Rashid-Computer emphasised GIFEC’s commitment to strengthening telecommunications infrastructure in rural areas to ensure that no community was left behind in the country’s digital transformation agenda.

The meeting, held on March 5, 2026, brought together a delegation from GIFEC, led by Mr Rashid-Computer, and Huawei officials to explore innovative technological solutions that could support the expansion and improvement of the Rural Telephony Project.

Mr Rashid-Computer was joined by GIFEC’s Director of Corporate Affairs, Francisca Adjei, while the Huawei delegation was led by the Vice-President of Huawei and Chief Executive Officer of the company’s Global Public Sector Business Unit, Li Junfeng, along with Advisory Product Manager, Mlungisi Nhlapo.

During the meeting, Huawei presented advanced rural connectivity solutions, including the latest version of its Rural Telephony Project (RTP) masts designed to improve telecommunications coverage in remote and underserved areas.

The upgraded masts are expected to provide reliable network infrastructure capable of supporting enhanced voice and data services.

The presentation offered the GIFEC delegation valuable insights into how the improved technology could significantly expand connectivity and strengthen network quality in communities that currently experience limited or no telecommunications services.

Digital platforms

Mr Rashid-Computer said enhancing the Rural Telephony Project would play a critical role in facilitating the rollout of 3G and 4G services in rural communities, enabling residents to access digital platforms, information services and economic opportunities.

He noted that strengthening telecommunications infrastructure in rural areas remained central to GIFEC’s mandate of promoting universal access to information and communication technology across Ghana.

The engagement at Mobile World Congress formed part of GIFEC’s broader strategy to build partnerships with global technology leaders to accelerate the country’s digital development in order to bridge the digital divide between urban and rural communities.

Source : www.graphic.com.gh

Helios Towers Plc (LON:HTWS) reported fourth-quarter results that exceeded expectations across new additions, profits and free cash flow, according to a Thursday report from Jefferies.

The telecommunications infrastructure company delivered revenue growth of 5.9% year-over-year in the quarter, while earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization increased 15% year-over-year. Recurring free cash flow grew 2.4% in the period.

For the full year 2025, Helios posted free cash flow of approximately $66 million on a last-12-months basis, representing a 249% increase year-over-year. The company beat EBITDA estimates by roughly 40 basis points and exceeded recurring free cash flow projections by about 17%.

Helios added 413 tenancies in the fourth quarter, consisting of 125 sites and 288 colocations. The additions brought the company’s tenancy ratio to 2.2 times for fiscal 2025, up 0.1 times year-over-year. Return on invested capital reached 13.5% for the year.

For 2026, Helios provided guidance targeting organic net tenancy additions of 2,000 to 2,500, compared to company consensus of 2,301. The company expects adjusted EBITDA of $510 million to $525 million, versus consensus estimates of $520.3 million.

Discretionary capital expenditure is projected at $110 million to $140 million, with a midpoint of $125 million. This represents an increase from consensus expectations of $162.2 million for total capex. 

Jefferies noted the higher capex reflects continued strong customer demand and supports growth forecasts.

Recurring free cash flow guidance stands at $210 million to $225 million, compared to consensus of $207.1 million.

Helios plans to execute a $51 million share buyback in 2026, representing the remaining balance of a previously announced $75 million program. The company also guided for a fiscal year dividend of $25 million.

This article was generated with the support of AI and reviewed by an editor. For more information see our T&C.

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Source : za.investing.com

Ghana’s leading telecommunication company, MTN, has introduced yet another innovative experience that allows customers to do a SIM swap conveniently without any hindrance.

An innovation that is expected to redefine customers’ experience.

According to MTN Ghana, “SIM swap remains a major reason customers engage with the company, both digitally and in person. On average, the company processes about 250,000 SIM swaps at customer service centres every month”.

At the launch of the ‘Self-service SIM Swap’ in Kasoa in the Central Region of Ghana, the Senior Manager of MTN Ghana in charge of the Southwest Business District, Prince Owusu Nyarko, indicated that the company recognised the inconvenience the SIM swap issue had caused customers.

“For many years, SIM swap has required customers to visit our service centres or raise a request online for assistance. Today, that has changed. We are proud to give our customers the freedom to complete this essential service conveniently, securely and independently from wherever they are, without the need to travel or queue at a service centre”, Prince Owusu Nyarko explained.

At MTN Ghana, we believe in innovating and delivering services that enhance the experience of our customers. That is why today, with great pride, we officially announce the nationwide launch of our Self-Service SIM Swap,” he emphasised.

The Senior Manager for the Southwest Business District further stated that the company had earlier conducted a pilot using the MTN App and USSD channels from October last year through January this year, and in just four months, over 18,000 customers completed SIM swaps on their own or via assisted options.

The feedback was overwhelmingly positive, with customers praising the convenience, speed, and control this solution offers,” he added.

Prince Owusu Nyarko stressed that beyond convenience, security remained central to the innovation.

“Our self-service SIM Swap uses advanced biometric facial verification, ensuring that only the rightful owner can request a swap. This significantly reduces fraud and protects against risks associated with cloned or compromised ID cards, giving our customers true peace of mind”.

He stressed that “today’s launch represents a bold transformation in how we serve our customers. It delivers freedom from Long queues and extended waiting times. Customers can swap their SIM at any time, whether their device is lost, stolen, or damaged. SIM swaps can be completed whether you are in or outside Ghana.

He continued that, “the innovation empowers customers to take full control of their accounts-securely, seamlessly, and instantly”.

“Our vision is clear. With this rollout, we aim to reduce reliance on agent-assisted SIM swaps, both in-store and online, deliver a seamless, secure and consistent experience for every customer and shift the customer journey from starting in a queue to starting with you”.

With this new process, customers will enjoy clear benefits of 24/7 convenience and time savings, Rapid service restoration, minimising downtime after device loss, enhanced protection against fraud, through secure, digital authentication, among others.

The Kasoa District Police Commander, ASP Edward Dante Aboagye, who addressed the gathering, lauded MTN Ghana for the innovation, stressing it would enhance the work of the police in cases involving SIM fraud.

Source : www.myjoyonline.com