HT is a public company listed on the London Stock Exchange. HT is primarily held by financial investors including Newlight Partners LP (15.0%), Helios Investment Partners (8.4%), and ATP Invest (5.3%).

The proposed IFC investment comprises a subscription to the bond in an amount of $50 million, with IFC acting as anchor investor for a total bond issuance of US$850 million. Proceeds of the bond will be used to (i) refinance the existing bond worth US$650 million, (ii) prepay other financial debt worth approximately US$170 million and, (iii) cover associated fees and other expenses worth approximately US$30 million.

The Project will support Helios Towers’ operations across Africa and Middle East.

This is a Category B project according to IFC’s Environmental and Social Sustainability Policy given that the business activities related to the construction and operation of passive telecom services in the countries being supported by the investment, have limited potential adverse E&S risks and/or impacts that are few in number, generally site-specific, largely reversible, and readily addressed through mitigation measures. 

Key project E&S aspects are: (i) implementation of HT’s corporate ESMS in countries of operation, including procedures for site risk screening and site selection, construction and equipment installation and transport and logistics risks; (ii) human resource (HR) policies providing for fair and safe working conditions for Company and Contractors, including grievance mechanism, occupational health and safety (OHS) management and prevention of harassment and gender-based violence; (iv) energy efficiency and management of wastes; (v) electromagnetic field exposure for employees and external 3rd parties, (vi) security management and safety of security personnel in remote locations; (vi) traffic safety; (vii) biodiversity risk management; and (viii) stakeholder engagement.