Published on: Mar 16, 2026
Mirova has committed a US$15 million senior secured financing facility to iSAT Africa Mauritius, a connectivity platform specialising in rural telecommunications infrastructure.
The 10-year facility, provided through the Mirova Gigaton Fund, will finance the deployment of fully solar-powered mobile network towers in Liberia and Zambia as part of iSAT Africa’s broader programme to construct 1,000 towers across sub-Saharan Africa.
This investment exemplifies the growing role of climate finance in enabling low-carbon, resilient infrastructure solutions that simultaneously advance digital inclusion and sustainable development in underserved regions.
The Financing Structure and Purpose
The US$15 million senior secured facility is structured to support iSAT Africa’s integrated network-as-a-service (NaaS) and energy-as-a-service (EaaS) model.
All towers financed under this facility will operate entirely off-grid, relying on solar photovoltaic systems paired with battery storage to eliminate dependence on diesel generators.
Key objectives of the financing include:
- Accelerating the rollout of scalable, renewable-powered telecom infrastructure in Liberia and Zambia.
- Reducing operational emissions associated with conventional diesel-based towers.
- Enhancing digital connectivity in remote and rural communities currently excluded from reliable mobile networks.
By providing long-term senior debt, Mirova enables iSAT Africa to maintain financial discipline while expanding its footprint across sub-Saharan Africa without requiring excessive equity dilution at the early scaling stage.
Alignment with Climate and Development Objectives
Conventional telecom towers in rural Africa frequently rely on diesel generators, contributing to significant greenhouse gas emissions and high operating costs due to fuel logistics and maintenance. iSAT Africa’s solar-powered approach addresses both issues:
- Emission Reduction: Replacing diesel with solar photovoltaic systems and battery storage delivers near-zero operational carbon emissions for the towers.
- Energy Resilience: Off-grid solar solutions ensure continuous operation in areas with unreliable grid supply or none at all.
- Digital Inclusion: Expanded connectivity supports economic activity, education, healthcare access, and financial services in previously underserved communities.
John Kimotho, Investment Director at Mirova Kenya, stated: “This investment reflects Mirova’s ambition to accelerate the clean energy transition in hard-to-abate sectors, while delivering tangible social benefits. By supporting iSAT’s solar-powered tower deployments, we are helping reduce emissions from telecom infrastructure and enable digital inclusion in remote rural areas.”
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Rakesh Kukreja, CEO of iSAT Africa, added: “We are delighted to partner with Mirova, whose commitment to sustainable infrastructure aligns with iSAT Africa’s mission to bridge the digital divide across the continent. This partnership validates our integrated model combining telecom infrastructure, renewable energy, and innovative services for scalable connectivity in underserved markets.”
Broader Role of Climate Finance in Off-Grid Telecom
The Mirova–iSAT Africa transaction illustrates how climate finance is increasingly directed toward infrastructure that delivers dual environmental and social returns.
Development finance institutions, impact funds, and private investors are recognising that off-grid telecom represents a high-impact opportunity:
- Telecom infrastructure is a critical enabler of economic growth and digital inclusion.
- Off-grid solar solutions reduce both carbon emissions and operational costs in remote areas.
- Scalable platforms such as iSAT Africa can achieve significant geographic coverage with relatively modest capital.
By providing patient, structured debt, climate finance vehicles like the Mirova Gigaton Fund help de-risk early deployments, build track records, and attract follow-on commercial capital as projects mature.
Future Outlook
Mirova’s US$15 million senior secured financing facility to iSAT Africa demonstrates the catalytic role of climate finance in supporting off-grid telecom infrastructure.
By funding fully solar-powered mobile network towers in Liberia and Zambia, the investment advances low-carbon connectivity, reduces emissions from diesel-dependent systems, and promotes digital inclusion in rural sub-Saharan Africa.
This transaction highlights the growing convergence of sustainable infrastructure financing and digital development objectives on the continent.
For the most current details on the facility or iSAT Africa’s expansion plans, refer to official announcements from Mirova or iSAT Africa.
Mirova Overview
Mirova is an asset manager focused on responsible and impact investing. Mirova Kenya refers to its investments and partnerships in renewable energy and infrastructure projects across Kenya.
The firm manages significant capital through various sustainable funds, reflected in Mirova AUM (Assets Under Management) across climate, energy transition, and biodiversity investments.
iSAT Africa provides satellite communication services across Africa. Its operations extend to countries such as Isat Indonesia and Isat Zambia, supporting connectivity solutions.
iSAT satellite services enable broadband and communication access in remote or underserved areas where traditional telecom infrastructure is limited.
Ronnie Paul is a seasoned writer and analyst with a prolific portfolio of over 1,000 published articles, specialising in fintech, cryptocurrency, climate change, and digital finance at Africa Digest News.
