Standard Bank backs Temitope Lawani’s Helios Towers with $29 million

Standard Bank, Africa’s largest bank by assets and market capitalisation, has partnered with Helios Towers to provide a $29 million Social Documentary Credit Facility, marking the bank’s first such facility structured under a sustainable finance framework.

$29 million deal boosts connectivity access

The $29 million transaction is designed to support the procurement and importation of telecommunications infrastructure and related services across Africa, while also strengthening Helios Towers’ working capital position and expansion strategy. It provides payment certainty to suppliers and enables the company to scale its infrastructure footprint more efficiently.

Structured in line with the Loan Market Association’s Social Loan Principles, the facility aims to advance digital connectivity in underserved markets. It supports the rollout of telecom infrastructure, increased network densification, and improved mobile coverage across remote regions of the continent.

Helios Towers accelerates Africa growth

Helios Towers, one of Africa’s leading independent telecom tower operators backed by Nigerian tycoon Temitope Lawani and Babatunde Soyoye, plays a key role in enabling mobile network providers to expand coverage across multiple markets. The financing will accelerate its efforts to bridge connectivity gaps, drive digital inclusion, and support broader economic development.

“This transaction demonstrates the power of innovation in trade finance,” said Benoit Samouilhan, global transaction banker at Standard Bank Corporate and Investment Banking. “By combining a first-to-market Social Documentary Credit Facility with a cross-border funding solution, we are supporting Helios Towers’ growth while extending connectivity to underserved communities.”

Beyond infrastructure expansion, the facility is expected to generate measurable social impact by improving access to communication, enhancing business opportunities, and supporting economic participation across underserved regions.

“Reliable digital infrastructure is fundamental to Africa’s future growth,” said Alex Carter, group finance director at Helios Towers. “This facility gives us the flexibility and certainty needed to continue investing in infrastructure while advancing our mission of expanding connectivity across the continent.”

Social finance drives digital inclusion

The deal also highlights collaboration within Standard Bank’s teams to deliver tailored financing solutions aligned with sustainability goals.

“This transaction reflects our ability to structure innovative trade finance solutions that promote digital inclusion,” added Noloyiso Mpanza, executive lead of sustainable finance in transaction banking at Standard Bank Corporate and Investment Banking. “It underscores our role in partnering clients like Helios Towers to help connect the unconnected across Africa.”