Sustainable investment firm Mirova, an affiliate of Natixis Investment Managers, has announced a USD 15 million senior secured facility for iSAT Africa Mauritius Limited to support the deployment of fully solar-powered mobile telecom towers in Liberia and Zambia.
The 10-year financing facility will enable iSAT Africa to roll out scalable Network as a Service (NaaS) and Energy as a Service (EaaS) solutions as part of its broader plan to deploy 1,000 telecom towers across Sub-Saharan Africa. The towers funded through the Mirova Gigaton Fund will operate entirely off-grid, powered by solar energy systems integrated with battery storage.
Founded more than 15 years ago, iSAT Africa has built a strong presence in rural connectivity by leveraging its satellite communication expertise and partnerships with major mobile network operators. The company has expanded its offerings to deliver renewable-powered telecom infrastructure, enabling high-speed mobile data services in remote regions.
The platform integrates a multi-orbit satellite backhaul architecture that combines Geostationary Earth Orbit (GEO), Medium Earth Orbit (MEO), and Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellite constellations. This hybrid system is designed to deliver resilient, scalable, and cost-efficient connectivity solutions for underserved and remote communities.
By replacing traditional diesel-powered telecom towers with fully solar-powered infrastructure, the initiative is expected to significantly reduce carbon emissions associated with mobile network operations. The project will deploy 2G, 4G, and 5G-enabled telecom infrastructure, supporting both greenfield connectivity in previously unserved areas and brownfield upgrades to existing mobile networks.
These developments aim to enhance digital connectivity by improving mobile data speeds, addressing network coverage gaps, and strengthening telecommunications infrastructure across rural regions. The initiative is also expected to advance digital inclusion and sustainable connectivity in underserved communities across Africa.
The transaction aligns with the investment strategy of the Mirova Gigaton Fund, which focuses on financing projects that deliver measurable decarbonization while promoting inclusive and resilient development. By supporting off-grid solar-powered telecom towers, the fund seeks to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from telecom infrastructure while expanding access to reliable digital services.
Commenting on the investment, John Kimotho stated that the project reflects Mirova’s ambition to accelerate the clean energy transition in sectors that are traditionally difficult to decarbonize, while also delivering tangible social benefits through improved digital connectivity.
Meanwhile, Rakesh Kukreja said the partnership with Mirova reinforces the company’s mission to bridge Africa’s digital divide by integrating telecom infrastructure, renewable energy, and innovative service models to scale connectivity in underserved markets.
He added that the deployment of solar-powered telecom infrastructure will help expand network coverage, reduce carbon emissions, and support inclusive digital and economic growth in rural communities across the continent
Discover more from SolarQuarter
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
