NEWS

In a strategic move to accelerate sustainable telecom infrastructure across Africa, Mirova, an affiliate of Natixis Investment Managers, has committed a USD 15 million senior secured facility to iSAT Africa Mauritius Limited. The funding will support the deployment of fully solar-powered telecom towers in Liberia and Zambia.

The financing, structured as a 10-year facility, will enable iSAT Africa to scale its Network as a Service (NaaS) and Energy as a Service (EaaS) offerings. This initiative forms part of the company’s broader plan to deploy 1,000 telecom towers across Sub-Saharan Africa, targeting improved connectivity in remote and underserved regions.

The project will be funded through the Mirova Gigaton Fund, with all towers designed to operate entirely off-grid, powered by solar energy combined with battery storage systems. This approach aims to replace conventional diesel-powered infrastructure, significantly lowering carbon emissions associated with rural telecom networks.

Beyond environmental benefits, the initiative is expected to drive digital inclusion by enabling 2G, 4G, and 5G connectivity in previously unconnected areas, while also enhancing existing network performance. The deployment will support both greenfield expansion and brownfield upgrades, improving data speeds and addressing coverage gaps.

The investment aligns with the core objectives of the Mirova Gigaton Fund, which focuses on financing solutions that deliver measurable decarbonization alongside inclusive development.

The collaboration is expected to play a key role in reducing emissions from telecom operations while fostering inclusive digital and economic growth across rural Africa.