South Africa’s Competition Commission recommends approving MTN’s takeover of tower operator IHS, with access and independence conditions

South Africa’s Competition Commission recommends approving MTN’s takeover of tower operator IHS, with access and independence conditions

2 October 2026: South Africa's Competition Commission said on 30 September 2026 that it has recommended that the Competition Tribunal approve MTN's proposed acquisition of IHS Holding, one of the largest owners of mobile towers in Africa, subject to conditions. The recommendation followed meetings on 22 and 28 September. TechAfrica News reported the decision the same day and Connecting Africa on 1 October.

The deal and the conditions

MTN would buy IHS through Sub-Merger Co, which TechAfrica News describes as "a Cayman Islands vehicle wholly owned by Mobile Telephone Networks (Netherlands) B.V." MTN is a major customer of IHS, so the concern is obvious: a tower company owned by one mobile operator could favour it over rivals. The conditions the Commission set, as reported:

• Fair access: "IHS must give mobile network operators (MNOs) and non-MNO customers fair, equitable and non-discriminatory access" to its towers.
• No favours for MTN: MTN South Africa may not receive preferential treatment in lease negotiations, and existing leases must be negotiated fairly.
• Independence: "IHS must remain an operationally independent entity", and competitively sensitive information about other customers must be protected.
• Jobs and ownership: safeguards for employment and for ownership by historically disadvantaged persons.
• Small business: support for small, medium and micro enterprises in building new tower sites.

The Competition Tribunal now makes the final decision; no timetable was given.

Who should pay attention

• Mobile operators and fixed-wireless and IoT providers that lease space on IHS towers in South Africa: the conditions are the terms you will rely on if the deal closes. Read them in full when the Tribunal publishes its order, and note the complaint route.
• Enterprises with private networks, connectivity contracts or site-sharing arrangements on IHS infrastructure: ask your provider whether its tower leases are affected.
• Telecoms suppliers selling into tower build programmes: the small-business condition may shape procurement for new sites.

Sources

• TechAfrica News: South Africa Competition Commission backs MTN-IHS tower deal with conditions - 30 September 2026
• Connecting Africa: SA Competition Commission clears MTN-IHS deal, with conditions - 1 October 2026
• Competition Commission South Africa: Statement on the latest decisions by the Competition Commission, 30 September 2026 (item 1.1, Sub-Merger Co / IHS Holding) - 30 September 2026