India’s largest telecom tower company, Indus Towers, has announced its entry into African markets as part of a major international expansion strategy.
The company, headquartered in Gurugram, revealed on Tuesday that it will target Nigeria, Uganda and Zambia in a move designed to diversify its revenue streams and strengthen its global footprint.
The decision was approved by the company’s board during a meeting on 3 September, marking Indus Towers’ first venture beyond India, where it currently operates more than 251,000 telecom towers across all 22 telecom circles.
The expansion will leverage its longstanding partnership with Bharti Airtel, which already has a strong presence in the selected African nations. This collaboration is expected to help Indus Towers establish a competitive edge in regions witnessing rapid growth in telecommunications infrastructure.
“The Board’s approval to enter international markets in Africa unlocks our vision for long-term sustainable growth and value creation for our shareholders,” said Managing Director and CEO Prachur Sah in a statement.
Africa’s telecommunications market continues to attract significant investment amid rising mobile penetration and increasing demand for reliable connectivity. Nigeria, as the continent’s largest economy and most populous nation, represents a key market, while Uganda and Zambia offer growing opportunities driven by expanding urbanisation and mobile usage.
Indus Towers plans to deliver cost-effective infrastructure solutions, drawing upon its expertise in managing India’s extensive tower network. The company has also been recognised for its green energy initiatives in tower operations, which it intends to extend to its African projects.
The expansion is subject to regulatory approvals and compliance in each target country, and the company has indicated it may explore additional markets where Airtel operates.
Industry analysts view this move as part of a broader trend of Indian telecommunications firms seeking growth in emerging markets, particularly Africa, where infrastructure demand remains substantial.
If successful, the initiative could pave the way for further expansion across the continent, positioning Indus Towers as a major player in Africa’s evolving telecom landscape.
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