Tower company Helios Towers has signed an agreement to invest more than $110 million on network infrastructure in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
Helios, along with the Agence Nationale pour la Promotion des Investissements (ANAPI), which is the government body responsible for promoting investment and improving the DRC’s business climate, will support the expansion of mobile networks across the country.
Helios has been operating in the DRC market since 2011, where the company owns nearly 2,800 telecom infrastructure sites. During this period, Helios notes that it has invested more than $700m in the country.
As part of the agreement, Helios said that it will deploy new sites in both urban and rural parts of the country. The towerco has also pledged to bolster the energy and operational resilience of networks.
The company adds that it will extend connectivity in underserved areas, will develop local skills, and continue to push sustainable energy initiatives.
“Fifteen years after we entered the DRC, this agreement marks a new stage in our long-term commitment to the country. It allows us to accelerate investment in our essential infrastructure that powers connectivity, economic growth, and digital inclusion to unlock the nation’s potential,” said Maixent Bekangba, managing director, Helios Towers DRC.
Rachel Pungu Luamba, director general, ANAPI, added: “This agreement reflects our government’s commitment to creating an attractive environment that encourages strategic investment in our digital infrastructure. Through stable and transparent partnership with the private sector, such as this, we will accelerate the rollout of these vital networks that will create opportunities for growth across the whole economy.”
Helios Towers operates close to 15,000 towers across nine markets, including Tanzania, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Congo Brazzaville, Ghana, South Africa, Senegal, Madagascar, and Malawi.
Source : www.datacenterdynamics.com
