One of the biggest telecom providers in Africa, AXIAN Telecom, has successfully priced a $600 million bond offering, increasing investor confidence in the continent’s potential for digital transformation.
The bond proceeds will fund debt refinancing, expand smartphone access, enhance digital infrastructure, and promote financial inclusion across AXIAN’s operations in nine African countries: Tanzania, Madagascar, Uganda, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Senegal, Togo, Réunion, Mayotte, and Comoros.
Hassan Jaber, CEO of AXIAN Telecom, described the issuance as “ a testament to the strength of our diversified business model and the trust investors place in our long-term vision. It enables us to accelerate our mission of delivering inclusive digital transformation and connectivity across Africa.”
Senior notes to mature in 2030
Due to robust global demand, the senior notes, which are scheduled to mature in 2030, were priced on Wednesday at a 7.250 per cent coupon and a 7.375 per cent yield, which was lower than the initial price guidance.
Nevertheless, the bond attracted interest from a broad spectrum of elite institutional investors and was oversubscribed almost three times despite the difficult global environment.
With legal advice from Latham & Watkins and White & Case, the deal, which was spearheaded by J.P. Morgan, Standard Bank, and Standard Chartered Bank, also featured a Sustainable Development Impact Disclosure highlighting AXIAN’s dedication to infrastructure investment.
Rebrand of Axian Telecom’s fintech services
Recently, AXIAN Telecom, which has operations in Tanzania, Madagascar, Uganda, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, rebranded the majority of its fintech services as Mixx by Yas and combined several of its mobile operations under the Yas brand.
This consolidation, which emphasises innovation, customer empowerment, and sustainability, seeks to provide a smooth, pan-African experience.
With more than 40 million users, AXIAN is Africa’s sixth-largest cellular provider. Since 2015, it has disrupted the market through aggressive acquisitions and investments.
Major force in Africa’s digital future
Jaber continued by elaborating that the company is still positioning itself as a major force in Africa’s digital future by fostering inclusive economic growth and bridging connectivity gaps.
“Our vision goes beyond profit. We are building networks and services that transform lives and unlock Africa’s digital potential. With this successful bond issuance, AXIAN Telecom has reaffirmed its role as a driver of change in Africa’s digital and financial ecosystems,” he said.
About Axian Telecom
AXIAN Telecom is a pan-African telecom company that operates in nine markets: Tanzania, Madagascar, Togo, Uganda, Senegal, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Réunion, Mayotte, and the Comoros. It offers three primary business segments: mobile financial services, digital infrastructure, and fixed and mobile networks.
In Tanzania, Madagascar, Senegal, Togo, and Comoros, AXIAN Telecom has combined its mobile network operations under the Yas brand, and the majority of its fintech businesses are now branded as Mixx by Yas.
The Yas brand supports AXIAN Telcom’s mission to establish a pan-African powerhouse that offers a more efficient customer experience and innovations that are solutions-driven and have a significant impact.
Yas is a reliable partner committed to helping clients realise their full potential online. It markets itself as such. To better serve its customers, AXIAN Telecom will consolidate its operations under a single brand, utilising the assets and resources of a robust, cohesive pan-African enterprise.
With over 40 million customers and a disruptive market, AXIAN Telecom is Africa’s sixth-largest mobile operator. Since 2015, it has grown through aggressive acquisitions and significant network investments. Millions of people’s daily lives are positively and sustainably impacted by the group’s businesses, which it systematically ensures.