Mirova Backs iSAT Africa with $15 Million to Expand Solar-Powered Rural Connectivity

In a strategic move to accelerate sustainable telecom infrastructure across Africa, Mirova, an affiliate of Natixis Investment Managers, has committed a USD 15 million senior secured facility to iSAT Africa Mauritius Limited. The funding will support the deployment of fully solar-powered telecom towers in Liberia and Zambia.

The financing, structured as a 10-year facility, will enable iSAT Africa to scale its Network as a Service (NaaS) and Energy as a Service (EaaS) offerings. This initiative forms part of the company’s broader plan to deploy 1,000 telecom towers across Sub-Saharan Africa, targeting improved connectivity in remote and underserved regions.

The project will be funded through the Mirova Gigaton Fund, with all towers designed to operate entirely off-grid, powered by solar energy combined with battery storage systems. This approach aims to replace conventional diesel-powered infrastructure, significantly lowering carbon emissions associated with rural telecom networks.

Founded over 15 years ago, iSAT Africa has built a strong presence in rural connectivity through satellite-enabled services and partnerships with Tier-1 telecom operators. The company has evolved into a provider of renewable-powered telecom infrastructure, integrating advanced multi-orbit satellite backhaul systems that combine Geostationary Earth Orbit (GEO), Medium Earth Orbit (MEO), and Low Earth Orbit (LEO) constellations. This architecture ensures resilient, scalable, and cost-efficient connectivity tailored for hard-to-reach communities.

Beyond environmental benefits, the initiative is expected to drive digital inclusion by enabling 2G, 4G, and 5G connectivity in previously unconnected areas, while also enhancing existing network performance. The deployment will support both greenfield expansion and brownfield upgrades, improving data speeds and addressing coverage gaps.

The investment aligns with the core objectives of the Mirova Gigaton Fund, which focuses on financing solutions that deliver measurable decarbonization alongside inclusive development.

Commenting on the development, John Kimotho stated that the investment reflects Mirova’s commitment to advancing clean energy transitions in sectors that are traditionally difficult to decarbonize, while also enabling meaningful social impact.

Meanwhile, Rakesh Kukreja highlighted that the partnership reinforces iSAT’s mission to bridge Africa’s digital divide through an integrated model combining telecom infrastructure, renewable energy, and scalable service solutions.

The collaboration is expected to play a key role in reducing emissions from telecom operations while fostering inclusive digital and economic growth across rural Africa.