Swiftnet represents a strategic acquisition for Actis which will see it acquire over 4,000 sites across the country.  The platform is underpinned by a strong relationship with Telkom and other existing anchor tenants, and long-term contractual revenue. The deal allows Actis to invest in a growing sector, with strong secular tailwinds and an increasing need for tower densification driven by increasing internet penetration and the transitions from 3G and 4G to 5G.

Actis’ ambition is to create a leading independent Towerco, and further deepen its relationship with South Africa’s mobile operators. Swiftnet has a unique tower footprint across the country and is well positioned to meet the demands of mobile network operators as they seek to expand coverage in rural areas.

Actis’ expertise as a builder and operator in South Africa and its experience in digital infrastructure will help in unlocking economic growth and meeting the demand for fast and reliable connectivity in both urban and rural communities.

The investment builds on Actis’ existing digital infrastructure portfolio in South Africa, having invested in fibre network operator Octotel in 2020. The transaction will also mark Actis’ second investment into telecom towers this year following the recent acquisition of a macro tower portfolio in the Western Balkans, comprising about 1,800 macro towers in Serbia, Bosnia & Herzegovina, and Montenegro.

You can now read the full press release at the link below