While we reached agreement with our Key Customers in Nigeria to update the reference exchange rate in our contracts to the prevailing market rate available on Bloomberg (which is currently approximately aligned to the NFEM rate), should these and similar circumstances arise again (where there is a divergence between the applicable market rate or translation rates for our financial results, and the exchange rate reflected in our contracts with customers), there is no guarantee that we will be able to renegotiate these contracts or enter into new contracts to fully protect against such foreign exchange risks, which could materially impact our results of operations.
While we reached agreement with our Key Customers in Nigeria to update the reference exchange rate in our contracts to the prevailing market rate available on Bloomberg (which is currently approximately aligned to the NFEM rate), should these or similar circumstances arise again (where there is a divergence between the applicable market rate or translation rates for our financial results, and the exchange rate reflected in our contracts with customers), there is no guarantee that we will be able to renegotiate these contracts or enter into new contracts to fully protect against such foreign exchange risks, which could materially impact our results of operations.
In addition, adverse economic conditions and trade policy considerations, such as supply chain disruptions and labor shortages and persistent inflation, have impacted, and may continue to adversely impact our suppliers’ ability to provide us with materials and equipment, which may negatively impact our business.
In addition, adverse economic conditions and trade policy considerations, such as supply chain disruptions, labor shortages and persistent inflation, have impacted, and may continue to adversely impact our suppliers’ ability to provide us with materials and equipment, which may negatively impact our business.
Diesel prices have fluctuated significantly over time, often in parallel to changes in oil prices, and may fluctuate in the future as a result of many factors, including but not limited to the impact of events with a wide-ranging regional or global impact (including health pandemics or epidemics), geopolitical conflicts and wars (including their consequences, for example on trade routes or supply chains), and any related economic sanctions, foreign exchange effects and/or climate change or related initiatives or government action and/or regulation, and we are only able to pass-through a component of the fuel costs at our sites to our customers under the terms of certain of our contracts.
Diesel prices have fluctuated significantly over time, often in parallel to changes in oil prices, and may fluctuate in the future as a result of many factors, including but not limited to the impact of events with a wide-ranging regional or global impact (including health pandemics or epidemics), geopolitical conflicts and wars (including their consequences, for example on trade routes or supply chains), and any related economic sanctions, foreign exchange effects, climate change or related initiatives or government action and/or regulation, and we are only able to pass through a component of the fuel costs at our sites to our customers under the terms of certain of our contracts.
For example, Tenants may determine that demand has changed in a particular area and they no longer need tower infrastructure at certain sites. A Tenant may Churn if the relevant MLA or SLA is not renewed at the end of its term, the customer ceases operations or switches to a competing tower company.
For example, Tenants may determine that demand has changed in a particular area and they no longer need tower infrastructure at certain sites. A Tenant may Churn if the relevant MLA or SLA is not renewed at the end of its term, or if the customer ceases operations or switches to a competing tower company.
If customers terminate or fail to renew customer lease agreements with us (either on commercially acceptable terms, or at all), are acquired or, become insolvent, or otherwise become unable to pay lease fees, the loss of such customers could have a material adverse effect on our business, prospects, financial condition and/or results of operations.
If customers terminate or fail to renew customer lease agreements with us (either on commercially acceptable terms, or at all), are acquired, become insolvent, or otherwise become unable to pay lease fees, the loss of such customers could have a material adverse effect on our business, prospects, financial condition and/or results of operations.
The development and implementation of new technologies designed to enhance the efficiency of wireless networks or the implementation by MNOs of potential active sharing technologies could reduce the use of and need for tower-based wireless services transmission and reception and could decrease demand for tower-based antenna space and ancillary services we provide.
The development and implementation of new technologies designed to enhance the efficiency of wireless networks or the implementation by MNOs of potential active sharing technologies could reduce the use of and need for tower-based wireless services transmission and reception and could decrease demand for tower-based antenna space and the ancillary services we provide.
There can be no assurance that: ● we will be able to enter into identified new markets in which we intend to deploy New Sites or other communications infrastructure; ● every individual New Site or other communications infrastructure asset will be commercially viable or meet our investment criteria; ● we will be able to overcome setbacks to new construction, including local opposition; ● we will be able to maintain relationships with the regulatory authorities and to obtain any required governmental approvals for new construction; ● the number of towers or other infrastructure planned for construction will be completed in accordance with the requirements of customers or the ability of our customers to obtain the requisite level of end users to support the level of capital expenditure spent to expand the network; ● there will be a significant need for the construction of new towers or other communications infrastructure; ● we will be able to agree to favorable revenue share models with our customers or other parties that make constructing new rural sites economical for all parties; ● we will be able to finance the capital expenditures associated with construction or deployment of New Sites or other communications infrastructure; 26 Table of Contents ● we will be able to import the equipment necessary for the construction or deployment of New Sites or other communications infrastructure; ● we will be able to purchase and/or import components necessary for the construction or deployment of New Sites or other communications infrastructure, including steel and fiber, or purchase such components at expected prices or that such components will be delivered in a timely fashion; or ● we will be able to secure rights or access to the land necessary to execute customer orders for New Sites or other communications infrastructure.
There can be no assurance that: ● we will be able to enter into identified new markets in which we intend to deploy New Sites or other communications infrastructure; ● every individual New Site or other communications infrastructure asset will be commercially viable or meet our investment criteria; ● we will be able to overcome setbacks to new construction, including local opposition; 26 Table of Contents ● we will be able to maintain relationships with the regulatory authorities and obtain any required governmental approvals for new construction; ● the number of towers or other infrastructure planned for construction will be completed in accordance with the requirements of customers or the ability of our customers to obtain the requisite level of end users to support the level of capital expenditure spent to expand the network; ● there will be a significant need for the construction of new towers or other communications infrastructure; ● we will be able to agree to favorable revenue share models with our customers or other parties that make constructing new rural sites economical for all parties; ● we will be able to finance the capital expenditures associated with construction or deployment of New Sites or other communications infrastructure; ● we will be able to import the equipment necessary for the construction or deployment of New Sites or other communications infrastructure; ● we will be able to purchase and/or import components necessary for the construction or deployment of New Sites or other communications infrastructure, including steel and fiber, or purchase such components at expected prices or that such components will be delivered in a timely fashion; or ● we will be able to secure rights or access to the land necessary to execute customer orders for New Sites or other communications infrastructure.
As we look to expand our offering to further include and expand on services like fiber connectivity, rural offerings and other verticals, we may be subject to increased regulatory, license and permit obligations (including in respect of active telecommunications elements that may comprise part of the arrangements with customers, such as for rural offerings which may be based on an “open RAN” architecture).
As we look to expand our offering to further include and expand on services like fiber connectivity, rural offerings and other verticals, we may be subject to increased regulatory, license and permit obligations (including in respect of active telecommunications elements that may comprise part of the arrangements with customers, such as for rural offerings which may be based on an “open RAN” architecture).
We may or may not be able to meet any and all such obligations.
We may or may not be able to meet any and all such obligations.
We have been, are and may in the future become party to disputes and legal, tax and regulatory or law enforcement proceedings or actions.
We have been, are and may in the future become party to disputes and legal, tax, regulatory or law enforcement proceedings or actions.
A U.S. Holder (as defined in Item 10.E. “Taxation—Material United States Federal Income Tax Considerations.”) should consult its advisors regarding the potential application of these rules to an investment in the ordinary shares. Changes in our rates of taxation, and audits, investigations and tax proceedings could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and/or results of operation.
A U.S. Holder (as defined in Item 10.E. “Taxation—Material United States Federal Income Taxation Considerations.”) should consult its advisors regarding the potential application of these rules to an investment in the ordinary shares. Changes in our rates of taxation, and audits, investigations and tax proceedings could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and/or results of operation.
Changes in monetary and/or fiscal policy in the countries in which we operate may result in higher rates of inflation, which could consequently increase our operating costs. There can be no assurance that inflation rates will not rise in the future.
Changes in monetary and/or fiscal policy in the countries in which we operate may result in higher rates of inflation, which could consequently increase our operating costs, and there can be no assurance that inflation rates will not rise in the future.
See “ Item 5. “Operating and Financial Review and Prospects - Liquidity and Capital Resources .” We are a holding company and conduct limited operations of our own.
See Item 5. “Operating and Financial Review and Prospects - Liquidity and Capital Resources .” We are a holding company and conduct limited operations of our own.
When the local currency depreciates against the relevant foreign currency (such as the significant depreciations of the Naira against the U.S. dollar in 2016 (when the Naira depreciated from approximately ₦196.5 to $1.00 as of January 1, 2016 to ₦304.5 to $1.00 as of December 31, 2016), in 2023 (when the Naira depreciated from approximately ₦461.5 to $1.00 as of January 1, 2023 to ₦911.7 to $1.00 as of December 31, 2023), and again in January 2024, with the Naira having depreciated to ₦1,546.0 to $1.00 as of December 31, 2024), it may impact the ability of our customers to make payments to us on a timely basis or at all, and our customers may either raise prices for their customers or cut back on capital and operational expenditures, both of which could reduce future demand for our services, or result in requests to renegotiate contract terms (including pricing) with us prior to the relevant MLA end date.
When the local currency depreciates against the relevant foreign currency (such as the significant depreciations of the Naira against the U.S. dollar in 2016 (when the Naira depreciated from approximately ₦196.5 to $1.00 as of January 1, 2016 to ₦304.5 to $1.00 as of December 31, 2016), in 2023 (when the Naira depreciated from approximately ₦461.5 to $1.00 as of January 1, 2023 to ₦911.7 to $1.00 as of December 31, 2023), and again in 2024, with the Naira having depreciated from approximately ₦891.7 to $1.00 as of January 1, 2024 to ₦1,546.0 to $1.00 as of December 31, 2024), it may impact the ability of our customers to make payments to us on a timely basis or at all, and our customers may either raise prices for their customers or cut back on capital and operational expenditures, both of which could reduce future demand for our services, or result in requests to renegotiate contract terms (including pricing) with us prior to the relevant MLA end date.
As a result, the risks normally associated with debt financing may materially adversely affect our cash flows and liquidity as well as our business, prospects, financial position and/or operating results including because: ● our level of indebtedness may, together with the financial and other restrictive covenants in the agreements governing our indebtedness, significantly limit or impair our ability in the future to obtain financing, refinance any of our indebtedness, sell assets or raise capital on commercially reasonable terms or at all, which could cause us to default on our obligations and materially impair our liquidity; ● a downgrade in our credit rating (including because of a downgrade in the sovereign credit ratings for the countries in which we have material operations) could restrict or impede our ability to access the capital markets at attractive rates and increase our borrowing costs; ● our level of indebtedness may increase the difficulty for us to repay our debt, including our ability to pay interest when due and/or the principal amounts due under such indebtedness; ● our level of indebtedness may reduce our flexibility to respond to changing business and economic conditions or to take advantage of business opportunities that may arise; ● a portion of our cash flow from operations must be dedicated to interest payments on our indebtedness and is not available for other purposes, which amount would increase if prevailing interest rates rise; ● our level of indebtedness may place us at a competitive disadvantage relative to competitors that have lower leverage or greater financial resources than we have and restrict us from pursuing our strategy (including acquisitions) or exploiting certain business opportunities; and 51 Table of Contents ● our level of indebtedness could make us more vulnerable to downturns in general economic or industry conditions or in our business.
As a result, the risks normally associated with debt financing may materially adversely affect our cash flows and liquidity as well as our business, prospects, financial position and/or operating results including because: ● our level of indebtedness may, together with the financial and other restrictive covenants in the agreements governing our indebtedness, significantly limit or impair our ability in the future to obtain financing, refinance any of our indebtedness, sell assets or raise capital on commercially reasonable terms or at all, which could cause us to default on our obligations and materially impair our liquidity; ● a downgrade in our credit rating (including because of a downgrade in the sovereign credit ratings for the countries in which we have material operations) could restrict or impede our ability to access the capital markets at attractive rates and increase our borrowing costs; ● our level of indebtedness may increase the difficulty for us to repay our debt, including our ability to pay interest when due and/or the principal amounts due under such indebtedness; ● our level of indebtedness may reduce our flexibility to respond to changing business and economic conditions or to take advantage of business opportunities that may arise; ● a portion of our cash flow from operations must be dedicated to interest payments on our indebtedness and is not available for other purposes, which amount would increase if prevailing interest rates rise; ● our level of indebtedness may place us at a competitive disadvantage relative to competitors that have lower leverage or greater financial resources than we have and restrict us from pursuing our strategy (including acquisitions) or exploiting certain business opportunities; and 55 Table of Contents ● our level of indebtedness could make us more vulnerable to downturns in general economic or industry conditions or in our business.
Although we are a leading independent provider of telecommunications tower infrastructure in most of our markets, competition in the tower infrastructure industry exists and customers have alternatives for leasing tower space, including: ● telecommunications operators which own and lease their own tower portfolios; ● in certain circumstances, owners of alternative site structures such as building rooftops, outdoor and indoor DAS networks, billboards and electric transmission towers; and ● other independent tower companies operating in the market, such as American Tower Corporation, or ATC, SBA Communications Corporation, or SBA, or other tower companies that may enter the market.
Although we are a leading independent provider of telecommunications tower infrastructure in most of our markets, competition in the tower infrastructure industry exists and customers have alternatives for leasing tower space, including: ● telecommunications operators which own and lease their own tower portfolios; ● in certain circumstances, owners of alternative site structures such as building rooftops, outdoor and indoor DAS networks, billboards and electric transmission towers; and ● other independent tower companies operating in the market, such as American Tower Corporation (“ ATC ”), SBA Communications Corporation, or SBA, or other tower companies that may enter the market.
We rely on information technology systems, including but not limited to computer systems, hardware, software, technology infrastructure and online sites, and network operations centers which are key to our site maintenance and performance management (collectively, “IT Systems” ), to conduct our daily business, financial reporting, procure products, pay suppliers, communicate internally and externally, share files, efficiently and accurately provide services to our customers and monitor our operations.
We rely on information technology systems, including but not limited to computer systems, hardware, software, technology infrastructure, online sites, and network operations centers which are key to our site maintenance and performance management (collectively, “IT Systems” ), to conduct our daily business, undertake financial reporting, procure products, pay suppliers, communicate internally and externally, share files, efficiently and accurately provide services to our customers and monitor our operations.
See “— We rely on third-party contractors for various services, and any disruption in or non-performance of those services would hinder our ability to effectively maintain our tower infrastructure. ” The loss of significant Tenants, or the loss of all or a portion of our anticipated Contracted Revenue from certain Tenants, could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and/or results of operations.
See “— We rely on third-party contractors for various services, and any disruption in or non-performance of those services would hinder our ability to effectively deploy or maintain our tower infrastructure. ” The loss of significant Tenants, or the loss of all or a portion of our anticipated Contracted Revenue from certain Tenants, could have a material adverse effect on our business, financial condition and/or results of operations.
As a result, we may, directly or indirectly, be exposed to economic, political and other uncertainties, including, but not limited to risks of: ● general political and/or economic conditions, including any deterioration thereof, impacting our existing or anticipated markets of operation, such as the effects of outbreaks or events with a wide-ranging regional or global impact (including health pandemics or epidemics), geopolitical conflicts and wars (whether local, regional or international) or as a result of changes in the price of commodities, examples of which include the historical declines in copper prices that adversely affected Zambia’s economy or the volatility of oil price markets that have adversely affected economies such as Nigeria’s; ● inflation and measures taken to control inflation; ● civil strikes, acts of war, terrorism, insurrection and incidents of general lawlessness; ● acts of piracy or vandalism; ● significant governmental influence over (or intervention in) many aspects of local economies, including, but not limited to, import-export quotas, subsidies on certain input products, license requirements or restrictions, or wage and price controls, or the imposition of trade barriers; ● telecommunications regulatory systems and/or competition regimes regulating our or our customers’ services, or our ability to invest further in particular markets as a result of antitrust regimes that may, for example, impact us due to our ultimate shareholders also investing in other, ancillary businesses in the same market or determining our market share is too large, requiring sales of assets or other restrictions that impact our business; ● laws or regulations that tax or otherwise restrict repatriation of earnings or other funds or otherwise limit distributions of capital; ● laws or regulations that restrict foreign investment or indigenous ownership laws, or expropriation or governmental regulation restricting foreign ownership or requiring divestiture; ● uncertain tax regimes and inconsistent income taxation, or changes to existing or new tax laws, rates or fees, either generally or directed specifically at the ownership and operation of towers, communications infrastructure or our international acquisitions or other transactions and operations, which may also be applied or enforced retroactively; ● changes to zoning regulations or construction laws, which could also be applied retroactively to our existing sites or infrastructure; 12 Table of Contents ● actions restricting or revoking spectrum or other licenses or suspending business under prior licenses; ● security and safety of employees, and material site security issues; ● inability to secure rights or access to the land necessary to execute customer orders for New Sites and for new fiber roll-out; ● significant license or permit surcharges; ● difficulties in staffing and managing operations, labor unrest or unionization action (including in relation to the business of any third-party supplier or customer), or changes in labor conditions (including, but not limited to, increases in the cost of labor, as a result of unionization or otherwise); ● seizure, nationalization or expropriation of property, equipment or other assets; ● repudiation, nullification, modification or renegotiation of contracts; ● limitations on insurance coverage, such as political risk or war risk coverage, in certain areas; ● political or social unrest, whether internal, local, tribal, regional or otherwise; ● local, foreign and/or U.S. monetary policy and foreign currency fluctuations and devaluations, changes in foreign currency exchange rates, restrictive foreign exchange regulations (including, for example, restrictions on the transfer of funds into or out of countries in which we operate) and/or illiquidity in the foreign exchange markets (such as the historic and recent fluctuations in the Naira, and the significant shortage of U.S. dollar liquidity in Nigeria for periods); ● price setting or other similar laws for the sharing of passive communications infrastructure, or requirements to construct New Sites in remote or rural areas that are less commercially viable for us; ● logistical and communications challenges, complications associated with repairing and replacing equipment in remote locations, or supply chain issues arising out of global or geopolitical issues, such as operational and transport restrictions or challenges; ● equipment failure, grid unavailability, planned and unplanned outages, fires, natural catastrophes or climate-related events, accidents and infrastructure that lead to network failure; ● U.S. and foreign sanctions, trade embargoes or export control restrictions; ● failure to comply with U.S.
As a result, we may, directly or indirectly, be exposed to economic, political and other uncertainties, including, but not limited to risks of: ● general political and/or economic conditions, including any deterioration thereof, impacting our existing or anticipated markets of operation, such as the effects of outbreaks or events with a wide-ranging regional or global impact (including health pandemics or epidemics), geopolitical conflicts and wars (whether local, regional or international) or as a result of changes in the price of commodities, examples of which include the historical declines in copper prices that adversely affected Zambia’s economy or the volatility of oil price markets that have adversely affected economies such as Nigeria’s; ● inflation and measures taken to control inflation; ● civil strikes, acts of war, terrorism, insurrection and incidents of general lawlessness; ● acts of piracy , sabotage or vandalism; ● significant governmental influence over (or intervention in) many aspects of local economies, including, but not limited to, import-export quotas, subsidies on certain input products, license requirements or restrictions, wage and price controls, or the imposition of trade barriers such as tariffs; ● telecommunications regulatory systems and/or competition regimes regulating our or our customers’ services, or our ability to invest further in particular markets as a result of antitrust regimes that may, for example, impact us due to our ultimate shareholders also investing in other ancillary businesses in the same market or determining our market share is too large, requiring sales of assets or other restrictions that impact our business; ● laws or regulations that tax or otherwise restrict repatriation of earnings or other funds or otherwise limit distributions of capital; ● laws or regulations that restrict foreign investment or indigenous ownership laws, or expropriation or governmental regulation restricting foreign ownership or requiring divestiture; ● uncertain tax regimes and inconsistent income taxation, or changes to existing or new tax laws, rates or fees, either generally or directed specifically at the ownership and operation of towers, communications infrastructure or our international acquisitions or other transactions and operations, which may also be applied or enforced retroactively; 12 Table of Contents ● changes to zoning regulations or construction laws, which could also be applied retroactively to our existing sites or infrastructure; ● actions restricting or revoking spectrum or other licenses or suspending business under prior licenses; ● security and safety of employees, and material site security issues; ● inability to secure rights or access to the land necessary to execute customer orders for New Sites and for new fiber roll-out; ● significant license or permit surcharges; ● difficulties in staffing and managing operations, labor unrest or unionization action (including in relation to the business of any third-party supplier or customer), or changes in labor conditions (including, but not limited to, increases in the cost of labor, as a result of unionization or otherwise); ● seizure, nationalization or expropriation of property, equipment or other assets; ● repudiation, nullification, modification or renegotiation of contracts, either within or outside of the terms of the contract and including customer, supplier and other contracts; ● limitations on insurance coverage, such as political risk or war risk coverage, in certain areas; ● political or social unrest, whether internal, local, tribal, regional or otherwise; ● local, foreign and/or U.S. monetary policy and foreign currency fluctuations and devaluations, changes in foreign currency exchange rates, restrictive foreign exchange regulations (including, for example, restrictions on the transfer of funds into or out of countries in which we operate) and/or illiquidity in the foreign exchange markets (such as the historic fluctuations in the Naira, and the significant shortage of U.S. dollar liquidity in Nigeria for periods); ● price setting or other similar laws for the sharing of passive communications infrastructure, or requirements to construct New Sites in remote or rural areas that are less commercially viable for us; ● logistical and communications challenges, complications associated with repairing and replacing equipment in remote locations, or supply chain issues arising out of global or geopolitical issues, such as operational and transport restrictions or challenges; ● equipment failure, grid unavailability, planned and unplanned outages, fires, natural catastrophes or climate-related events, accidents and infrastructure that lead to network failure; ● U.S. and foreign sanctions, trade embargoes or export control restrictions; ● failure to comply with U.S.
We may also be unable to succeed in the processes (or any of them) in which we participate or reach an agreement on terms with the counterparty should we be selected as the preferred candidate. Given the often-varying transaction structures of these communications infrastructure sales or acquisitions, we often have little or no control on the timing of such processes.
We may also be unable to succeed in any processes in which we participate or reach an agreement on terms with the counterparty, should we be selected as the preferred candidate. Given the often-varying transaction structures of these communications infrastructure sales or acquisitions, we often have little or no control on the timing of such processes.
See “— We rely on third-party contractors for various services, and any disruption in or non-performance of those services would hinder our ability to effectively maintain our tower infrastructure .” Our risk management policies and procedures may not be fully effective in achieving their purposes.
See “— We rely on third-party contractors for various services, and any disruption in or non-performance of those services would hinder our ability to effectively deploy or maintain our tower infrastructure .” Our risk management policies and procedures may not be fully effective in achieving their purposes.
Our primary operating expenses include diesel fuel, site maintenance and security, salaries of engineers and security personnel, fees for licenses and permits and insurance. In addition, we incur ground lease costs and the continued development, expansion and maintenance of our tower site and other communications infrastructure requires ongoing capital expenditure.
Our primary operating expenses include diesel fuel, site maintenance and security, salaries of engineers and security personnel, fees for licenses and permits and insurance. In addition, we incur ground lease costs and the continued development, expansion and maintenance of our tower sites and other communications infrastructure requires ongoing capital expenditure.
No assurance can be given that we will be successful in renewing or negotiating favorable terms with these or other customers, or that we will not be required to enter into interim continuation provisions with these customers if we are unable to agree to renewal agreements prior to the expiry of our current agreements.
No assurance can be given that we will be successful in renewing or negotiating favorable terms with our customers, or that we will not be required to enter into interim continuation provisions with these customers if we are unable to agree to renewal agreements prior to the expiry of our current agreements.
For example, as described below under “— The existence of multiple foreign exchange markets with different exchange rates may impact the rate at which our operating subsidiaries’ financial results are translated into U.S. dollars for group reporting purposes, which may impact our financial condition and/or results of operations ,” in April 2017, the CBN introduced a new foreign exchange window for investors and exporters (the I&E window, now referred to as NFEM), and while certain of our contracts in Nigeria contain contractually linked foreign exchange protection mechanisms that are intended to protect against foreign exchange fluctuations, such contracts historically only protected against changes in the official CBN exchange rate.
For example, as described below under “— The existence of multiple foreign exchange markets with different exchange rates may impact the rate used in our customer contracts and the rate at which our operating subsidiaries’ financial results are translated into U.S. dollars for group reporting purposes, which may impact our financial condition and/or results of operations ,” in April 2017, the CBN introduced a new foreign exchange window for investors and exporters (the I&E window, now referred to as NFEM), and while certain of our contracts in Nigeria contain contractually linked foreign exchange protection mechanisms that are intended to protect against foreign exchange fluctuations, such contracts historically only protected against changes in the official CBN exchange rate.
We are exposed to the risk that the services rendered by our third-party contractors will not always be available, satisfactory or match our and/or our customers’ targeted quality levels, as well as the risk that they may otherwise be unable to perform their obligations to some extent or at all, including as a result of labor disputes, insolvency, operational, access or transport restrictions or other limitations related to global or regional health events or outbreaks (such as COVID-19), geopolitical events (such as those related to political instability, conflicts or wars), or other events resulting in the imposition of economic or trade sanctions, export controls or similar restrictions.
We are exposed to the risk that the services rendered by our third-party contractors will not always be available, satisfactory or match our and/or our customers’ targeted quality levels, as well as the risk that they may otherwise be unable to perform their obligations to some extent or at all, including as a result of labor disputes, insolvency, operational, access or transport restrictions or other limitations related to global or regional health events or outbreaks, geopolitical events (such as those related to political instability, conflicts or wars), or other events resulting in the imposition of economic or trade sanctions, export controls or similar restrictions.
However, the determination of whether we are a PFIC is a factual determination made annually based on all the facts and circumstances after the close of each taxable year, and the principles and methodology used in determining whether a company is a PFIC are subject to ambiguities and different interpretations.
The determination of whether we are a PFIC is a factual determination made annually based on all the facts and circumstances after the close of each taxable year, and the principles and methodology used in determining whether a company is a PFIC are subject to ambiguities and different interpretations.
If we experienced any significant disruption to our ERP that we are unable to mitigate, or if any upgrades are significantly delayed or the system does not perform in a satisfactory manner or in line with business requirements it could introduce operational risk, including cybersecurity risks, and other complications, be disruptive and could have a material adverse effect on our operations, including our ability to report accurate, timely and consistent financial results or otherwise maintain adequate internal control over financial reporting, or our ability to integrate new acquisitions into our systems.
If we experience any significant disruption to our ERP that we are unable to mitigate, or if any upgrades are significantly delayed or the system does not perform in a satisfactory manner or in line with business requirements it could introduce operational risk, including cybersecurity risks, and other complications, be disruptive and have a material adverse effect on our operations, including our ability to report accurate, timely and consistent financial results or otherwise maintain adequate internal control over financial reporting, or our ability to integrate new acquisitions into our systems.
Such MLAs typically have U.S. dollar-denominated components and local currency components of pricing, and the U.S. dollar components are converted to the local currency for settlement at a fixed conversion rate for a stated period of time, which conversion rates are reset monthly and quarterly.
Such MLAs typically have U.S. dollar-denominated components and local currency components of pricing, and the U.S. dollar components are converted to the local currency for settlement at a fixed conversion rate for a stated period of time, which conversion rates are reset monthly or quarterly.
We will also have to mandatorily comply with U.S. federal proxy requirements, and our officers, directors and principal shareholders will become subject to the short-swing profit disclosure and recovery provisions of Section 16 of the Exchange Act.
We would also have to mandatorily comply with U.S. federal proxy requirements, and our officers, directors and principal shareholders will become subject to the short-swing profit disclosure and recovery provisions of Section 16 of the Exchange Act.
The existing and future execution of our strategic and operating plans will, to some extent, be dependent on external factors that we cannot control, such as changes in the tower infrastructure industry or the wider communications industry, particularly in the various jurisdictions in which we operate and may seek to operate in the future, changes in budgets of or demand from our current or potential customers for tower and other communications infrastructure services, international legislative and regulatory changes, changes in regional security or the economy of the countries in which we operate, changes in fiscal and monetary policies, the availability of additional tower and other communications infrastructure portfolios for acquisition and restrictions or other limitations relating to foreign direct investment or foreign ownership in particular markets (including, among other things, events such as inflation, geopolitical instability, health pandemics or epidemics, or events with a wide-ranging regional or global impact, accelerating the implementation of any such measures or giving rise to such factors).
The existing and future execution of our strategic and operating plans will, to some extent, be dependent on external factors that we cannot control, such as changes in the tower infrastructure industry or the wider communications industry, particularly in the various jurisdictions in which we operate and may seek to operate in the future, changes in budgets of or demand from our current or potential customers for tower and other communications infrastructure services, international legislative and regulatory changes, changes in regional security or the economy of the countries in which we operate, changes in fiscal and monetary policies, the availability of additional tower and other communications infrastructure portfolios for acquisition and restrictions or other limitations relating to foreign direct investment or foreign ownership in particular markets (including, among other things, events such as inflation, geopolitical instability, health pandemics or 17 Table of Contents epidemics, or events with a wide-ranging regional or global impact, accelerating the implementation of any such measures or giving rise to such factors).
The implementation of new software and hardware, including new technology such as artificial intelligence (AI), involves risks and uncertainties that could cause disruptions, delays or deficiencies in the design, implementation or application of these systems.
The implementation of new software and hardware, including new technology such as artificial intelligence (“ AI ”), involves risks and uncertainties that could cause disruptions, delays or deficiencies in the design, implementation or application of these systems.
As a result of our acquisitions and exposure to foreign exchange movements, we expect our depreciation, amortization and finance costs to continue to be significant and may increase as a result of the execution of our strategy or foreign exchange volatility.
As a result of our disposals, acquisitions and exposure to foreign exchange movements, we expect our depreciation, amortization and finance costs to continue to be significant and may increase as a result of the execution of our strategy or foreign exchange volatility.
This could result in continuing uncertainty regarding compliance matters and higher costs necessitated by ongoing revisions to disclosure and governance practices. 56 Table of Contents To establish (and ultimately, maintain) the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures and our internal control over financial reporting, we expect that we will need to continue enhancing existing, and implement new, financial reporting and management systems, procedures and controls to manage our business effectively and support our growth in the future.
This could result in continuing uncertainty regarding compliance matters and higher costs necessitated by ongoing revisions to disclosure and governance practices. 60 Table of Contents To establish (and ultimately, maintain) the effectiveness of our disclosure controls and procedures and our internal control over financial reporting, we expect that we will need to continue enhancing existing, and implement new, financial reporting and management systems, procedures and controls to manage our business effectively and support our growth in the future.
See “— Financial authorities in the markets in which we operate may intervene in the currency markets by drawing on external reserves, and their currencies are subject to volatility ” and “— Shortage of U.S. dollar, euro or other hard currency liquidity in the markets in which we operate may adversely affect our ability to service our foreign currency liabilities .” Commodity production in the relevant economies may also fluctuate significantly as a result of a decline in global prices, which may affect the economic viability of certain producing assets, and the activities of vandals (such as in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria, in relation to the oil industry) may lead to significant disruptions in the production of commodities on which such economies or businesses there rely upon.
See “— Financial authorities in the markets in which we operate may intervene in the currency markets by drawing on external reserves, and their currencies are subject to volatility ” and “— Shortage of U.S. dollar, euro or other 50 Table of Contents hard currency liquidity in the markets in which we operate may adversely affect our ability to service our foreign currency liabilities .” Commodity production in the relevant economies may also fluctuate significantly as a result of a decline in global prices, which may affect the economic viability of certain producing assets, and the activities of vandals (such as in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria, in relation to the oil industry) may lead to significant disruptions in the production of commodities on which such economies or businesses there rely upon.
See “ Business — Permits and Regulation — License to operate .” Although we make payments in relation to the relevant permits when required, the delay encountered in receiving the permits, licenses or certificates means that we may, therefore, in limited instances, proceed with and complete tower construction and base transmission sites installation for Tenants before all required approvals and licenses have been formally issued by local authorities.
See “ Business — Permits and Regulation — License to operate .” Although we make payments in relation to the relevant permits when required, the delay encountered in receiving the permits, licenses or certificates means that we may, therefore, in limited instances, proceed with and complete tower construction and base transmission site installation for Tenants before all required approvals and licenses have been formally issued by local authorities.
As a result, effective legal redress may be difficult to obtain and there is a high degree of uncertainty due to the discretion of governmental authorities, lack of judicial or administrative guidance on interpreting applicable rules and regulations, 50 Table of Contents inconsistencies or conflicts between and within various laws, regulations, decrees, orders and resolutions and relative inexperience of the judiciary and courts in commercial matters.
As a result, effective legal redress may be difficult to obtain and there is a high degree of uncertainty due to the discretion of governmental authorities, lack of judicial or administrative guidance on interpreting applicable rules and regulations, 54 Table of Contents inconsistencies or conflicts between and within various laws, regulations, decrees, orders and resolutions and relative inexperience of the judiciary and courts in commercial matters.
Moreover, Nigeria, which has historically been one of the largest oil producers in Africa, produced an average of 2.0 million barrels per day in 2019; however, production levels have since declined to an average 1.37 million barrels per day in 2022, albeit started to increase in 2023 and 2024 to an average 1.43 and 1.50 million barrels per day, respectively, as reported by the Nigerian Bureau of Statistics.
Moreover, Nigeria, which has historically been one of the largest oil producers in Africa, produced an average of 2.0 million barrels per day in 2019; however, production levels have since declined to an average 1.37 million barrels per day in 2022, albeit started to increase in 2023, 2024 and 2025 to an average 1.43, 1.50 and 1.63 million barrels per day, respectively, as reported by the Nigerian Bureau of Statistics.
“Related Party Transactions.” In the future, we may also issue additional securities if we need to raise capital or make acquisitions, which could constitute a material portion of our then-issued and outstanding ordinary shares and would result in the dilution of our existing shareholders, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, prospects, financial condition and/or results of operation.
“ Related Party Transactions. ” In the future, we may also issue additional securities if we need to raise capital or make acquisitions, which could constitute a material portion of our then-issued and outstanding ordinary shares and would result in the dilution of our existing shareholders, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, prospects, financial condition and/or results of operation.
Certain of our facilities, including our Towers, as well as third-party infrastructure on which we rely, are located in areas that have experienced, and are projected to continue 36 Table of Contents to experience, various meteorological phenomena (such as drought, heatwaves, wildfire, storms, and flooding, among others) or other catastrophic events that may disrupt our or our suppliers’ operations, cause damage or loss to our Towers or other assets, limit the availability of resources, result in additional costs, delay or prevent the completion of projects in certain locations, or otherwise adversely impact our business, financial condition, and/or results of operations.
Certain of our facilities, including our Towers, as well as third-party infrastructure on which we rely, are located in areas that have experienced, and are projected to continue to experience, various meteorological phenomena (such as drought, heatwaves, wildfire, storms, and flooding, among others) or other catastrophic events that may disrupt our or our suppliers’ operations, cause damage or loss to our Towers or other assets, limit the availability of resources, result in additional costs, delay or prevent the completion of projects in certain locations, or otherwise adversely impact our business, financial condition, and/or results of operations.
A breach of any covenants, ratios, tests or restrictions in those instruments and agreements, including as a result of events beyond our control, could result in an event of default (which may also trigger cross-default or cross-acceleration clauses in other agreements or financings) that could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and/or results of 52 Table of Contents operations.
A breach of any covenants, ratios, tests or restrictions in those instruments and agreements, including as a result of events beyond our control, could result in an event of default (which may also trigger cross-default or cross-acceleration clauses in other agreements or financings) that could have a material adverse effect on our financial condition and/or results of 56 Table of Contents operations.
Department of Treasury, the requirements of the Bureau of Industry and Security of the U.S Department of Commerce and other internationally recognized sanctions regulations restricting doing business with certain nations or specially designated nationals; ● failure to comply with anti-bribery, anti-corruption or money laundering laws and regulations such as the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, the UK Bribery Act or similar international or local anti- bribery, anti-corruption or money laundering laws and regulations; ● potential adverse or unforeseen changes in laws and regulatory practices, or inconsistent or unpredictable application of laws or regulations by governmental authorities, including financial regulators; ● uncertain rulings or results from legal or judicial systems, including inconsistencies between and within laws, regulations and decrees, and judicial application thereof, which may be enforced retroactively, and delays in the judicial process; 13 Table of Contents ● actions, proceedings, claims, disputes and threats brought by governments, regulators, entities or individuals for fees, taxes or other payments, even if meritless or frivolous under applicable law; ● regulatory or financial requirements to comply with bureaucratic actions; ● changes to existing laws or new laws, and/or changing labor and taxation laws or policies, including confiscatory taxation; ● other forms of government regulation and economic conditions that are beyond our control; ● governmental corruption consequences of poorly designed and executed government policies, corrupt practices (or alleged corrupt practices) on the economy in general or particular industries or companies, or of ineffective or insufficient corporate governance standards and practices; and ● higher volatility of our ordinary share price.
Department of Commerce and other internationally recognized sanctions regulations restricting doing business with certain nations or specially designated nationals; ● failure to comply with anti-bribery, anti-corruption or money laundering laws and regulations such as the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, the UK Bribery Act or similar international or local anti-bribery, anti-corruption or money laundering laws and regulations; ● potential adverse or unforeseen changes in laws and regulatory practices, or inconsistent or unpredictable application of laws or regulations by governmental authorities, including financial regulators; 13 Table of Contents ● uncertain rulings or results from legal or judicial systems, including inconsistencies between and within laws, regulations and decrees, and judicial application thereof, which may be enforced retroactively, and delays in the judicial process; ● actions, proceedings, claims, disputes and threats brought by governments, regulators, entities or individuals for fees, taxes or other payments, even if meritless or frivolous under applicable law; ● regulatory or financial requirements to comply with bureaucratic actions; ● changes to existing laws or new laws, and/or changing labor and taxation laws or policies, including confiscatory taxation; ● other forms of government regulation and economic conditions that are beyond our control; ● governmental corruption consequences of poorly designed and executed government policies, corrupt practices (or alleged corrupt practices) on the economy in general or particular industries or companies, or of ineffective or insufficient corporate governance standards and practices; and ● higher volatility of our ordinary share price.
Our Contracted Revenue disclosed in this Annual Report represents our estimate of the lease fees to be received from existing Tenants of Key Customers for the remainder of each Tenant’s current contractual site lease term, lease fees to be received from the existing Lease Amendments of Key Customers for the remainder of each Lease Amendment’s current contractual term and lease fees to be received from Key Customers where we provide fiber access to an OLT for the remainder of the relevant contractual term, as of December 31, 2024.
Our Contracted Revenue disclosed in this Annual Report represents our estimate of the lease fees to be received from existing Tenants of Key Customers for the remainder of each Tenant’s current contractual site lease term, lease fees to be received from the existing Lease Amendments of Key Customers for the remainder of each Lease Amendment’s current contractual term and lease fees to be received from Key Customers where we provide fiber access to an OLT for the remainder of the relevant contractual term, as of December 31, 2025.
In addition, we may procure additional indebtedness at floating rates in the future. 53 Table of Contents The applicable interest rates (including alternative interest rates) could rise significantly in the future, thereby increasing our interest expenses associated with these obligations, reducing cash flow available for capital expenditures and hindering our ability to make payments on our indebtedness.
In addition, we may procure additional indebtedness at floating rates in the future. 57 Table of Contents The applicable interest rates (including alternative interest rates) could rise significantly in the future, thereby increasing our interest expenses associated with these obligations, reducing cash flow available for capital expenditures and hindering our ability to make payments on our indebtedness.
In addition, the currencies of the countries in which we operate are subject to volatility. The functional currency of our operating subsidiaries are the Nigerian Naira (₦), West African CFA Franc (XOF), Central African CFA Franc (XAF), Zambian Kwacha (ZMW), Rwandan Franc (RWF), the South African Rand (ZAR), Brazilian Real (BRL) and Colombian Peso (COP).
In addition, the currencies of the countries in which we operate are subject to volatility. The functional currency of our operating subsidiaries are the Nigerian Naira (₦), West African CFA Franc (XOF), Central African CFA Franc (XAF), Zambian Kwacha (ZMW), South African Rand (ZAR), Brazilian Real (BRL) and Colombian Peso (COP).
In Brazil, the competitive landscape is wider with ATC, SBA and Highline owning more towers than we do as of December 31, 2024, and numerous smaller tower companies of similar size to or smaller than our business. The Brazilian and South African competitive landscape presents opportunities for consolidation.
In Brazil, the competitive landscape is wider, with ATC, SBA and Highline owning more towers than we do as of December 31, 2025, and numerous tower companies of similar size to or smaller than our business. The Brazilian and South African competitive landscape presents opportunities for consolidation.
Foreign private issuers are also exempt from Regulation FD, which is 54 Table of Contents intended to prevent issuers from making selective disclosures of material information. As a result of all of the above, you may not have the same protections afforded to shareholders of a company that is not a foreign private issuer.
Foreign private issuers are also exempt from Regulation FD, which is intended to prevent issuers from making selective disclosures of material 58 Table of Contents information. As a result of all of the above, you may not have the same protections afforded to shareholders of a company that is not a foreign private issuer.
Many emerging and less developed markets, including those in which we operate or may operate, face periods of political and economic uncertainty, particularly around the times leading up to elections and/or other political change, including uncertainty as to the manner in which the relevant governing authorities would seek to address the issues facing the relevant country and whether they would alter or reverse certain reforms and actions taken by predecessors or even by incumbents seeking to garner increased favor.
Many emerging and less developed markets, including those in which we operate or may operate, face periods of political and economic uncertainty, particularly around the times leading up to elections and/or other political change, including uncertainty as to the manner in which the relevant governing authorities would seek to address the issues facing the relevant country and whether they would alter or reverse certain reforms and actions taken by predecessors or even by incumbents 52 Table of Contents seeking to garner increased favor.
Our ground lease costs are for a fixed duration, typically a 10-to-15-year term, paid for either on a monthly or quarterly basis or in advance for a multi-year portion of the overall term of the lease. Approximately 12% of our ground leases are due for renewal within the next 24 months.
Our ground lease costs are for a fixed duration, typically a 10-to-15-year term, paid for either on a monthly or quarterly basis or in advance for a multi-year portion of the overall term of the lease. Approximately 14% of our ground leases are due for renewal within the next 24 months.
A downgrade in the sovereign’s rating could also negatively impact the credit rating of the Existing Notes and our credit rating as a result of the linkage between these ratings and the rating of the sovereign. This could have an adverse effect on our capital expenditure plans, business, cash flows and financial performance and prospects.
A downgrade in the sovereign’s rating could also negatively impact the credit rating of the Senior Notes and our credit rating as a result of the linkage between these ratings and the rating of the sovereign. This could have an adverse effect on our capital expenditure plans, business, cash flows and financial performance and prospects.
See “— Financial authorities in the markets in which we operate may intervene in the currency markets by drawing on external reserves, and their currencies are subject to volatility ” and “— The existence of multiple foreign exchange markets with different exchange rates may impact the rate at which our operating subsidiaries’ financial results are translated into U.S. dollars for group reporting purposes, which may impact our financial condition and/or results of operations .” The existence of multiple foreign exchange markets with different exchange rates may impact the rate used in our customer contracts and the rate at which our operating subsidiaries’ financial results are translated into U.S. dollars for group reporting purposes, which may impact our financial condition and/or results of operations.
See “— Financial authorities in the markets in which we operate may intervene in the currency markets by drawing on external reserves, and their currencies are subject to volatility ” and “— The existence of multiple foreign exchange markets with different exchange rates may impact the rate used in our customer contracts and the rate at which our operating subsidiaries’ financial results are translated into U.S. dollars for group reporting purposes, which may impact our financial condition and/or results of operations .” 16 Table of Contents The existence of multiple foreign exchange markets with different exchange rates may impact the rate used in our customer contracts and the rate at which our operating subsidiaries’ financial results are translated into U.S. dollars for group reporting purposes, which may impact our financial condition and/or results of operations.
In the event of a potential breach, while we would endeavor to comply with any applicable requirements to inform impacted parties within a reasonable time, priority may be given to containing 33 Table of Contents and eliminating the cyberattack in order to limit the damage, which as a result could potentially delay our communication of the identified attack to customers, suppliers, concerned regulatory bodies, agencies or authorities or other relevant parties.
In the event of a potential breach, while we would endeavor to comply with any applicable requirements to inform impacted parties within a reasonable time, priority may be given to containing and eliminating the cyberattack in order to limit the damage, which as a result could potentially delay our communication of the identified attack to customers, suppliers, concerned regulatory bodies, agencies or authorities or other relevant parties.
As a result of the effects of any future regional or global health emergency or events that have a similar impact on the global economy such as, depreciation of local currencies and/or a lack of sufficient availability of hard/international currencies, we may experience fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates in many of the markets in which we operate, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, prospects, financial condition and/or results of operations.
As a result of the effects of any future regional or global health emergency or events that have a similar impact on the global economy such as, depreciation of local currencies and/or a lack of sufficient availability of 42 Table of Contents hard/international currencies, we may experience fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates in many of the markets in which we operate, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, prospects, financial condition and/or results of operations.
Any downgrading of Nigeria’s debt rating by an international rating agency could have a negative impact on our business. As of the date of this Annual Report, Nigeria’s sovereign rating was B- with a positive outlook (Fitch), B- with stable outlook (S&P) and Caa1 with positive outlook (Moody’s).
Any downgrading of Nigeria’s debt rating by an international rating agency could have a negative impact on our business. As of the date of this Annual Report, Nigeria’s sovereign rating was B with a stable outlook (Fitch), B- with positive outlook (S&P) and B3 with a stable outlook (Moody’s).
Our operating results 55 Table of Contents and the trading price of our ordinary shares may fluctuate in response to various factors, including the risks described above. These and other factors, many of which are beyond our control, may cause our operating results and the market price and demand for our ordinary shares to fluctuate substantially.
Our operating results 59 Table of Contents and the trading price of our ordinary shares may fluctuate in response to various factors, including the risks described above. These and other factors, many of which are beyond our control, may cause our operating results and the market price and demand for our ordinary shares to fluctuate substantially.
For more information, See “— Increased attention to, and evolving expectations for, sustainability and environmental, social, and governance (“ ESG ”) initiatives and disclosures could increase our costs, harm our reputation, or otherwise adversely impact our business .” W e rely on third-party contractors for various services, and any disruption in or non-performance of those services would hinder our ability to effectively deploy or maintain our infrastructure.
For more information, See “— Increased attention to, and evolving expectations for, sustainability and environmental, social, and governance (“ ESG ”) initiatives and disclosures could increase our costs, harm our reputation, or otherwise adversely impact our business .” We rely on third-party contractors for various services, and any disruption in or non-performance of those services would hinder our ability to effectively deploy or maintain our infrastructure.
Any slowdown in the growth of, or reduction in demand for, wireless telecommunications services, or any failure of tower sharing to continue to develop as a way to meet the requirements of wireless telecommunications providers in the countries in which we operate, may adversely affect the demand for tower 22 Table of Contents sites and could have a material adverse effect on our business, prospects, financial condition and/or results of operations, as well as our cash flows.
Any slowdown in the growth of, or reduction in demand for, wireless telecommunications services, or any failure of tower sharing to continue to develop as a way to meet the requirements of wireless telecommunications providers in the countries in which we operate, may adversely affect the demand for tower sites and could have a material adverse effect on our business, prospects, financial condition and/or results of operations, as well as our cash flows.
The 15% minimum tax on income under Pillar Two of BEPS has been applicable to the Group since implementation by the UK and The Netherlands. There is a further proposal by the UAE to implement Pillar Two from January 2025 onwards.
The 15% minimum tax on income under Pillar Two of BEPS has been applicable to the Group since implementation by the UK and The Netherlands in 2024, and by the UAE in 2025. There is a further proposal by the UAE to implement Pillar Two from January 2025 onwards.
The determination of foreign private issuer status is made annually on the last business day of an issuer’s most recently completed second fiscal quarter, and, accordingly, the next determination will be made with respect to us on June 30, 2025.
The determination of foreign private issuer status is made annually on the last business day of an issuer’s most recently completed second fiscal quarter, and, accordingly, the next determination will be made with respect to us on June 30, 2026.
If we lose our foreign private issuer status, we will be required to file with the SEC periodic reports and registration statements on U.S. domestic issuer forms, which are more detailed and extensive than the forms available to a foreign private issuer.
If we lose our foreign private issuer status, we would be required to file with the SEC periodic reports and registration statements on U.S. domestic issuer forms, which are more detailed and extensive than the forms available to a foreign private issuer.
In the ordinary course of business, we have been, are and may in the future be, face allegations or be named as a defendant or an interested party in legal, tax, regulatory and/or law enforcement actions, proceedings, claims and disputes by governments, regulators, entities or individuals in connection with our business activities or as a result of being a publicly listed company (such as actions of activist shareholders).
In the ordinary course of business, we have been, are and may in the future be, subject to allegations or named as a defendant or an interested party in legal, tax, regulatory and/or law enforcement actions, proceedings, claims and disputes by governments, regulators, entities or individuals in connection with our business activities or as a result of being a publicly listed company (such as actions of activist shareholders).
In April 2024, an Oi Brazil restructuring plan was presented to the court in Brazil and agreed upon by creditors (including the Company), which resulted in our customer contract terms being amended (including, among other things, haircuts and amended payment terms).
In April 2024, an Oi Brazil restructuring plan was presented to the court in Brazil and agreed upon by creditors (including us), which resulted in our customer contract terms being amended (including, among other things, haircuts and amended payment terms).
Such markets tend to have less developed economies and infrastructure and are often more vulnerable to economic and geopolitical challenges and may experience significant fluctuations in gross domestic product, interest rates and currency exchange rates, as well as civil disturbances, government instability, nationalization and expropriation of private assets and the imposition of taxes or other charges by government authorities.
Such markets 47 Table of Contents tend to have less developed economies and infrastructure and are often more vulnerable to economic and geopolitical challenges and may experience significant fluctuations in gross domestic product, interest rates and currency exchange rates, as well as civil disturbances, government instability, nationalization and expropriation of private assets and the imposition of taxes or other charges by government authorities.
If we are unable to raise the necessary financing, we may have to revise our business strategy or forgo certain strategic growth opportunities or operating expense reduction strategies, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, prospects, financial condition and/or results of operations. Towers with MLL or ROU agreements are subject to termination risk.
If we are unable to raise the necessary financing, we may have to revise our business strategy or forgo certain strategic growth opportunities or operating expense reduction 30 Table of Contents strategies, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, prospects, financial condition and/or results of operations. Towers with MLL or ROU agreements are subject to termination risk.
Some of the most notable reforms associated with those targets include (i) replacing the old regime of multiple foreign exchange rate segments into a single NFEM window within which foreign exchange transactions would be determined by market forces (see “— We and our customers face foreign exchange risks, which may be material ”), (ii) removing the petrol motor spirit subsidy that consumed approximately $10 billion of the federal budget in 2022, as reported by Reuters, and (iii) establishing the Renewed Hope Infrastructure Fund, an infrastructure development fund, aimed at funding upgrades in transportation, roads, power as well as other infrastructure projects.
Some of the most notable reforms associated with those targets include (i) replacing the old regime of multiple foreign exchange rate segments into a single NFEM window within which foreign exchange transactions would be determined by market forces (see “— We and our customers face foreign exchange risks, which may be material ”), (ii) removing the petrol motor spirit subsidy that consumed approximately $10 billion of the federal 48 Table of Contents budget in 2022, and (iii) establishing the Renewed Hope Infrastructure Fund, an infrastructure development fund, aimed at funding upgrades in transportation, roads, power as well as other infrastructure projects.
There can be no assurance that we will be successful in integrating acquisitions or new businesses into our existing business or be able to fully recognize the anticipated benefits of towers or businesses that we acquire, and failure to do so could have a material adverse effect on our business, prospects, financial condition and/or results of operations.
There can be no assurance that we will be successful in integrating acquisitions or new businesses into our existing business or be able to fully recognize the 25 Table of Contents anticipated benefits of towers or businesses that we acquire, and failure to do so could have a material adverse effect on our business, prospects, financial condition and/or results of operations.
A security vulnerability at any of these third-party partners could potentially provide an opportunity for a cyber criminal to reach or damage our IT Systems or Confidential Information. We face numerous and evolving cybersecurity risks that threaten the confidentiality, integrity and availability of our IT Systems and Confidential Information, particularly in times of increased usage and reliance.
A security vulnerability at any of these third-party partners could potentially provide an opportunity for a cybercriminal to reach or damage our IT Systems or Confidential Information. We face numerous and evolving cybersecurity risks that threaten the confidentiality, integrity and availability of our IT Systems and Confidential Information, particularly in times of increased usage and reliance.
We believe that competition in the tower infrastructure industry in emerging and less developed markets (including markets such as Africa and Latin America) is based on, among other things, power management expertise, tower location, relationships with telecommunications operators, tower quality and height, pricing or other more favorable or suitable contractual terms, and ability to offer additional services to tenants and operational performance, as well as the size of a company’s site portfolio and its ability to access efficient capital.
We believe that competition in the tower infrastructure industry in emerging and less developed markets (including markets such as Africa and Latin America) is based on, among other things, power management expertise, tower location, relationships with telecommunications operators, tower quality and height, pricing and other contractual terms, ability to offer additional services to tenants and operational performance, as well as the size of a company’s site portfolio and its ability to access efficient capital.
We at times engage in voluntary initiatives (such as voluntary disclosures, certifications, or target and goals, among others), such as our Carbon Reduction Roadmap (including Project Green), to improve the ESG profile of our company and/or offerings or respond to stakeholder demand; however, such initiatives may be costly and may not have the desired effect.
We at times engage in voluntary initiatives (such as voluntary disclosures, certifications, or target and goals, among others), such as our Carbon Reduction Roadmap (including Project Green, which we completed in 2025), to improve the ESG profile of our company and/or offerings or respond to stakeholder demand; however, such initiatives may be costly and may not have the desired effect.
The operating subsidiaries’ financial results are translated into U.S. dollars for reporting purposes. Accordingly, we are subject to fluctuations in the rates of currency exchange. In particular, the Naira has depreciated significantly against the U.S. dollar, due largely to declining oil prices, depletion of external reserves, and the absence of fiscal buffers.
The operating subsidiaries’ financial results are translated into U.S. dollars for reporting purposes. Accordingly, we are subject to fluctuations in the rates of currency exchange. In particular, the Naira depreciated significantly against the U.S. dollar in 2023 and 2024, due largely to declining oil prices, depletion of external reserves, and the absence of fiscal buffers.
We do not always operate with the required approvals and licenses for some of our sites, particularly where assets are acquired from third parties or where it is unclear whether a certain license or permit is required or where there is a significant lead time required for processing the application, and therefore may be subject to reprimands, warnings and fines for non-compliance with the relevant licensing and approval requirements.
See “— We do not always operate with the required approvals and licenses for some of our sites, particularly where assets are acquired from third parties or where it is unclear whether a certain license or permit is required or where there is a significant lead time required for processing the application, and therefore may be subject to reprimands, warnings and fines for non-compliance with the relevant licensing and approval requirements ” for more information.
See also “— Some of the markets in which we currently, or may in the future, operate are dependent on commodities, and are therefore impacted by global prices and/or demand for such products” and “— Financial authorities in the markets in which we operate 43 Table of Contents may intervene in the currency markets by drawing on external reserves, and their currencies are subject to volatility .” For example, there have historically been periods of significant shortage of U.S. dollar liquidity in Nigeria and the CBN imposed additional currency controls that restricted access to U.S. dollars in the official foreign exchange market.
See also “— Some of the markets in which we currently, or may in the future, operate are dependent on commodities, and are therefore impacted by global prices and/or demand for such products” and “— Financial authorities in the markets in which we operate may intervene in the currency markets by drawing on external reserves, and their currencies are subject to volatility .” For example, there have historically been periods of significant shortage of U.S. dollar liquidity in Nigeria, and the CBN has in the past imposed additional currency controls that restricted access to U.S. dollars in the official foreign exchange market.
In addition, we will lose our ability to rely upon exemptions from certain corporate governance requirements under the listing rules of the New York Stock Exchange (“ NYSE ”).
In addition, we would lose our ability to rely upon exemptions from certain corporate governance requirements under the listing rules of the New York Stock Exchange (“ NYSE ”).
If any analyst who covers us or may cover us in the future were to cease coverage of our company or fail to regularly publish reports on us, we could lose visibility in the financial markets, which in turn could cause the price or trading volume of our ordinary shares to decline.
If any analyst who covers us or may cover us in the future were to cease coverage of our company or fail to regularly publish reports on us, we could lose visibility in the financial markets, which in turn could cause the price or trading volume of our ordinary shares to decline. 63 Table of Contents
Existing regulatory policies and changes in such policies may materially and adversely affect the associated timing or cost of such projects and/or the costs attributable 29 Table of Contents to our usual business operations, and additional regulations may be adopted which increase delays, or result in additional costs, or that prevent completion of projects in certain locations.
Existing regulatory policies and changes in such policies may materially and adversely affect the associated timing or cost of such projects and/or the costs attributable to our usual business operations, and additional regulations may be adopted which increase delays, or result in additional costs, or that prevent completion of projects in certain locations.
As the applicability of such tax charges are difficult to predict, the timing and ultimate impact of any such charges on our tax obligations, business, financial condition and/or results of operations remains uncertain. We are exposed to the risk of violations of anti-bribery and anti-corruption laws or other similar regulations.
As the applicability of such tax charges are difficult to predict, the timing and ultimate impact of any such charges on our tax obligations, business, financial condition and/or results of operations remains uncertain. 40 Table of Contents We are exposed to the risk of violations of anti-bribery and anti-corruption laws or other similar regulations.
We do not believe that we currently are or have been a PFIC for the taxable year ending December 31, 2024, and we do not expect to be a PFIC in the future.
We do not believe that we currently are or have been a PFIC for the taxable year ending December 31, 2025, and we do not expect to be a PFIC in the future.
Tower portfolio or other 24 Table of Contents asset acquisitions typically take a considerable period of time to sign and close and usually close in stages, but can involve up-front investments that cannot be recovered regardless of whether the transaction is successfully completed.
Tower portfolio or other asset acquisitions typically take a considerable period of time to sign and close and usually close in stages, but can involve up-front investments that cannot be recovered regardless of whether the transaction is successfully completed.
For example, in Nigeria, under President Tinubu’s administration, the implementation of policies such as subsidy removals and tighter foreign exchange controls has the potential to result in further instability. Moreover, some planned reforms may disadvantage certain existing stakeholders, who may seek to curtail such reforms.
Furthermore, in Nigeria, under President Tinubu’s administration, the implementation of policies such as subsidy removals and tighter foreign exchange controls has the potential to result in further instability. Moreover, some planned reforms may disadvantage certain existing stakeholders, who may seek to curtail such reforms.
While we maintain planning, monitoring and logistics systems including bulk storage facilities aimed at providing a consistent supply of diesel to sites, scarcity of diesel, lack of available trucks, labor disputes, blockades, protests by third parties, queues and other issues at fuel depots and security concerns at certain sites, and fire, among other things, including the impact of climate change or related initiatives, have in the past and may in the future, cause this supply to be disrupted.
While we maintain planning, monitoring and logistics systems including bulk storage facilities aimed at providing a consistent supply of diesel to sites, scarcity of diesel, lack of available trucks, labor disputes (as part of labor union actions or otherwise), blockades, protests by third parties, queues and other issues at fuel depots and security concerns at certain sites, and fire, among other things, including the impact of climate change or related initiatives, have in the past and may in the future, cause this supply to be disrupted.
To the extent we rely upon expanding into new geographic markets and do not meet, or are unprepared for, any new challenges posed by such expansion, our future sales growth could be negatively impacted, our operating costs could increase, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, prospects, financial condition and/or results of operations.
To the extent we expand into new geographic markets and do not meet, or are unprepared for, any new challenges posed by such expansion, our future sales growth could be negatively impacted and/or our operating costs could increase, which could have a material adverse effect on our business, prospects, financial condition and/or results of operations.