Government of Ghana engages investor for potential overhaul of AT Telecom firm
Ghanaian Government Negotiates Strategic Partnership for AirtelTigo Revamp
The Ghanaian government is actively engaged in negotiations with a strategic investor for the revamp of AirtelTigo (AT), the state-owned telecom operator. The planned deal aims to inject capital and technical know-how into AT to revive the company, which has struggled to compete since the government took over in 2021.
The negotiations were announced by Samuel Nartey George, the Communications Minister, during a stakeholder meeting with telecom CEOs on May 30. According to George, MTN is also welcome to participate in the resources.
The deal, if successful, could potentially lead to a change in management at AT and improve the performance of the company in the Ghanaian telecom market. The government expects a full rollout of improved AT services by the end of Q3 2025.
Ghana has been working on major telecom infrastructure projects and regulatory frameworks to boost its digital economy. In November 2024, the government ceremonially launched Ghana's first shared 4G/5G network under a 10-year license to Next Generation Infrastructure Company (NGIC). Although the live public rollout of 5G is delayed until around June 2025, the government and regulatory authorities are focusing on fostering a stable and attractive environment for technology and telecom investors.
The government has approved new spectrum allocations for MTN and Telecel, and is considering connecting entity licenses to help AT and Telecel access NGIC infrastructure. These efforts are part of the government's commitment to strengthen market competition.
Direct confirmation or a detailed timeline and investment terms would require further sources or official government/AT disclosures beyond those currently available. However, it is consistent with ongoing government efforts to attract investment to upgrade telecom infrastructure, improve network coverage, and enable technologies like 5G to be fully operational on a national scale.
Successful strategic investment in AT would enhance telecom sector competition, accelerate 5G network availability, improve service quality and coverage, stimulate tech-related economic activities, and potentially increase foreign direct investment into Ghana’s digital economy.
The negotiations are ongoing as of the date of the news article. More details about the strategic investor and the terms of the deal are expected to be revealed in due course.
The strategic partnership under negotiation involves finance, business, and technology, as the government aims to infuse capital and technical know-how into AirtelTigo to bolster its competitiveness. The government's efforts in this regard are part of a larger initiative to foster a conducive environment for technology and telecom investors, potentially accelerating 5G network availability and stimulating tech-related economic activities.
