IFC backs telecom energy expansion across Africa

International Finance Corporation has announced an investment in IPT PowerTech to expand access to clean and reliable power for telecom networks in Ethiopia, Liberia, and Sierra Leone, where limited energy infrastructure continues to constrain digital connectivity and broader economic participation

The initiative aims to enhance the stability and quality of power supplied to telecom towers, supporting stronger mobile coverage and enabling households, schools, healthcare facilities, and small businesses to benefit from more reliable digital services.

The investment will fund the upgrade, operation, and maintenance of 2,235 telecom sites across the three countries, with more than 90% located in off-grid or weak-grid areas. By integrating solar and battery systems, the project is expected to reduce outages, improve service reliability, and lower dependence on diesel-powered generation. Energy optimisation is projected to cut power costs by up to 30% in Liberia, 26% in Sierra Leone, and 52% in Ethiopia, while also reducing emissions by more than 10,624 tCO₂e annually. These gains are expected to support more affordable digital services and expand economic inclusion in underserved regions. The partnership will also contribute to gender inclusion by increasing opportunities for women across technical, operational, and leadership roles.

Nabil Haddad, CEO of IPT PowerTech Group, said, “This agreement with IFC reflects a shared vision for a greener telecom industry. It empowers IPT PowerTech to scale its innovative energy platforms and deliver measurable environmental and operational impact across our global footprint.”

“Reliable and affordable power for telecom networks is a cornerstone of Africa’s digital transformation. Through this partnership with IPT PowerTech, we are supporting a scalable, private sector-led solution that enables mobile operators to extend coverage, improve service quality, and reach underserved and fragile communities more sustainably”, said Nathalie Kouassi-Akon, IFC division director, West Africa Gulf of Guinea. “This investment demonstrates how innovative InfraTech solutions can simultaneously strengthen connectivity, reduce emissions, and unlock economic opportunity at scale.”

To support the rollout, IFC is providing a US$45mn financing package, including a US$27 million A-Loan and US$18mn in blended finance through the Canada-IFC Blended Climate Finance Program and the IDA20 Private Sector Window Blended Finance Facility. This marks IFC’s first direct infrastructure investment in Liberia in ten years and in Sierra Leone in six years, helping scale solar- and battery-based systems to reduce diesel reliance and improve network resilience.

In addition to financing, IFC will work with IPT PowerTech to enhance environmental and social standards across its operations, aligning with global best practices.

The project also contributes to broader development initiatives, including the World Bank Group and African Development Bank’s Mission 300 programme, which aims to deliver reliable and affordable electricity to 300 million people across Africa by 2030. It further supports the World Bank Group’s Digital Economy for Africa strategy and Country Partnership Framework priorities in the three countries.