MTN Group is actively negotiating to buy the 75% of IHS it does not yet own.
If successful, the deal would give MTN full control of one of the largest tower companies.
MTN Targets Full Control
On Thursday, MTN confirmed to investors that it is exploring this potential buyout.
The company said any offer would likely match IHS’s recent trading price on the NYSE.
However, MTN warned that the talks may not result in a final deal.
Meanwhile, IHS stock has climbed sharply, reflecting investors’ renewed interest in telecom infrastructure.
Strong Existing Partnership
MTN already holds a significant stake and has worked closely with IHS across Africa.
Over the past decade, MTN has sold thousands of towers to IHS under leaseback agreements.
These deals freed capital while MTN retained long-term access to essential network infrastructure.
For instance, in 2022, MTN sold more than 5,700 towers in South Africa to IHS.
Read Also: FGN Savings Bond Offers 15.356% In February 2026 Round
A full acquisition would reverse years of outsourcing, returning tower control directly to MTN.
Moreover, MTN previously raised concerns about IHS’s corporate governance practices.
If negotiations fail, MTN will continue exploring ways to maximise value from its IHS investment.
Strategic Shift In Telecom
Founded in 2001 by Sam Darwish, IHS began in Nigeria and rapidly expanded internationally.
Headquartered in London, the company now manages more than 37,000 towers across Africa and Latin America.
MTN remains IHS’s largest customer, showing the strength and importance of their operational relationship.
This potential buyout signals a strategic shift, as operators reassess owning versus leasing network assets.
Furthermore, rising data demand and tighter economic conditions are forcing this reconsideration across Africa.
Analysts believe full ownership could give MTN greater flexibility and long-term cost advantages.
Overall, the possible deal marks a new chapter in MTN’s partnership with one of its key collaborators.
