IHS Towers Shares Hits Highest Point in 20 Months, Signaling a Recovery for Nigerian Telecom Companies

IHS Towers shares hit the highest point in 20 months, signaling a recovery for Nigerian telecom companies. On May 7, 2025, over 3 million IHS Towers shares were traded on the New York Stock Exchange, marking the largest single-day trading volume in nearly two years. This surge in trading activity came alongside a 9.7% rise in the share price, which closed at $5.70, the highest level since September 2023. This strong performance reflects growing investor confidence in IHS Towers as Nigeria’s leading telecom operators, MTN Nigeria and Airtel Nigeria, bounce back from recent challenges.

IHS Towers is Africa’s largest independent telecom tower company, and Nigeria accounts for 58.3% of its total revenue in 2024. MTN Nigeria and Airtel Nigeria together contributed 57% of that revenue, showing how closely IHS’s business depends on the health of these telecom giants. Both telcos are returning to profitability in 2025 after facing currency shocks and rising costs in previous years. This recovery is boosting investor interest in IHS Towers shares, which have climbed over 51% since the start of 2025, outperforming major indexes like the S&P 500 and the broader tech sector.

The company’s strong financial results also support this positive outlook. In the fourth quarter of 2024, IHS Towers reported revenue of $437.8 million and earnings per share of $0.73, beating analyst expectations. These gains were driven by strategic lease renewals with MTN and Airtel and effective cost management. Additionally, IHS Towers secured long-term contracts covering 72% of its revenue, providing stability and reducing risks for investors. These contracts are crucial as MTN and Airtel expand their 4G and 5G networks to meet growing data demand and increase mobile subscribers.

IHS Towers shares hits highest point in 20 months

This financial stability is important for improving internet connectivity in Nigeria and other African markets. Telecom towers are the backbone of mobile broadband, and with more stable revenue, IHS Towers can invest more aggressively in new infrastructure. The company plans to build 500 new towers in 2025, many supporting 5G networks, especially in rural areas where internet access is still limited. This expansion will help close connectivity gaps and support Nigeria’s digital growth.

The recent spike in IHS Towers’ share price and trading volume also reflects a broader market trend. Investors are increasingly valuing infrastructure companies that enable digital transformation. Telecom operators like MTN and Airtel are focusing on profitability and cost efficiency by sharing tower infrastructure, reducing the need for heavy upfront investments. A landmark tower-sharing agreement signed in March 2025 between MTN Nigeria and Airtel Africa benefits IHS Towers by increasing tower utilization without requiring new builds funded entirely by the telcos.

Investor confidence was further boosted when IHS Towers’ CEO, Sam Darwish, increased his stake in the company by $7.75 million in the past month. This move is seen as a strong vote of confidence in IHS’s strategy and long-term growth prospects. Despite ongoing challenges such as site security issues, vandalism, unauthorized shutdowns, and currency risks, the company remains committed to delivering for its customers and strengthening its market position.

IHS Towers shares hitting the highest point in 20 months signals a recovery for Nigerian telecom companies. The company’s strong financial results, long-term contracts, and strategic investments in infrastructure are helping it capitalize on the telecom sector’s rebound. This growth is vital for expanding internet access and supporting Nigeria’s digital future.

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