Registration Form • Sep 17, 2019
Registration Form
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September 2019
This document comprises a registration document (the "Registration Document") relating to Helios Towers, Ltd. (the "Company") prepared in accordance with the Prospectus Rules of the Financial Conduct Authority (the "FCA") made under section 73A of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (as amended) (the "FSMA"). A copy of this Registration Document has been filed with, and approved by, the FCA and has been made available to the public in accordance with the Prospectus Rules.
This Registration Document has been approved by the FCA, as competent authority under Regulation (EU) 2017/1129. The FCA only approves this Registration Document as meeting the standards of completeness, comprehensibility and consistency imposed by Regulation (EU) 2017/1129; such approval should not be considered as an endorsement of the Company that is the subject of this Registration Document.
The Company and its directors, whose names appear on page 114 of this Registration Document (the "Directors"), accept responsibility for the information contained in this Registration Document. To the best of the knowledge of the Directors and the Company, the information contained in this Registration Document is in accordance with the facts and this Registration Document makes no omission likely to affect its import.
This Registration Document should be read in its entirety. See Part I: "Risk Factors" for a discussion of certain risks relating to the Company and its Group.
(incorporated under the Companies Act, 2001 of Mauritius and registered in Mauritius with company number 092064)
No representation or warranty, express or implied, is made and no responsibility or liability is accepted by any person other than the Company and its Directors, as to the accuracy, completeness, verification or sufficiency of the information contained herein and nothing in this Registration Document is, or may be relied upon as, a promise or representation in this respect, as to the past or future. No person is or has been authorised to give any information or to make any representation not contained in or not consistent with this Registration Document and, if given or made, such information or representation must not be relied upon as having been authorised by the Company. Without limitation, the contents of the websites of the Group do not form part of this Registration Document and information contained therein should not be relied upon by any person. The delivery of this Registration Document shall not, under any circumstances, create any implication that there has been no change in the business or affairs of the Group since the date of this Registration Document or that the information contained herein is correct as of any time subsequent to its date.
This Registration Document may be combined with a securities note and summary to form a prospectus in accordance with the Prospectus Rules. A prospectus is required before an issuer can offer transferable securities to the public or request the admission of transferable securities to trading on a regulated market. However, this Registration Document, where not combined with the securities note and summary to form a prospectus, does not constitute an offer or invitation to sell or issue, or a solicitation of an offer or invitation to purchase or subscribe for, any securities in the Company in any jurisdiction, nor shall this Registration Document alone (or any part of it), or the fact of its distribution, form the basis of, or be relied upon in connection with, or act as any inducement to enter into, any contract or commitment whatsoever with respect to any offer or otherwise.
Any securities referred to in this Registration Document have not been, and will not be, registered under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933 (the "Securities Act") or with any securities regulatory authority of any state of the United States, and may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration under the Securities Act except to qualified institutional buyers ("QIBs") as defined in Rule 144A under the Securities Act ("Rule 144A") or another exemption from, or in transactions not subject to, the registration requirements of the Securities Act. Any securities referred to in this Registration Document have not been and will not be registered under the applicable securities law of Canada, Australia or Japan and, subject to certain exceptions, may not be offered or sold within Canada, Australia or Japan or to any national, resident or citizen of Canada, Australia or Japan.
This Registration Document speaks only as of the date hereof. The definitions commencing on page 220 of this Registration Document apply throughout this entire document, including the cover page, except where the context indicates otherwise.
The distribution of this Registration Document in certain jurisdictions may be restricted by law. Other than in the United Kingdom, no action has been taken or will be taken to permit the possession or distribution of this Registration Document in any jurisdiction where action for that purpose may be required or where doing so is restricted by law. In the United States, you may not distribute this Registration Document or make copies of it without the Company's prior written consent other than to people you have retained to advise you in connection with this Registration Document, or persons reasonably believed by the Company to be QIBs. Accordingly, neither this Registration Document nor any advertisement nor any offering material may be distributed or published in any jurisdiction, other than in the United Kingdom, except under circumstances that will result in compliance with any applicable laws and regulations. Persons into whose possession this Registration Document comes should inform themselves about and observe any such restrictions. Any failure to comply with such restrictions may constitute a violation of the securities laws of any such jurisdiction.
The Registration Document may only be accessed by persons in South Africa (A) falling within one of the specified categories listed in section 96(1)(a) of the South African Companies Act, 2008, as amended ("SA Companies Act"), being persons who are (i) regulated by the Reserve Bank of South Africa, or (ii) an authorised financial services provider, as defined in the South African Financial Advisory and Intermediary Services Act, 2002, as amended, or (iii) a financial institution, as defined in the Financial Services Board Act, 1990 or (iv) persons whose ordinary business, or part of whose ordinary business, is to deal in securities, whether as principals or agents, or (v) the Public Investment Corporation (as defined in the South African Public Investment Corporation Act, 2004, as amended), or (vi) a wholly-owned subsidiary of a person contemplated in (i) to (iii) acting as agent in the capacity of an authorised portfolio manager for a pension fund registered in terms of the Pension Funds Act, 1956, as amended, or as manager for a collective investment scheme registered in terms of the Collective Investment Schemes Control Act, 2002, as amended, or (vii) any combination of persons contemplated in paragraphs (i) to (vi); or (B) acting as principal, acquiring securities for a total acquisition cost of R1,000,000 or more, as contemplated in section 96(1)(b) of the SA Companies Act.
| PART I | RISK FACTORS | 1 |
|---|---|---|
| PART II | PRESENTATION OF INFORMATION ON THE GROUP | 20 |
| PART III | DIRECTORS, COMPANY SECRETARY, REGISTERED OFFICE, HEADQUARTERS OF THE GROUP AND ADVISERS |
28 |
| PART IV | INDUSTRY OVERVIEW | 29 |
| PART V | REGULATORY INFORMATION | 68 |
| PART VI | INFORMATION ON THE GROUP | 81 |
| PART VII | DIRECTORS, SENIOR MANAGEMENT AND CORPORATE GOVERNANCE | 114 |
| PART VIII | SELECTED FINANCIAL INFORMATION | 121 |
| PART IX | OPERATING AND FINANCIAL REVIEW AND PROSPECTS | 128 |
| PART X | HISTORICAL FINANCIAL INFORMATION | 152 |
| PART XI | ADDITIONAL INFORMATION | 203 |
| PART XII | DEFINITIONS | 220 |
| PART XIII | GLOSSARY | 224 |
The risk factors described below are not an exhaustive list or explanation of all risks relating to the Group. Additional risks and uncertainties relating to the Group that are not currently known to the Directors, or that they currently deem immaterial, may individually or cumulatively also have a material adverse effect on the Group's business, results of operations, financial condition and/or prospects.
To the extent the description in this section relates to government or macroeconomic data, such information has been extracted from official government publications or other third-party sources and has not been independently verified by the Group.
Tanzania, DRC, Ghana, Congo Brazzaville and South Africa are collectively referred to herein as the "Relevant Jurisdictions".
Due to the long-term nature of the Group's customer site contracts (usually 10 to 15 years with provision for subsequent multiple renewals), the Group, like other companies in the tower infrastructure industry, is dependent on the continued viability of its customers. Many telecommunications operators have substantial leverage and rely on capital-raising activities to fund their operations and capital expenditures. A downturn in the economy and/or disruption in the financial and credit markets could make it more difficult and expensive to raise capital. If the Group's largest customers or potential customers are unable to generate sufficient cash flow or raise adequate capital to fund their business plans, they may reduce their capital spending, which could materially reduce and adversely affect demand for the Group's telecommunications sites. If, as a result of a prolonged economic downturn or otherwise, one or more of the Group's largest customers experiences financial difficulties or is otherwise unable to meet its obligation to pay sums due under its master lease agreements ("MLAs") with the Group, it could result in uncollectible accounts receivable from the Group's customers, loss of business with that customer and revenue reduction for the Group. The termination, non-renewal, material modification of or non-payment under the Group's customer site contracts could have a material adverse effect on the Group's business, financial condition and results of operations. The Group derives a substantial portion of its total operating revenue from seven large mobile network operators ("MNOs"). For the year ended 31 December 2018 and the six months ended 30 June 2019, 86.7 per cent. and 86.5 per cent. of the Group's revenue, respectively, was attributable to MNO operating subsidiaries of five of the largest MNO holding companies in Sub-Saharan Africa (Airtel, MTN, Orange, Tigo and Vodacom), each with a long history of operating in multiple Sub-Saharan African jurisdictions and an investment-grade or near-investment-grade credit rating. An additional 12.0 per cent. and 12.3 per cent. of the Group's revenue for the year ended 31 December 2018 and the six months ended 30 June 2019, respectively, was attributable to subsidiaries of Africell, a regional Sub-Saharan MNO, and Viettel Global ("Viettel"), a subsidiary of one of the largest MNOs in Vietnam. Africell and Viettel are more recent but fast-growing entrants to the mobile market in Sub-Saharan Africa. Tigo, Airtel, MTN, Orange, and Vodafone accounted for 19.1 per cent., 23.0 per cent., 4.4 per cent., 12.9 per cent. and 27.3 per cent., respectively, of the Group's revenue for the year ended 31 December 2018, and Tigo, Airtel, MTN, Orange, and Vodafone accounted for 18.7 per cent., 23.1 per cent., 4.3 per cent., 13.4 per cent., and 27.0 per cent., respectively, of the Group's revenue for the six months ended 30 June 2019. If any of these seven customers is unable to perform its obligations under its customer site contracts with the Group, the Group's revenue, financial condition and results of operations could be materially and adversely affected.
The Group's contractual invoicing cycle is typically quarterly or monthly in advance with the contractual payment cycle on average 30 days' post invoice. The Group also occasionally experiences volatility in terms of timing for settlement of invoices. In addition, no assurance can be given that the Group's customers will renew their site contracts at the expiration of those contracts or that the Group will be successful in negotiating favourable terms with the customers that renew or seek to renegotiate their site contracts. Moreover, the Group's MLAs permit a customer to terminate its obligations in the event such customer loses or fails to renew its licence to operate mobile networks due to local regulatory action or otherwise and is forced to immediately cease its operations. See "— Risks Related to the Relevant Jurisdictions — HTT Infraco may not successfully complete its listing with the CMSA in Tanzania". The failure to obtain or successfully negotiate favourable terms for renewals of existing customer site contracts or the termination of existing customer site contracts due to customer licensing issues could result in a reduction in the Group's revenue and may have a material adverse effect on the Group's business, financial condition and results of operations.
Demand for the Group's site rentals and site space is dependent on demand for communications sites from wireless communications carriers, which, in turn, is dependent on subscriber demand for wireless services. Most types of wireless services currently require ground-based network facilities, including communications sites for transmission and reception. Tower sharing must continue to be seen by wireless telecommunications providers as a cost-effective way to satisfy their passive infrastructure needs. The extent to which wireless communications carriers lease such communications sites depends on a number of factors beyond the Group's control, including the level of demand for such wireless services, the financial condition and access to capital of such carriers, the strategy of carriers with respect to owning or leasing communications sites, changes in telecommunications regulations and general economic conditions as well as geography and population density.
Additionally, government regulation can negatively affect the number of users of wireless services or the expansion plans of MNOs, both of which could adversely affect the demand for communication sites. For example, Tanzania, DRC and Ghana have introduced mandatory subscriber identification module ("SIM") card registration and have deactivated unregistered SIM cards. In Ghana, immediately following the 3 March 2012 deadline for existing mobile phone owners to register, more than 1.5 million mobile SIM cards were deactivated for failure to register. There is also mandatory SIM card registration in Congo Brazzaville, pursuant to which unregistered SIM cards may be deactivated. While these regulations did not have a material impact on the Group, such regulations may deter mobile phone users in these countries by requiring them to go through the additional step of providing documents confirming their identity, which they may not have, before they can buy a SIM card. Furthermore, government regulation may limit or prohibit MNOs using certain brands of technology in the development of their mobile communications networks, thereby causing changes to their supply chain and delays to their growth plans, which may impact the short-term demand for the Group's services. A slowdown in the growth of, or a reduction in demand for, wireless telecommunications services could adversely affect the demand for communications sites, which in turn could have a material adverse effect on the Group's financial condition and results of operations.
The Group's primary operating expenses include diesel fuel, electricity, site maintenance and security, security personnel and insurance. In addition, the Group pays ground lease rents on an ongoing basis. The continued development, expansion and maintenance of the Group's site infrastructure requires ongoing capital expenditure. There can be no assurance that the Group's operating expenses, including those noted above, will not increase in the future or that the Group will be able to successfully pass any such increases in operating expenses to its customers.
The Group requires a substantial amount of diesel to power its site operations. A 10 per cent. movement in diesel prices during the year ended 31 December 2018 would have had an approximate 2.5 per cent. impact on the Group's Adjusted EBITDA during the same period. The Group, therefore, remains exposed to diesel price volatility, which may result in substantial increases in its operating costs and reduced profits if prices rise significantly. To partially alleviate this risk, approximately 98 per cent. of the Group's customer site contracts as of 31 December 2018 and approximately 96 per cent. of the Group's customer site contracts as of 30 June 2019 permitted the Group to pass-through any change in diesel and electricity costs to its counterparties. Diesel prices are generally readjusted on a quarterly or annual basis in line with the relevant power index at the time of the readjustment; this indexation acts as a natural hedge on the price of diesel but is subject to a time lag in the readjustment. The Group's attempts to reduce diesel consumption through the deployment of direct current generators, grid connections (where possible), hybrid batteries and solar technologies, while presently successful, may not be successful in the future.
The Group's ground lease rents are for a fixed duration, typically a 20- to 50-year term, and are, in some cases, paid for in advance (typically 12 months to two years) for a portion of the overall term of the lease. The Group expects a cash cost of approximately US\$25 million per year in ground lease costs in the nearterm increasing in line with the number of sites in the medium-term. This comprises US\$10 million in depreciation and US\$14 million to US\$15 million in interest impact. Approximately 3 per cent. of the Group's ground leases are due for renewal within the next 18 months. The renewal of a large proportion of the Group's site portfolio ground leases within a particular year could require a significant upfront rent payment to be made upon such renewal, which in turn could increase the Group's operating cash flows for that particular year. Any material increases in operating expenses referred to above would reduce the Group's operating margins and may have a material adverse effect on the Group's business, financial condition and results of operations.
The Group believes that there will be continued competition among the largest telecommunications operators in the Relevant Jurisdictions, which will increase the number of subscribers, subscribers' use of mobile services and network capacity requirements, and that the current operator business models, involving significant capital expenditure requirements, will be sustainable only for the operators with sufficiently largescale operations in terms of both network capacity and total number of subscribers. Recently, there has been some consolidation among these operators in the Relevant Jurisdictions. For example, Millicom's Tigo business merged with Airtel in Ghana in 2017 and Orange acquired Millicom's Tigo business in DRC in 2016. Millicom has publicly stated that it actively weighs up strategic opportunities regarding its African businesses, which currently include its Tigo telecommunications companies in Tanzania, and Airtel-Tigo in Ghana. Potential acquirers may include other customers of the Group. Given the number of telecommunications operators in the Relevant Jurisdictions, as well as the benefits of scale enjoyed by larger operators, the Group believes that consolidation is likely to occur among the smaller telecommunications operators (some of whom are the Group's customers) in order to achieve the scale necessary for long-term profitable growth in this market.
Significant consolidation among the Group's customers could result in a change to customers' strategies and a reduction in the number of their base transmission sites and/or colocation requirements for the consolidated companies because certain base transmission sites may become redundant or additional site spaces may be gained in any consolidation. In addition, consolidation may result in a reduction in future capital expenditures in the aggregate if the expansion plans of the consolidated companies are overlapping. As a result of such consolidation, the Group's customers could determine not to renew customer site contracts with the Group. A customer could also make a decision to discontinue operations in a given market and determine not to renew customer site contracts with the Group. If a significant number of such terminations occur as a result of industry consolidation or other changes in industry composition, it could materially and adversely affect the Group's revenue and cash flow, which in turn could have a material adverse effect on the Group's business, financial condition and results of operations.
Although it is Group policy to seek and obtain the requisite state and local approvals prior to the commencement of site construction, the Group may, in exceptional circumstances, proceed with the construction of build-to-suit sites without receiving all required permits, approvals and licences. For example, in Ghana, on a limited number of occasions, the Group has constructed a site in advance of receiving a required permit because there was a delay in formally issuing the permit even though the Group had completed the requisite applications and paid for the permit. In each of those cases, the Group received approvals in principal in writing from the relevant regulator that permitted the Group to proceed with construction of the sites, pending issuance of the formal permits.
In addition, the Group has purchased, and may in the future purchase, sites from third parties that have not received all required permits, approvals and licences. It is not uncommon in the markets in which the Group operates for companies in the telecommunications tower industry to construct or operate towers in certain circumstances without all of the required permits, approvals and licences. There is sometimes a long lead time required for processing applications for permits, approvals and licences from the local and national authorities, including (i) construction and building permits required from state authorities to construct or build any structure, (ii) environmental approvals and (iii) Aviation Height Clearance Certificates required to construct and operate telecommunications towers, as the case may be. In certain cases, the Group has acquired sites after the application for the requisite permit, approval or licence has been made but prior to the issuance of the requisite permit, approval or licence, or retrospective legislation has been applied which requires the Group to seek a permit, approval or licence for a site that is already operational. In other cases, a permit, approval or licence needs to be annually renewed and there can be periods where the existing permit, approval or licence lapses prior to the new permit, approval or licence being granted.
For instance, as of 30 August 2019, approximately 917, 15, 405 and 15 of the Group's sites in Tanzania, Ghana, Congo Brazzaville and South Africa, respectively, were missing one or more permits. In Tanzania, most of the missing permits are environmental permits, with HTT Infraco Limited ("HTT Infraco"), a subsidiary of the Company, having approximately 915 outstanding environmental permits as of that date. The Company's subsidiaries in Tanzania, Ghana, Congo Brazzaville and South Africa have applied for the missing permits in their respective jurisdictions. Most of the Group's outstanding permits relate to existing sites that the Group purchased from third parties rather than those constructed by the Group, and most are permits that should have been in place at the time the sites were constructed, rather than permits that relate to renewals. The outstanding permits are not in all cases covered by contractual protections such as indemnities from the third parties from whom the Group acquired the affected sites.
While to date none of the regulators in the Relevant Jurisdictions has declined to grant the Group the relevant permits, approvals or licences, there can be no assurance that the relevant authorities will continue to issue the required permits, approvals or licences or that they will be issued in a timely manner or as expected. If such permits, approvals and licences are not obtained, the local or national authorities may prevent the Group from entering its sites and may impose penalties on the Group, such as reprimands, warnings, fines and dismantling orders, for non-compliance with the relevant permitting, approval and licensing requirements. In addition, in certain Relevant Jurisdictions, both federal and local authorities charge taxes and levies in relation to similar services, such as tenement rates and environmental permits for the Group's sites. This leads to confusion over which authority should be paid the relevant levy and in many cases the Group must wait for a demand to be made before it can make the payment.
On 8 February 2018, the General Inspector of the State in Congo Brazzaville (the "General Inspector") issued a letter to the Group's subsidiary in Congo Brazzaville, Helios Towers Congo Brazzaville SASU ("HT Congo"), claiming that 123 of HT Congo's sites were constructed without the payment of taxes related to the opening of a construction site ("Opening Taxes") and environmental impact studies ("EIS") necessary in order to obtain the environmental permit required to operate in Congo Brazzaville. The letter purported to impose a penalty of 615,000,000 Central African francs (approximately US\$1,065,000) payable to the General Inspector for not conforming to obligations related to Opening Taxes and EIS on these 123 sites following their acquisition from a third party in 2015. HT Congo challenged the claim on the basis that the previous owner of the tower sites had paid the Opening Taxes and conducted EIS. HT Congo agreed to pay 50 million Central African francs (approximately US\$86,655) to the Public Treasury upon request of the General Inspector in 2018 to settle the claims made by the General Inspector with regard to the 123 sites. The Group does not expect to pay any additional penalties in respect of the matters raised in the letter, nor does it expect to have to pay Opening Taxes in respect of its acquired sites. The Managing Director of Environment has confirmed the General Inspector's position that the EIS were not transferable if there was a new owner of the sites. HT Congo has been working with a consultancy firm approved by the Ministry of Environment to obtain EIS for all of the 393 sites in Congo Brazzaville that it acquired from a third party. The Group expects the potential payments to the Ministry of Environment in respect of obtaining the EIS for these sites to be up to 108,000,000 Central African francs (approximately US\$187,175).
Except as disclosed above, to date, none of the regulators in the Relevant Jurisdictions has imposed any reprimands, warnings, fines or dismantling orders for missing permits relating to the Group's sites and the Group is not aware of any such sanctions for missing permits imposed on the previous owners of the sites before they were acquired by the Group.
Additionally, a failure to obtain and/or maintain all such permits, approvals and licences would constitute a breach of the Group's obligations under certain of its customer site contracts, giving rise to a right to terminate by the customer of the relevant site if such breach is not remedied within the cure period (and, in some cases, if the breach was systemic, a right to terminate the site contract in respect of all of the sites to which it applies). To date, the Group has not had to relocate or dismantle sites or had customer site contracts terminated due to its failure to obtain and/or maintain the relevant permits, approvals and licences.
If the Group is prevented from entering its sites or is subject to reprimands, warnings and fines for noncompliance with the relevant permitting, approval and licensing requirements or required to relocate or dismantle a material number of its sites and, in the case of relocation, cannot locate replacement sites that are acceptable to its customers, or if a material number of the Group's customer site contracts are terminated, this could materially and adversely affect the Group's revenue and cash flow, and increase its operating costs, which in turn could have a material adverse effect on its business, financial condition and results of operations.
Pursuant to the Electronic and Postal Communications Act of 2010 (the "EPOCA"), which came into force in June 2010, as amended by the Finance Act, No 2 of 2016, and as further amended by the Finance Act in June 2017, each person or legal entity holding a licence to provide network facilities in Tanzania before 1 July 2016, which originally included some 89 separate companies such as HTT Infraco, the Group's primary operating subsidiary in Tanzania, is required to offer shares equal to at least 25 per cent. of its total share capital on the Dar es Salaam Stock Exchange by no later than 31 December 2016. In 2017, the number of separate companies subject to the EPOCA decreased from 89 to 23. HTT Infraco remains subject to the legislation.
To that end, following the provision of a written status update by Orbit Securities Company Ltd (the sponsoring broker) to the Capital Markets and Securities Authority in Tanzania (the "CMSA") on 23 December 2016, HTT Infraco provided a draft prospectus to the CMSA on 29 December 2016, whereby HTT Infraco proposed to carry out an initial public offering of 25 per cent. of its total enlarged issued nominal share capital. On 1 February 2017, HTT Infraco made an interim application to the CMSA, including a revised draft prospectus. Furthermore, as part of its preparation for the initial public offering and commitment to comply with the law, HTT Infraco has been undertaking a capital reorganisation to transform itself into a company that is able to conclude a successful initial public offering. Certain steps in the capital reorganisation have required or will require notifications to, or approvals by, the Tanzania Communications Regulatory Authority ("TCRA"), Fair Competition Commission ("FCC") and Business Registrations and Licensing Agency ("BRELA") in Tanzania that have taken or may take many weeks or months to complete. As of 30 June 2019, HTT Infraco had spent approximately US\$1.5 million on costs relating to the initial public offering. It has continued to keep the CMSA informed as to its preparations through its sponsoring broker.
Despite the Group's ongoing preparations to carry out this initial public offering, the listing with the CMSA in Tanzania may be delayed or may not be completed on satisfactory terms or at all, as a result of various factors, including the potentially insufficient liquidity in the economy in general (because there may be a lack of investors with sufficient capital to subscribe for the shares), market conditions in the industry in which the Group operates, economic and political conditions in Tanzania or other countries in the region and other factors affecting demand for the equity securities of HTT Infraco. While the CMSA and the TCRA have engaged in discussions regarding the inherent difficulties of having HTT Infraco and all similarly affected companies list in a short period, they have not as yet been willing to provide any formal deferment of the EPOCA requirements because they have no mandate to grant a waiver or dispensation of the prescribed time frame. Under the EPOCA, the penalties for failing to comply with the legislation can include a substantial fine and the withdrawal of the applicable network facilities licence and a possible criminal action against HTT Infraco and its directors. Under the amendments contained in the Finance Act, 2017, should the 25 per cent. threshold not be met, the CMSA may issue directives on how the subject company may obtain the 25 per cent. threshold. To date, only Vodacom Tanzania Plc ("Vodacom Tanzania") has complied with the relevant listing requirements.
To the Group's knowledge, neither the CMSA nor the TCRA has taken any action against a licence holder for failing to comply with the EPOCA; however, there is no assurance that the CMSA and the TCRA will continue to hold off taking any such enforcement action for any particular length of time. The Group continues to engage with the regulators to comply with the EPOCA requirements and neither the CMSA nor the TCRA has given any indication that it expects the Group to accelerate the preparations it is making or that it might seek enforcement for a violation of the EPOCA listing requirement. The Group is progressing its reorganisation and is not aware of any reason why it could not meet the current requirements in due course once the necessary preparatory steps have been completed. The Group believes that prior to any proposed enforcement for a violation of EPOCA against HTT Infraco it would be contacted and asked to proceed more expeditiously or that there would be a discussion with it as to outstanding requirements and that the CMSA and the TCRA would work with HTT Infraco to support it in the completion of the listing. However, if the TCRA is determined to enforce a violation of the EPOCA against HTT Infraco, it could be materially adverse to the Group in extreme but very unlikely circumstances and result in a cessation of operations in Tanzania until the violation could be sufficiently remedied or otherwise addressed. Additionally, in similarly low probability circumstances, the Group's MNO customers in Tanzania who are also subject to the EPOCA may also be at risk of suffering the same penalties for failure to comply with the EPOCA. Suspension of their operations in Tanzania could jeopardise their ability to perform under their contracts with the Group, and certain of the Group's MLAs entitle its customers to terminate their obligations thereunder in the event of the loss of their licence to operate mobile networks. See "— Risks Related to the Group and its Business — Due to the long-term expectations of revenue from customer site contracts, the Group is exposed to the creditworthiness and financial strength of its tenants". Tanzania is an important market for the Group and accounted for 42.1 per cent. of the Group's revenue and 48.5 per cent. of the Group's Adjusted EBITDA for the year ended 31 December 2018, and 42.2 per cent. of the Group's revenue and 47.4 per cent. of the Group's Adjusted EBITDA for the six months ended 30 June 2019. As of 30 June 2019, Tanzania accounted for 37.4 per cent of the Group's total assets. Therefore, any of the foregoing consequences could have a material adverse impact on the Group's financial condition and results of operations.
The Group engages third-party contractors to provide it with various services in connection with the power management, site acquisition, construction, access management, security and maintenance of sites. For example, the Group has outsourced power management, refurbishment, operations and maintenance, and security functions for certain of its sites to contractors. These power management functions include the supply of diesel to and deployment of alternative power technologies, such as hybrid and solar power technologies and grid connections (where possible), on certain sites, to help reduce diesel consumption. As of 30 June 2019, the Group's third-party contractors provided 671 maintenance technicians and 6,596 security guards to the Group. Although the Group monitors third-party suppliers carefully, the Group is exposed to the risk that the services rendered by its third-party contractors will not always be satisfactory or match the Group's and/or its customers' targeted quality levels, standards and operational specifications. As a result, the Group's customers may be dissatisfied with the Group's services and the Group may be required to pay service credits under its contracts, or its customers may terminate their MLAs in the event of a material breach, either of which could adversely affect the Group's business, financial condition and results of operations (without back-to-back compensation from the Group's service providers).
In addition, vendors and suppliers hired by the Group in relation to power management at certain sites have strict execution targets placed upon them. If these vendors do not deliver satisfactorily both financially and operationally, the Group has a contractual right to step in and complete the process itself. If the Group's suppliers are unable to continue to provide timely and reliable services or key products, the Group could experience interruptions in delivery of its services to its customers, which could have a material adverse effect on the Group's business, financial condition, cash flows and results of operations. If the Group is required to undertake this work itself, it would require time and attention from the Group's management and lead to increased future operating costs while the work is carried out, which could in turn adversely affect the Group's business, financial condition and results of operations.
The Group also relies on third parties for the supply of diesel and this supply could be disrupted by events that are beyond the Group's control. While the Group maintains planning, monitoring and logistics systems aimed at providing a consistent supply of diesel to its sites, a lack of available trucks, personnel strikes, road accidents, the presence of wild animals, queues and other issues at fuel depots and security concerns at certain sites, amongst other things, have in the past and may in the future cause this supply to be disrupted. Disruption in the supply of diesel would impede the Group's ability to continue to power its sites and adversely affect uptimes. While to date the Group has not experienced any disruptions to its diesel supply that have materially adversely impacted its results of operations, widespread or long-term disruptions in the supply of diesel may result in the Group being unable to meet the service-level agreement ("SLA") targets under its MLAs, and in some cases the Group would be required to pay service credits (subject to typical force majeure protection), which could have a material adverse effect on the Group's business, financial condition and results of operations.
The Group's site portfolio consists primarily of ground-based towers constructed on land that it has leased under long-term ground lease agreements. Since foreign ownership of land is typically difficult to achieve in the jurisdictions in which the Group operates, as of 30 June 2019, approximately 83 per cent. of the sites in the Group's portfolio were operated under ground leases. For sites on leased land, the average remaining life of the Group's ground leases was 18 years as of 30 June 2019.
Since advance payments for ground leases typically represent a substantial rental yield for the landlord, ground leases are, in most cases, not difficult to obtain or renew. However, for various reasons, including an inability to locate the landlords, the Group may not be able to renew and/or extend its ground leases. In the event that the Group cannot renew and/or extend a material number of its ground leases, it will be required to dismantle or relocate these sites. Furthermore, from time to time, the Group may experience disputes with lessors regarding the terms of the Group's ground leases for its sites, which can affect the Group's ability to access and operate a site. The dismantlement or relocation of, or the termination of ground leases at, a material number of the Group's sites would interfere with its ability to operate and generate revenue, which would have a material adverse effect on the Group's business, financial condition and results of operations.
In addition, a portion of the Group's Tanzanian sites, which are owned by HTT Infraco, are situated on village land, which the Group believes to be common amongst most infrastructure companies in Tanzania. Leasing village land (whether from a village council or an individual) may restrict or prohibit HTT Infraco's ability to enforce its rights under the ground lease as HTT Infraco may be considered a majority-owned foreign company which is not, under strict interpretation of Tanzanian law, permitted to occupy village land.
The Group's strategy for the growth of its business involves four components: (i) adding colocation tenants to its existing site portfolio; (ii) increasing the effective panel area or space on a tower sold to existing tenants; (iii) growing organically through the construction of additional sites on a build-to-suit basis for telecommunications operators; and (iv) growing through strategic acquisitions. The implementation of this strategy is subject to certain risks described below.
The Group's ability to implement its strategy in relation to adding colocation tenants to its existing portfolio may be affected by a number of factors beyond the Group's control, including:
There can be no assurance that the Group will be able to continue to add colocations to its existing portfolio or implement colocations in a timely and cost-effective manner and the failure to do so could materially and adversely affect the Group's business, financial condition and results of operations.
The Group's ability to construct new build-to-suit sites can also be affected by a number of factors beyond its control, including the availability of suitable land that meets the requirements of the customer and the availability of construction equipment and skilled construction personnel. Delays could also adversely affect the Group's ability to deliver build-to-suit sites in a timely and cost-effective manner, particularly in connection with timelines contractually agreed with customers. Furthermore, there can be no assurance that:
* the number of sites planned for construction will be completed in accordance with the requirements of customers;
* there will be a significant need for the construction of new sites; or
The Group's ability to grow through further acquisitions will also depend on a number of factors, including:
The benefits of any site asset acquisition may take considerable time to develop, and there can be no assurance that any particular transaction will produce the intended results or benefits, particularly when certain benefits are under the control of third parties (including regulators and colocators on the relevant sites). For example, there can be no assurance that the Group will be able to successfully develop the SA Towers (Pty) Ltd. ("SA Towers") site pipeline, that it acquired through Helios Towers South Africa Holdings (Pty) Ltd ("Helios Towers South Africa") in April 2019, or effectively leverage its and SA Towers' expertise in the South African market. The Group's failure to do so could significantly affect its ability to expand its operations into South Africa. Revenue streams from third parties may not be robust or may be subject to additional taxation. Given the nature of the individual assets (which are numerous and geographically diverse), it can be difficult to conduct effective physical diligence on all the sites in a site asset portfolio. The condition of the sites can deteriorate during the period prior to closing (and after physical site audits) because sellers often reduce operating and capital expenditure on such sites. Moreover, site asset portfolio acquisitions may take a considerable period of time to sign and close (and usually close in stages) but involve up-front investments that cannot be recovered regardless of whether the transaction is successfully completed. For example, the Group spent US\$1.4 million and US\$3.3 million on deal costs for aborted acquisitions for the years ended 31 December 2016 and 2017, respectively. The Group did not incur any such fees or costs during the year ended 31 December 2018 or the six months ended 30 June 2019. Furthermore, in the year ended 31 December 2015, the Group incurred costs of US\$17.8 million related to uncompleted acquisition transactions in certain African markets.
Additional risks associated with acquisitions include, but are not limited to, the following:
The resolution of any of the foregoing could be time-consuming and costly. There can be no assurance that the Group will be able to efficiently or effectively manage the integration of acquisitions or the growth of its operations post-acquisition, and the Group's failure to do so could materially and adversely affect its business, financial condition, results of operations and ability to implement its business strategy.
The Group is the sole independent tower company in three of its markets, but the Group's customers could adopt alternative strategies for the provision of site space including contracting directly with owners of alternative site structures such as build-to-suit, building rooftops and in-building cellular enhancement ("IBS"). The Group may also face competition in the future if new competitors were to enter its markets, particularly those markets in which it is currently the sole independent tower company.
Ghana and South Africa are the only markets in which the Group competes with other independent tower companies. In Ghana, the Group's primary independent tower company competitors are American Tower Corporation ("American Tower") and Eaton Towers Limited ("Eaton Towers"). On 30 May 2019, American Tower announced that it was acquiring Eaton Towers. Following the merger, which is expected to close by the end of 2019, the Group will be one of two independent tower companies in Ghana. The Group's experience in Ghana is that competition in the telecommunications tower industry is based principally on power management expertise, site location, relationships with telecommunications operators, site quality and height and, to a lesser extent, on the size of a company's site portfolio, pricing and ability to offer additional services to tenants. In addition, some of the Group's competitors in Ghana may have lower return on investment criteria than the Group. In South Africa, the Group is a new entrant in a largely fragmented market in which only approximately 15 per cent. of the towers are owned and operated by independent tower companies, according to a report prepared by Hardiman Telecommunications Ltd ("Hardiman") (the "Hardiman Report").
The Group believes that large telecommunications operators tend not to lease extensively from their direct competitors because site location and investment in capacity are considered competitive advantages. A change in this policy or any other event, including regulatory action that increases colocation among major telecommunications operators, could result in increased competition for colocations.
Competitive pressures and the Group's failure to remain competitive could materially and adversely affect the Group's contract rates and services income, and could result in the Group's existing customers not renewing their site contracts, or new customers contracting space on sites from MNOs or, in the case of Ghana, other independent tower companies, and not from the Group. Any of the foregoing factors could materially and adversely affect the Group's business, financial condition and results of operations.
The development and implementation of new technologies designed to enhance the efficiency of wireless networks or the implementation by MNOs of active sharing technologies could reduce the use of and need for tower-based wireless transmission and reception services and could have the effect of decreasing demand for tower space. Examples of such new technologies that may reduce the demand for tower-based antenna space might include single antennae that can operate in multiple frequency bands, and spectrally efficient technologies, which could potentially relieve some network capacity problems, or complementary voice over internet protocol access technologies that could be used to offload a portion of subscriber traffic away from the traditional tower-based networks onto fixed line networks where such fixed line network capacity exists, which would reduce the need for telecommunications operators to add more tower-based antenna equipment at certain sites. MNOs in certain more well-developed African countries, including South Africa, have implemented active sharing technologies in which MNOs share the wireless spectrum and, therefore, need fewer of their own antennae and less tower space for such equipment. Moreover, the emergence of alternative technologies could reduce the need for tower-based wireless services transmission and reception. For example, the growth in the delivery of wireless communication, radio and video services by direct broadcast satellites could materially and adversely affect demand for the Group's antenna space if such new technology were to gain scale and the end-user devices used to access the service were to become more affordable. As a result, the development and implementation of alternative technologies to any significant degree could have a material adverse effect on the Group's business, financial condition and results of operations.
Many of the Group's customer site contracts contain liquidated damages provisions, which, upon the occurrence of certain triggers costs, may require the Group to make unanticipated payments to its customers.
Many of the Group's customer site contracts contain liquidated damages provisions in the event that the Group fails to perform its obligations thereunder in a timely manner or in accordance with the agreed terms, conditions and standards. These liquidated damages provisions generally require the Group to make a payment to the customer, most often by means of set-off against fees payable by the customer, if the Group fails to uphold a specified level of uptime. For example, pursuant to site contracts with Tanzanian telecommunications operators, the Group paid US\$9.9 million in net liquidated damages (comprising payments to customers net of amounts recouped from suppliers) as a result of its failure to meet required levels of uptime in 2015. However, the operational failures that led to these costs have been largely corrected, and the Group incurred only US\$0.4 million of net liquidated damages for the year ended 31 December 2018 and no net liquidated damages for the six months ended 30 June 2019. The Group generally tries to limit its exposure under any individual long-term leasing agreement with maximum liability caps. Nevertheless, if the Group incurs liquidated damages, it may be required to make unanticipated and potentially significant payments that may materially harm the Group's reputation, business, financial condition and results of operations.
Changes to currency exchange rates may impact the Group's profitability. The currencies of the Relevant Jurisdictions are subject to fluctuation, which is particularly acute in emerging markets. For example, the local currency in Ghana depreciated by 10.8 per cent., 5.6 per cent. and 6.8 per cent. against the U.S. dollar in the years ended 31 December 2016, 2017 and 2018, respectively, and 5.6 per cent., and 10.5 per cent. in the six months ended 30 June 2018 and 2019, respectively. For the year ended 31 December 2018, approximately 35.0 per cent. of the Group's Adjusted EBITDA was denominated in local currencies, which meant that a 10.0 per cent. movement in the Group's basket of exchange rates would have resulted in an approximate 3.5 per cent. impact on the Group's Adjusted EBITDA for that year. The Group reports in U.S. dollars. While 53.3 per cent. and 52.9 per cent. of the Group's revenue was denominated in U.S. dollars during the year ended 31 December 2018 and the six months ended 30 June 2019, respectively, the Group is subject to translation risk relating to the conversion into U.S. dollars of the statements of financial position and statements of profit or loss and other comprehensive income of the Group's subsidiaries in Tanzania, Ghana, Congo Brazzaville and South Africa because the functional and reporting currency of these countries is not the U.S. dollar.
The Group is also subject to transaction risk when future commercial transactions or recognised assets or liabilities are denominated in currencies other than U.S. dollars. While DRC is a largely dollarised economy, the government of DRC has from time to time implemented reforms to readopt the use of the Congolese franc and adopted policies to de-dollarise DRC's economy. Outside DRC, the Group collects a significant portion of its revenue from customers in local currencies. There may be limits to the Group's ability to convert these local currencies into U.S. dollars or for customers earning revenue in local currency to make payments. Moreover, while Congo Brazzaville's currency, the Central African franc, is "pegged" to the euro, allowing for a set euro exchange ratio, the Central African franc may be "de-pegged" from the euro in the future and, in any event, the Group is still exposed to prospective fluctuations of the U.S. dollar against the euro, and any such fluctuations may have an adverse effect on the Group's earnings, assets and cash flows. In addition, the Group is subject to risks arising from outstanding nominal foreign currency financial and trade receivables or payables incurred prior to but due to be settled after a change to the relevant exchange rate of the local currency against the U.S. dollar, which impacts the Group's current cash flows. Therefore, to the extent they are not effectively hedged, local currency exchange rate fluctuations in relation to the U.S. dollar may have an adverse effect on the Group's earnings, assets and cash flows when translating or converting local currency into U.S. dollars and the Group may not be able to manage effectively the currency risks it faces, and volatility in currency exchange rates. Given the historical fluctuations in certain Relevant Jurisdictions and limited change in the economic policies of the Relevant Jurisdictions, their currencies remain vulnerable to external shocks, which could lead to a sharp decline in their value.
Due to a lack of available instruments in many of the countries or currencies in which the Group operates, the Group is not able to hedge against foreign currency exposures. The Group had net foreign exchange losses of US\$9.8 million, US\$3.2 million and US\$18.0 million for the years ended 31 December 2016, 2017 and 2018, and US\$12.2 million, and US\$8.0 million for the six months ended 30 June 2018 and 2019, respectively. At the operational level, the Group seeks to reduce its foreign exchange exposure through a policy of matching, as far as possible, cash inflows and outflows. Where possible and where financially viable, the Group borrows in local currencies to hedge against local currency exchange risks. The Group's ability to reduce its foreign currency exposure may be limited by a lack of long-term financing in local currencies. As such, there is a risk that the Group may not be able to finance local capital expenditure needs or reduce its foreign exchange exposure by borrowing in local currencies. For these reasons, fluctuations in the currencies of the markets in which the Group operates may have a material adverse effect on its business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects.
For more information about the market risks to which the Group is exposed as a result of foreign currency exchange rate fluctuations, see Part IX: "Operating and Financial Review and Prospects — Market Risk Disclosures".
The Group has experienced, and may in the future experience, local community opposition to its existing sites or the construction of new sites for various reasons, including concerns about alleged health risks. While the Group is typically required by the permitting process to consult with communities before constructing new sites, as a result of such local community opposition, the Group may not be granted a permit (and so may not be able to build) or could be required by the local authorities to dismantle and relocate certain sites. If the Group is not granted permits in certain areas or is required to relocate a material number of its sites and cannot locate replacement sites that are acceptable to its customers, such circumstances could materially and adversely affect the Group's revenue and cash flow, which in turn could have a material adverse effect on its business, financial condition and results of operations.
The Group believes that its current management team contributes significant experience and expertise to the management and growth of its business. The continued success of the Group's business and its ability to execute the Group's business strategies in the future will depend in large part on the efforts of the Group's key personnel. There is also a shortage of skilled personnel in the telecommunications tower industry in the Relevant Jurisdictions, which the Group believes is likely to continue. As a result, the Group may face increased competition for skilled employees in many job categories from tower companies and telecommunications operators and this competition is expected to intensify. Although the Group believes that its employee salary and benefit packages are generally competitive with those of its peers, if the number of independent tower companies in the Relevant Jurisdictions increases, the Group may face difficulties in retaining skilled employees. In addition, as the Group expands its business through acquisitions, it may need to retain and integrate skilled employees from acquired companies or businesses. If the Group is unable to successfully integrate, recruit, train, retain and motivate key skilled employees it could have a material adverse effect on the Group's business, financial condition and results of operations.
The Group's business, and that of its customers, is subject to national, state and local regulation governing telecommunications as well as the construction and operation of sites. These regulations and opposition from local zoning authorities can delay, prevent or increase the cost of new site construction, modifications, additions of new antennae to a site, or site upgrades, thereby limiting the Group's ability to respond to customer demands and requirements.
For example, legislation in Ghana currently imposes limitations on the proximity of new tower construction to residential areas. If any tower mast does not comply with this regulation, the tower company may be notified by the Municipal, Metropolitan and District Assemblies (the "MMDA") to remove the tower within 60 days of receipt of the notice, failing which the company could be fined 35,000 Ghanaian cedis (approximately US\$6,400) for non-compliance. A five-year moratorium originally expired on 31 December 2016, but such moratorium has been repeatedly extended most recently until 30 June 2019. Following the expiration of the moratorium, a company that fails to comply with the regulation will incur a penalty of 10,000 Ghanaian cedis (approximately US\$1,800) per day and such facility may be removed with a lien on the property to cover the cost of removal. These regulations also apply retroactively to pre-existing towers. Residential areas were built near certain of the Group's existing towers in Ghana in contravention of the proximity limitations set out in the legislation after the towers already existed. HTG Managed Services Limited, the Group's operating subsidiary in Ghana, has not constructed any towers in violation of the legislation. As of 30 June 2019, HTG Managed Services Limited had 117 towers out of a total of 889 owned towers in Ghana that were within the proximity limitations set out in the legislation. HTG Managed Services Limited has been working with other affected companies in Ghana to pursue the further extension of the moratorium or amendment or abolition of the provision of the legislation that imposes a penalty of 10,000 Ghanaian cedis (approximately US\$1,800) per day and requires the removal of the tower with a lien on the property to cover the cost of removal following expiration of the moratorium. The Group believes, based on meetings with and oral statements made by the relevant regulators, that the moratorium has not been further extended because of the likelihood that the provision of the legislation that imposes a penalty of 10,000 Ghanaian cedis (approximately US\$1,800) per day and requires the removal of the tower with a lien on the property to cover the cost of removal following expiration of the moratorium will be amended or abolished. If the legislation is not amended or abolished and the moratorium is not extended beyond 30 June 2019, HTG Managed Services Limited may be required to pay a penalty and remove the affected towers. HTG Managed Services Limited would seek to relocate the towers affected by the legislation. The Group would incur capital expenditure to relocate towers, and it may not be able to successfully relocate all of the affected towers or it may not be able to relocate them to sites that are as favourable as its original sites, which could have an adverse effect on the Group's business and results of operations.
In addition, certain licences for the operation of the Group's sites may be subjected to additional terms and conditions with which it cannot comply. As public concern over tower proliferation has grown in recent years, some communities now try to restrict tower construction or delay granting permits. Existing regulatory policies and changes in such policies may materially and adversely affect the associated timing or cost of such projects and additional regulations may be adopted which increase delays, result in additional costs or prevent completion of the Group's projects in certain locations. Any failure to complete new tower construction, modifications, additions of new antennae to a site or site upgrades could harm the Group's ability to add additional site space and maintain existing lessees, which could have a material adverse effect on the Group's revenue.
The Group's operations, like those of other companies engaged in similar businesses, are subject to the requirements of various environmental and occupational safety and health laws and regulations, including those relating to the management, use, storage, disposal, emission and remediation of, and exposure to, hazardous and non-hazardous substances, materials and waste and those relating to the construction of sites. As the owner, lessee or operator of many thousands of real estate sites underlying the Group's sites, the Group may be liable for substantial costs of remediating soil and groundwater contaminated by hazardous materials (including fuel and battery acid), without regard to whether the Group, as the owner, lessee or operator, knew of or was responsible for the contamination. Many of these laws and regulations contain information reporting and record-keeping requirements. The Group may be subject to potentially significant fines or penalties if it fails to comply with any of these requirements. The requirements and interpretations of these laws and regulations are complex, change frequently and could become more stringent in the future. It is possible that these requirements or interpretations will change or that liabilities will arise in the future in a manner that could have a material adverse effect on the Group's business, financial condition or results of operations.
The Group's sites are subject to risks associated with natural disasters, such as windstorms, floods, hurricanes and earthquakes, as well as theft, vandalism, terror attacks and other unforeseen damage. Any damage or destruction to the Group's sites as a result of these or other risks would impact the Group's ability to provide services to its customers. While the Group maintains all-scenario insurance to cover the cost of replacing damaged towers and general liability insurance to protect the Group in the event of an accident involving a tower, the Group might have claims that exceed its coverage under its insurance policy or are denied and, as a result, the Group's insurance may not be adequate. While the Group carries business interruption insurance, such insurance may not adequately cover all of the Group's lost revenue, including potential revenue from new tenants that could have been added to the Group's sites but for the damage. If the Group is unable to provide services to its customers as a result of damage to the Group's sites, it could lead to customer loss, resulting in a corresponding material adverse effect on the Group's business, financial condition and results of operations.
If a site, or part of a site, collapses, there is a risk that such collapse could result in property damage, injury to, or the death of, members of the public or employees, subcontractors or customer personnel. This could result in the Group being subject to civil damages and criminal penalties under local law. It could also have a negative impact on the Group's reputation and may affect its ability to win or service future business or recruit employees or may increase the risk of local community opposition to the Group's existing sites or the construction of new sites. The consequences the Group may suffer due to the foregoing could have a material adverse effect on the Group's business, financial condition and results of operations.
In the ordinary course of business, the Group may be named as a defendant or an interested party in legal actions, claims and disputes in connection with its business activities. Any such litigation, dispute or proceedings, as well as lawsuits initiated by the Group for the collection of payables, may be costly and may divert management attention and other resources away from the business, which could have a material adverse effect on the Group's business, financial condition and results of operations.
The Group may also be subject to regulatory studies, reviews or proceedings in connection with its business activities. For example, in Tanzania, the TCRA is responsible for, amongst other things, overseeing passive network infrastructure. It is not uncommon for the TCRA to conduct studies or reviews of the market from time to time, although the scope and purpose of those reviews are not always available to the Group. The TCRA conducted an assessment of competition in the telecommunications and broadcasting sectors in Tanzania covering the period from March to December 2018 (the "2018 Review"). HTT Infraco was not contacted by the TCRA in connection with the TCRA's undertaking of the 2018 Review. The Group understands that as a result of the 2018 Review, HTT Infraco is currently the subject of a new study/review by the TCRA of the terms of its lease agreements with certain of its customers in Tanzania. As far as the Group is aware, there have been no other consequences for the Group following the conclusion of the 2018 Review. To date, HTT Infraco has not been formally contacted by any regulators in Tanzania in relation to the current review and it is not possible for the Group to predict the scope, timing or outcome of the TCRA's review. In the event that HTT Infraco were deemed to have contravened the EPOCA, any regulations made under EPOCA or the Fair Competition Act, 2003 (the "FCC Act"), it could result in amendments to the terms of HTT Infraco's lease agreements (including tariffs), fines or other penalties. The Group believes that its tariffs and the terms of its lease agreements comply with the relevant provisions of the EPOCA, all regulations made under EPOCA (as applicable) and the FCC Act and would seek to appeal any decision to the contrary.
Material litigation could have adverse reputational and financial consequences for the Group and it may not have established adequate provisions for any potential losses associated with litigation not otherwise covered by insurance, which could have a material adverse effect on the Group's business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects. Additionally, any negative outcome with respect to any legal actions or regulatory studies, reviews or proceedings in which the Group is involved in the future could have a material adverse effect on the Group's business, financial condition and results of operations.
As of 30 June 2019, the Group had US\$805.5 million of indebtedness, comprising outstanding loans and lease liabilities. The Group currently uses debt financing and plans to continue to use debt financing for opportunities that may arise for expansion. Thus, the Group's indebtedness may increase from time to time in the future for various reasons, including fluctuations in operating results, capital expenditures and potential acquisitions or joint ventures. The Group is well-capitalised, highly cash generative and, based on its expected sources and uses of funds, does not believe the risks normally associated with debt financing will materially affect it for at least a 12-month period. However, beyond that period, should potential expansion opportunities arise, these risks may materially adversely affect the Group's business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects because:
* the Group's level of indebtedness may reduce its flexibility to respond to changing business and economic conditions or to take advantage of business opportunities that may arise;
* a portion of the Group's cash flow from operations must be dedicated to interest payments on its indebtedness and is not available for other purposes; this amount will increase if prevailing interest rates rise; and
Prevailing interest rates or other factors at the time of refinancing, such as the possible reluctance of creditors to make commercial loans to operations in developing markets, could result in higher interest rates, and the increased interest expense could, in the longer term, adversely affect the Group's ability to service its debt and to complete its capital expenditure programme.
Failure to refinance indebtedness when required could result in a default under such indebtedness. Assuming the Group meets certain financial ratios, it has the ability under its debt instruments to incur additional indebtedness, and any additional indebtedness it incurs could exacerbate the risks described above.
The Group is subject to restrictive covenants under its debt instruments. These covenants restrict, amongst other things, the Group's ability to:
Based on its expected sources and uses of funds, the Group does not believe the restrictive covenants above will materially affect it for at least a 12-month period. However, beyond that period, the restrictions contained in the Group's debt instruments may limit its ability to react to market conditions or take advantage of potential opportunities should they arise. For example, these restrictions could adversely affect the Group's ability to finance its future operations, make strategic acquisitions, investments or alliances, restructure its organisation or debt-finance longer term expansion opportunities that may arise. Additionally, the Group's ability to comply with these covenants and restrictions may be affected by events beyond the Group's control. These include prevailing economic, financial and industry conditions.
Public perception of possible health risks associated with cellular and other wireless communications technology could negatively impact the demand for wireless services, which could in turn slow the Group's revenue growth. The potential connection between radio frequency emissions, including high-frequency microwaves, and certain negative health effects as a result of tower proximity has been the subject of substantial study by the scientific community in recent years, and numerous health-related lawsuits have been filed around the world against wireless carriers and wireless device manufacturers. Negative public perception of, and regulations regarding, perceived health risks could slow the market acceptance of wireless communications services and increase opposition to the development and expansion of sites. If a scientific study or court decision resulted in a finding that radio frequency emissions pose health risks to consumers, such finding could negatively impact the market for wireless services, as well as the Group's wireless carrier customers, which could materially and adversely affect the Group's business, financial condition and results of operations. The Group does not maintain any significant insurance with respect to these matters.
The Group operates and conducts business in the Relevant Jurisdictions, which, as with many countries in emerging markets, at times experience high levels of fraud, bribery and corruption. The Group has policies and procedures in place designed to assist its compliance with applicable laws and regulations, including the U.S. Foreign Corrupt Practices Act of 1977 (the "FCPA") and the United Kingdom Bribery Act of 2010 (the "Bribery Act"). The FCPA prohibits providing, offering, promising or authorising, directly or indirectly, anything of value to government officials, political parties or political candidates for the purposes of obtaining or retaining business or securing any improper business advantage. As part of the Group's business, it deals with state-owned business enterprises, the employees of which may be considered government officials for the purposes of the FCPA. The provisions of the Bribery Act extend beyond bribery of government officials, and are more extensive than the FCPA in a number of other respects, including territorial reach, the non-exemption of facilitation payments and penalties. In particular, the Bribery Act (unlike the FCPA) does not require a corrupt or improper intent to be established in relation to the bribery of a public official and also applies to the active payment of bribes as well as the passive receiving of bribes. Furthermore, unlike the vicarious liability regime under the FCPA, whereby corporate entities can be liable for the acts of their employees, the Bribery Act introduced a new corporate offence directly applicable to corporate entities that fail to prevent bribery and do not establish and adopt adequate procedures to prevent bribery from occurring and, in certain circumstances, can render parties liable for the acts of their joint venture or commercial partners.
The Group is exposed to a risk of violating anti-corruption laws and sanctions regulations applicable in those countries where it does business. Some of the countries in which the Group does business lack a fully developed legal system and have high levels of corruption. Violations of anti-corruption laws and sanctions regulations may be punishable by civil penalties, including fines, denial of export privileges, injunctions, asset seizures and revocations or restrictions of licences, as well as criminal fines and imprisonment. In addition, any major violations could have a significant impact on the Group's reputation and consequently on its ability to grow its business.
The Group trains all of its employees to comply with such laws and regulations and the Group seeks to ensure that all of its third-party supply contracts include an undertaking that such third parties will refrain from activities that are, amongst others, illegal or unethical. However, the Group can make no assurance that its policies and procedures will be followed at all times or effectively detect and prevent all violations of the applicable laws and every instance of fraud, bribery and corruption. The Group receives claims relating to such matters by whistle-blowers from time to time which the Group investigates using internal and external resources in line with its policies. For example, in 2019 the Group received a complaint concerning a potential conflict of interest at its operations in DRC. The complaint was investigated and it was determined that a member of staff involved in supplier procurement had a personal relationship with one of the Group's suppliers. Following the investigation, which determined that a conflict of interest did exist but had not resulted in any material improprieties at the time, the contracts of two staff members and the supplier were terminated and the Group enhanced its policies and procedures related to conflicts of interest in DRC. The Group can make no assurances that whistle-blower claims will not be made in the future, or that the Group will be able to adequately address their concerns. As a result, the Group could be subject to civil or criminal penalties under the applicable law and to reputational damage which may have adverse consequences on the Group's business, financial condition, results of operations or prospects if it fails to prevent any such violations or is the subject of investigations into potential violations. In addition, such violations could also negatively impact the Group's reputation and, consequently, its ability to win future business. In Ghana and South Africa, where the Group competitively bids for contracts, any such violation by the Group's competitors, if undetected, could give them an unfair advantage when bidding for contracts. The consequences that the Group may suffer due to the foregoing could have a material adverse effect on the Group's business, financial condition and results of operations.
The Group operates all of its business in the Relevant Jurisdictions with the majority of its revenue arising in DRC and Tanzania. All of the Group's customers are also located in the Relevant Jurisdictions. Accordingly, the Group's business, financial condition, results of operations, cash flows, liquidity and/or prospects depend significantly on the economic and political conditions prevailing in each of the Relevant Jurisdictions.
Emerging markets, such as the Relevant Jurisdictions, are subject to greater risks than more developed markets. These risks include, but are not limited to, the following:
* greater political risk, and changes in, and the instability of, the political and economic environment;
Moreover, financial turmoil in any emerging market country tends to adversely affect prices in the financial markets of other emerging market countries, as investors move their money to more stable, developed markets. As has happened in the past, financial problems or an increase in the perceived risks associated with investing in emerging economies could dampen foreign investment in any of the Relevant Jurisdictions and adversely affect any such jurisdiction's economy. In addition, during such times, companies that operate in emerging markets can face severe liquidity constraints as foreign funding sources are withdrawn. Thus, even if a Relevant Jurisdiction's economy remains relatively stable, financial turmoil in any emerging market country could adversely affect the Group's business. Companies with operations in countries in emerging markets may be particularly susceptible to disruptions in the capital markets and the reduced availability of credit or the increased cost of debt, which could result in them experiencing financial difficulty. In addition, the availability of credit to entities operating within emerging markets is significantly influenced by levels of investor confidence in such markets as a whole and so any factors that impact market confidence (for example, a decrease in credit ratings or state or central bank intervention) could affect the price or availability of funding for entities within any of these markets.
Any significant changes in the political, economic or social environments in any of the Relevant Jurisdictions, including changes affecting the stability of the government or involving a rejection, reversal or significant modification of policies, favouring the privatisation of state-owned enterprises, or reforms, including in the power, banking and oil and gas sectors, may have negative effects on such Relevant Jurisdictions' economies, government revenue or foreign reserves. Should there be a material deterioration in the economy, government revenue or foreign reserves of any of the Relevant Jurisdictions, companies operating in these jurisdictions, including the Group, may be subject to higher capital costs and lower customer demand for their services, each of which could have a material adverse effect on the Group's business, financial condition, results of operations, cash flows and/or prospects.
DRC has high levels of poverty and political and social instability, which have had a negative effect on the economy. The incumbent president was scheduled to relinquish power when his second term limit expired on 19 December 2016, but the electoral commission announced in October 2016 that the elections would be postponed, leading to widespread protests and unrest. Although elections were held in December 2018 and an opposition candidate was declared the winner, the result was challenged on the basis of fraud due to an alleged alliance between the incumbent president and the winning candidate, resulting in further calls for new elections from opposition leaders and regional African bodies. The new president took office in January 2019; however, in April 2019 a coalition of groups supporting the former president won large victories in elections for provincial governors prompting protests by supporters of the new president. Ongoing political instability in DRC could lead to armed conflict and pose a significant risk to the country's stability. Certain regions of DRC, particularly the eastern province of Kasai, have undergone civil unrest, instability and fighting between militias and the armed forces that has resulted in a refugee crisis and has had and will continue to have an impact on political, social and economic conditions in DRC generally. The impact of further political, economic or social unrest in DRC could have a material adverse effect on the Group's operations there.
In Tanzania, government action has resulted in a deterioration in business sentiment due to perceived risks resulting from intensified government efforts to collect revenue and police anti-corruption, which has resulted in unpredictable policy initiatives and has delayed payment of government debts to suppliers and contractors and tax refunds, according to The World Bank. Tanzania's main port has been effectively closed by the government imposing high taxes on goods passing through it and foreign mining companies have also been subject to tax penalties and property seizures, leading some foreign investors to close their operations in Tanzania. According to reports by the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development, World Investment Report, 2018 (the "World Investment Report 2018"), foreign direct investment ("FDI") inflows to Tanzania decreased by 43.5 per cent. to US\$1.2 billion in 2017 compared to 2013. If business sentiment continues to weaken, this could lower private investment in Tanzania and reduce growth.
In Ghana, there have recently been scattered ethnic clashes in the northern part of the country, mainly caused by the perceived polarisation of minority and majority ethnic groups and a feeling of inequality. This conflict led to the deployment of military personnel into the affected areas and the establishment of a curfew by the government in those areas. Ghana's high levels of public debt and inflation have had an adverse effect on economic activity, public expenditure and other macroeconomic variables. The poor state of public finances, weak policy implementation and lack of policy credibility resulted in Ghana requesting an International Monetary Fund ("IMF") bailout in August 2014 and requesting further modification of the performance criteria in 2016.
Congo Brazzaville has seen significant political unrest in recent years, including, between 2016 and 2017, the shutdown of internet and television networks as a security measure for a few days prior to the 2016 presidential election; shootings in opposition strongholds following the re-election of the president; airstrikes and a ground offensive targeting the command centres of a former militia leader; the displacement of over 100,000 people following ground offensives in the Pool region; and the arrest of some of those who contested the 2016 election results (including candidates who also ran for president). In the Parliamentary elections held in July 2017, the vote had to be postponed in eight of the 14 constituencies of the Pool region due to continued violence. In addition, following the sharp decline in oil prices in 2014, Congo Brazzaville's economic output decreased by 50 per cent. and its national debt rose to 110 per cent. of its GDP. While it has slowly recovered in 2019, Congo Brazzaville's economy has been in a recession since 2015 and the Government has agreed a debt support programme with the International Monetary Fund in order to refinance its foreign debt. While the terms of the agreement were agreed in May 2019, the governing board of the International Monetary Fund still has to approve the deal, which will likely impose conditions on the Government and may be accompanied by obligations to restructure its debt.
Any significant changes in the political, economic or social climate in the Relevant Jurisdictions, including changes affecting the stability of the government or involving a rejection, reversal or significant modification of policies, favouring the privatisation of state-owned enterprises, or reforms, including in the power, banking and oil and gas sectors, may have negative effects on the economy, government revenue or foreign reserves and, as a result, a material adverse effect on the Group's business, financial condition, results of operations, cash flows and/or prospects.
The tax systems in the Relevant Jurisdictions are unpredictable, which gives rise to significant uncertainties and complicates the Group's tax planning and business decisions. As emerging market economies, the Relevant Jurisdictions' government policies and regulations on taxation, customs and excise duties may change from time to time as is considered necessary for the development of the economy. The tax authorities in the Relevant Jurisdictions are often arbitrary in their interpretation of tax laws, as well as in their enforcement and tax collection activities. For example, the Ghanaian Government has taken steps to (i) make income tax provisions more specific, relevant and straightforward through the enactment of the Income Tax Act 2015/896 ("Act 896"); and (ii) consolidate the tax authority's power in a single law, the Income Tax Act 2016/915 ("Act 915"), to simplify the administration of taxes and reduce the loss of revenues due to ineffective tax collection. However, Act 896 and Act 915 contain many untested rules and there is little or no judicial precedent as to how strictly the courts would interpret them.
In addition, in certain of the Relevant Jurisdictions, the characterisation of the intragroup lending arrangements from a tax perspective is uncertain because certain of the Relevant Jurisdictions have requirements to contract on arm's length terms, which term is not clearly defined. Changes in government policies on taxation, customs and excise duties, as well as inconsistencies in the interpretation of and decisions relating to tax laws, may have an adverse effect on the Group's business, financial condition, results of operations, cash flows and/or prospects. A failure by the Group to meet any of these taxation requirements, such as specific debt-to-equity ratios for the capitalisation of the Group companies, could also have an adverse effect on the Group's business, financial condition, results of operations, cash flows and/or prospects.
Many of the Group's operating companies are forced to negotiate their tax bills with tax inspectors who may assess additional taxes. The Group is currently subject to tax audits and tax reviews in the various jurisdictions in which it operates and has been the subject of tax challenges in some of these jurisdictions. Any additional tax liability, as well as any unforeseen changes in applicable tax laws or changes in the tax authority's interpretation of local laws or the respective double tax treaties in effect in the Relevant Jurisdictions (including measures enacted in response to the ongoing initiatives in relation to fiscal legislation at an international level, such as the Action Plan on Base Erosion and Profit Shifting of the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development) could have a material adverse effect on the Group's future results of operations and cash flows, especially if the Group is unable to pass these taxes on to its customers. Such amounts may not be sufficient to meet any liability the Group may ultimately face, or the Group may identify tax contingencies for which it has not recorded an accrual. Local authorities in some countries in which the Group operates are entitled to freeze the Group's bank accounts until amounts due (or provisional amounts) have been paid, which could have a material adverse effect on the Group's financial condition.
Failure to adequately and permanently address the significant deficiencies in each of the Relevant Jurisdictions' electricity generation, transmission and distribution infrastructure and related concerns within the electricity sector could lead to lower GDP growth and hamper the development of these economies which, in turn, may decrease customer demand for the Group's services. If this did occur, it may have an adverse effect on the Group's business, financial condition, results of operations, cash flows and/or prospects.
By way of example, Ghana has experienced significant shortages in electricity supply in the last two decades. Between 2013 and 2015, Ghana suffered an extensive electricity crisis. The country was declaring planned shut downs of part or parts of the country's electricity grid, known colloquially as "load shedding", in the range of 90 to 300 megawatts daily because of the deficit in electricity generation. This led to the collapse of many businesses since they were forced to seek alternative sources of power, which were unusually expensive. The government executed various agreements to generate enough electricity to meet the demand. The success of the project aimed at increasing electricity generation in the country has led to a more stable supply of electricity; however, there can be no assurance that similar electricity shortages will not impact Ghana in the future.
Tanzania also has electricity shortages. Tanzania is reliant on hydroelectric power which makes electricity shortages more frequent in the summer months when there is less rainfall. There are small and off-grid electricity stations, but these are insufficient to meet demand or to promote widespread industrialisation. Tanzania's national electricity company, TANESCO, continues to struggle financially, leading to underinvestment in transmission and distribution capabilities.
In Congo Brazzaville, disruption to the rail transportation between Pointe-Noire and Brazzaville following violence breaking out in connection with the 2016 elections caused fuel shortages in Brazzaville and part of the northern part of Congo Brazzaville. Moreover, an electricity shortage has forced Congo Brazzaville to import increasing amounts of electricity from DRC. Congo Brazzaville's plans to reduce its reliance on electricity imports by expanding current facilities and constructing additional generation facilities may be unsuccessful.
In DRC, despite two existing hydroelectric dams connected to one of the largest waterfalls in the world, DRC's national electricity utility ("SNEL") cannot meet the growing energy needs and electricity demands of the vast country, primarily due to the age and poor maintenance of SNEL electricity stations. As a result, DRC has one of the lowest electricity supply rates in the world and its electrical grid is subject to constant electricity outages. Furthermore, as a result of the remoteness of the locations in which some of the Group's sites in DRC are situated, only 52 per cent. of the Group's sites in DRC were connected to the electrical grid as of 30 June 2019.
South Africa has experienced electricity shortages since the mid-2000s, caused by shortages of coal and diesel and delays in building new plants and maintenance on existing plants. Although the electricity supply in South Africa had improved prior to this year, Eskom, the state energy provider, began "load shedding" in December 2018. This "load shedding" rose to Stage 4 in February 2019 and was reinstated in March 2019. Under Stage 4, approximately 80 per cent. of the country's demand is met through scheduled shutdowns 12 times over a four-day period for two hours at a time, or 12 times over an eight-day period for four hours at a time. Eskom's inability to fully meet the country's demand for electricity has led and may continue to lead to rolling blackouts, unscheduled power cuts and surveillance programmes to ensure non-essential lighting and electricity appliances are powered off.
Although the Relevant Jurisdictions have implemented and are pursuing initiatives to prevent and fight corruption and unlawful enrichment, corruption remains a significant issue across Africa and in emerging markets. The Relevant Jurisdictions have the following rankings in Transparency International's 2018 Corruption Perceptions Index:
Despite various reform efforts, corruption continues to be a serious problem impacting the Relevant Jurisdictions. For example, although an anti-corruption framework is in place, the government of Congo Brazzaville has not implemented anti-corruption laws effectively and government officials engage in corruption, with corruption-related prosecutions frequently politically motivated. Failure to address these issues, continued corruption in the public sector and any future allegations of, or perceived risk of, corruption in any of the Relevant Jurisdictions could have an adverse effect on that Relevant Jurisdiction's economy and may have a negative effect on its ability to attract foreign investment and, as a result, may have a material adverse effect on the Group's business, financial condition, results of operations, cash flows and/or prospects.
Inflation in some of the Relevant Jurisdictions has historically been high and in certain jurisdictions continues to increase.
If inflation levels in any of the Relevant Jurisdictions materially increase, the economy of such Relevant Jurisdiction may be adversely affected as a result of, amongst other things, a decline in the purchasing power of its inhabitants.
No representation or warranty, express or implied, is made and no responsibility or liability is accepted by any person other than the Company and its Directors, as to the accuracy, completeness, verification or sufficiency of the information contained herein, and nothing in this Registration Document is, or may be relied upon as a promise or representation in this respect, as to the past or future. No person is or has been authorised to give any information or to make any representation not contained in or not consistent with this Registration Document and, if given or made, such information or representation must not be relied upon as having been authorised by or on behalf of the Company or the Directors. The delivery of this Registration Document shall not, under any circumstances, create any implication that there has been no change in the business or affairs of the Group since the date of this Registration Document or that the information contained herein is correct as of any time subsequent to its date.
This Registration Document has been filed with, and approved by, the FCA (as competent authority under the Prospectus Regulation) and has been made available to the public in accordance with the Prospectus Rules. The FCA only approves this Registration Document as meeting the standards of completeness, comprehensibility and consistency imposed by the Prospectus Regulation; such approval should not be considered as an endorsement of the company that is the subject of this Registration Document. This Registration Document may be combined with a securities note and summary to form a prospectus in accordance with the Prospectus Rules. A prospectus is required before an issuer can offer transferable securities to the public or request the admission of transferable securities to trading on a regulated market. However, this Registration Document, where not combined with the securities note and summary to form a prospectus, does not constitute an offer or invitation to sell or issue, or a solicitation of an offer or invitation to purchase or subscribe for, any securities in the Company in any jurisdiction, nor shall this Registration Document alone (or any part of it), or the fact of its distribution, form the basis of, or be relied upon in connection with, or act as any inducement to enter into, any contract or commitment whatsoever with respect to any offer or otherwise.
The contents of this Registration Document are not to be construed as legal, business or tax advice.
This Registration Document is not intended to provide the basis of any credit or other evaluation and should not be considered as a recommendation by any of the Company, the Directors, any of the Company's advisers or any of their affiliates or representatives regarding the securities of the Company.
The Group's financial statements have been prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards issued by the International Accounting Standards Board ("IASB") as adopted by the European Union ("IFRS"). The Historical Financial Information (as defined below) was authorised for issue by the Board on 12 September 2019. The financial statements are presented in U.S. dollars, which is the Group's presentational currency. Except as indicated, financial information presented is to the nearest U.S. thousand dollars. The Group's financial statements are prepared on a going concern basis using the historical cost as modified by the revaluation for certain financial assets and liabilities.
Part X: "Historical Financial Information" includes the Historical Financial Information, as well as an Accountants' Report thereon prepared by Deloitte LLP. Part X: "Historical Financial Information" is set out in two parts as follows:
Unless otherwise indicated, historical financial information in this Registration Document related to the Group has been extracted from the Group's consolidated historical financial information as of and for the three years ended 31 December 2016, 2017 and 2018 and as of and for the six months ended 30 June 2018 and 2019 (the "Historical Financial Information"), in all cases prepared in accordance with IFRS. The Historical Financial Information has been prepared in accordance with the requirements of the Prospectus Rules. The Historical Financial Information was also prepared in accordance with the provisions of the Mauritian Companies Act, which requirements are in addition to, and do not conflict with, the requirements under IFRS.
The Historical Financial Information is covered by the accountants' report issued by Deloitte LLP, a member firm of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited, located at 1 New Street Square, London, EC4A 3HQ, United Kingdom, in accordance with the Standards for Investment Reporting issued by the Auditing Practices Board in the United Kingdom. Deloitte LLP is an independent auditor in accordance with the guidelines on independence issued by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of England and Wales and the Auditing Practices Board in the United Kingdom.
The Historical Financial Information as of and for the six months ended 30 June 2018 in this Registration Document has been extracted from the Group's accounting records and is unaudited.
In this Registration Document, no representation is made that any foreign currency in the countries in which the Group operates or U.S. dollar amounts referred to in this Registration Document could have been or could be converted into U.S. dollars, as the case may be, at any particular rate or at all. See "— Exchange Controls".
The financial information included in this Registration Document was not prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles in the United States ("U.S. GAAP"). There could be significant differences between IFRS, as applied by the Group, and U.S. GAAP. The Group neither describes the differences between IFRS and U.S. GAAP nor reconciles its IFRS financial statements to U.S. GAAP. The financial information included in this Registration Document is not intended to comply with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission's reporting requirements. Compliance with such requirements would require the modification, reformulation or exclusion of certain financial measures. In addition, changes would be required in the presentation of certain other information.
Rounding adjustments have been made in calculating some of the financial and operating information included in this Registration Document. As a result, numerical figures shown as total amounts in some tables may not be exact arithmetic aggregations of the figures that make up such total amounts.
The Group has included in this Registration Document statistical data relating to its business, such as the number of sites, number of tenancies, tenancy ratio, contracted revenue and the weighted average remaining life of its customers' site contracts. The Group has described the manner in which it calculated this data in this Registration Document. This data is derived from management estimates and is not part of the Historical Financial Information and has not been audited or reviewed by auditors, consultants or experts. Other companies in the telecommunications tower industry may calculate and present this data in a different manner and, therefore, the Group's data, when compared with data presented by other companies, may not be directly comparable.
This Registration Document presents supplemental measures of the Group's performance and financial position that are not required by, or presented in accordance with, IFRS ("Non-IFRS measures"). These Non-IFRS measures include Adjusted EBITDA, last quarter annualised Adjusted EBITDA, Adjusted EBITDA margin, gross debt, net debt, gross leverage, net leverage, Portfolio Free Cash Flow, Leveraged Portfolio Free Cash Flow, Adjusted Free Cash Flow and Free Cash Flow.
A reconciliation of each of the Non-IFRS measures to the most directly comparable measures calculated and presented in accordance with IFRS and a discussion of their limitations are set out below. The Group does not regard these Non-IFRS measures as a substitute for, or superior to, the equivalent measures calculated and presented in accordance with IFRS or those calculated using financial measures that are calculated in accordance with IFRS. Each Non-IFRS financial measure has limitations as an analytical tool, and each measure should not be considered in isolation from, or as a substitute for, analysis of the Group's financial condition, cash flows, or results of operations, as reported under IFRS. In addition, the Non-IFRS financial measures are not standardised terms, hence, a direct comparison between companies using such terms may not be possible.
The Group defines "Adjusted EBITDA" as loss for the period, adjusted for tax expenses, finance costs, other gains and losses, interest receivable, loss on disposal of property, plant and equipment, amortisation of intangible assets, depreciation and impairment of property, plant and equipment, depreciation of right-of-use assets, recharged depreciation, deal costs for aborted acquisitions, deal costs not capitalised, share-based payments and long-term incentive plan charges, and exceptional items. Exceptional items are material items that are considered exceptional in nature by management by virtue of their size and/or incidence. Adjusted EBITDA is not a measure of financial performance or liquidity under IFRS and should not be considered as an alternative to net profit, income from operations or any other performance measures derived in accordance with IFRS or as an alternative to cash flow from operating activities as a measure of liquidity.
Adjusted EBITDA is the measure used by the Group to assess the performance of its businesses and is therefore the measure of segment profit that the Group presents under IFRS. Adjusted EBITDA is also presented on a Group basis because the Group believes it is important to consider its profitability on a basis consistent with that of its operating segments. When presented on a consolidated basis, Adjusted EBITDA is a Non-IFRS measure.
The Group believes that Adjusted EBITDA facilitates comparisons of operating performance from period to period and company to company by eliminating potential differences caused by variations in capital structures (affecting interest and finance charges), tax positions (such as the impact on periods or companies of changes in effective tax rates or net operating losses) and the age and booked depreciation on assets. The Group excludes certain items from Adjusted EBITDA, such as loss on disposal of property, plant and equipment, and exceptional items because it believes they are not indicative of its underlying trading performance. Adjusted EBITDA has been presented because the Group believes that it is frequently used by securities analysts, investors and other interested parties in evaluating similar companies, many of whom present such Non-IFRS measures when reporting their results.
The Group defines "last quarter annualised Adjusted EBITDA" as Adjusted EBITDA for a three-month period of a respective year multiplied by four. In this Registration Document, the Group defines "last quarter annualised Adjusted EBITDA" as Adjusted EBITDA for the three months ended 30 June of the respective year multiplied by four, unless otherwise stated.
The Group defines "Adjusted EBITDA margin" as Adjusted EBITDA divided by revenue.
Adjusted EBITDA, last quarter annualised Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA margin have limitations as analytical tools. Some of these limitations are:
The Group defines "gross debt" as its non-current loans and current loans and long-term and short-term lease liabilities. The Group defines "net debt" as its gross debt less cash and cash equivalents. The Group defines "gross leverage" as gross debt divided by Adjusted EBITDA as of 31 December 2016, 31 December 2017, 31 December 2018, and gross debt divided by Last Quarter Annualised Adjusted EBITDA as of 30 June 2018 and 30 June 2019. The Group defines "net leverage" as net debt divided by Adjusted EBITDA as of 31 December 2016, 31 December 2017, 31 December 2018, and net debt divided by Last Quarter Annualised Adjusted EBITDA as of 30 June 2018 and 30 June 2019. The Group presents gross debt, net debt, gross leverage and net leverage in this Registration Document for use in evaluating the Group's capital structure and leverage. Gross debt, net debt, gross leverage and net leverage are not measurements of financial position under IFRS and should not be considered as alternatives to total debt outstanding, total liabilities or any other performance measure derived in accordance with IFRS. Gross debt, net debt, gross leverage, net leverage and similar measures are used by different companies for differing purposes and are often calculated in ways that reflect the circumstances of those companies. Accordingly, caution is required in comparing these measures as reported by the Group to similar measures of other companies.
The Group defines "Portfolio Free Cash Flow" as Adjusted EBITDA less tax paid, maintenance and corporate capital expenditure and cash payments in respect of lease liabilities (including related interest). The Group defines "Leveraged Portfolio Free Cash Flow" as Portfolio Free Cash Flow less net payment of interest. The Group defines "Adjusted Free Cash Flow" as Leveraged Portfolio Free Cash Flow less investment capital expenditure. The Group defines "Free Cash Flow" as Adjusted Free Cash Flow less cash flows from changes in working capital, exceptional items, deal costs, the Vodacom Tanzania Plc share repurchase and the proceeds from the disposal of assets. The Group presents Portfolio Free Cash Flow, Leveraged Portfolio Free Cash Flow, Adjusted Free Cash Flow and Free Cash Flow in this Registration Document because it believes that these metrics facilitate the comparison of cash generation from existing assets between periods and companies in the sector in which the Group operates. Portfolio Free Cash Flow, Leveraged Portfolio Free Cash Flow, Adjusted Free Cash Flow and Free Cash Flow are not measures of financial performance or liquidity under IFRS and should not be considered as alternatives to cash flow from operating activities as a measure of liquidity. For a quantitative reconciliation of the Group's Portfolio Free Cash Flow, Leveraged Portfolio Free Cash Flow, Adjusted Free Cash Flow and Free Cash Flow to cash flow from operating activities see Part VIII: "Selected Financial Information".
Portfolio Free Cash Flow, Leveraged Portfolio Free Cash Flow, Adjusted Free Cash Flow and Free Cash Flow do not reflect any requirement to repay the Group's loans and do not take into account cash flows that are available from disposals or the issue of shares. The Group therefore takes such factors into account in addition to these measures when determining the resources available for acquisitions and for distribution to shareholders.
Unless otherwise indicated, all references in this Registration Document to "sterling", "pounds sterling", "GBP", "£" or "pence" are to the lawful currency of the United Kingdom. All references to "euro" or "€" are to the currency introduced at the start of the third stage of the European Economic and Monetary Union pursuant to the Treaty establishing the European Community, as amended. All references to "U.S. dollars", "USD" or "US\$" are to the lawful currency of the United States. All references to "Rand", "R" or "ZAR" are to the lawful currency of the Republic of South Africa. All references to "Tanzanian shilling" are to the lawful currency of the United Republic of Tanzania. All references to "Congolese franc" are to the lawful currency of the Democratic Republic of Congo. All references to "cedi" are to the lawful currency of the Republic of Ghana. All references to "Central African franc" or "XAF" are to the currency used by the members of the Central African Economic and Monetary Community, of which the Republic of Congo is one.
The Group prepares its financial statements and the Historical Financial Information included in this Registration Document in U.S. dollars. Unless otherwise indicated, the Historical Financial Information contained in this Registration Document is presented in U.S. dollars on a consolidated basis.
For illustrative purposes only, this Registration Document presents unaudited translations of the currencies used in the countries in which the Group operates to amounts in U.S. dollars at the relevant exchange rates as of 30 June 2019.
No representation is made that the Tanzanian shilling, Congolese franc, Ghanaian cedi, Central African franc, South African rand or the U.S. dollar amounts in this Registration Document could have been converted into U.S. dollars or Tanzanian shillings, Congolese francs, Ghanaian cedis or Central African francs, as the case may be, at any particular rate or at all. In addition, fluctuations in the exchange rate between the Tanzanian shilling, the Congolese franc, the Ghanaian cedi, the Central African franc and the U.S. dollar in the past are not necessarily indicative of fluctuations that may occur in the future.
In Tanzania, the exchange of foreign currency is allowed under the law provided that the exchange is undertaken either with a registered bank or financial institution or a registered exchange bureau within Tanzania. After undertaking an exchange of foreign currency, it is a legal requirement to demand a fiscal receipt and to provide identification of the person who has exchanged foreign currency.
The philosophy underpinning DRC exchange control policy is the liberalisation of transactions into and out of DRC. However, in order to avoid large capital outflows and the disequilibrium in the balance of payments, restricted exchange control measures have been adopted from time to time, according to circumstances. The Central Bank of Congo has authority to regulate the transfers of corporeal and incorporeal assets into and out of DRC by subjecting the transactions at the origin of such transfers to its authorisations and by setting forth all formalities and conditions of execution pertaining to these transactions. The existing exchange regime is liberal despite the introduction of new exchange regulations by the Central Bank of Congo on 25 March 2014, which, inter alia, establish the primacy of the Congolese franc over foreign currencies with respect to certain types of transactions.
Although the external value of the Congolese franc is allowed to fluctuate according to market forces, the government actually maintains strict control over the relationships between the national currency and foreign currencies and official rates are fixed in an administrative fashion. The official buying and selling rates of exchange fixed by the Central Bank of Congo are used as reference rates by the authorised banks and intermediaries. Commercial banks may avail themselves of a five per cent. maximum margin in addition to the official selling rate.
The Republic of Congo is a member of the Central African Economic and Monetary Community (CEMAC), and the Central African CFA (Coopération financière en Afrique central) franc (which is referred to herein as the Central African franc) is also used by the other members of the monetary zone. Members are required by international agreement to apply exchange control regulations modelled on those of France. This agreement guarantees the availability of foreign exchange and the unlimited convertibility of the Central African franc with the euro at a fixed rate. Transfers within the monetary zone are not restricted but inward direct investment requires a prior declaration when valued at more than 100 million Central African francs. The term inward direct investment means the purchase or acquisition of equity in a resident entity in view of having a lasting interest in that entity. Holding at least 10 per cent. of the shares in a resident entity is also regarded as an inward direct investment.
Exchange control regulations are liberal and capital movements are generally permitted subject to certain exceptions. Loans obtained by companies in the Republic of Congo from foreign entities require prior authorisation when the outstanding amount exceeds 100 million Central African francs, through declaration made to the Ministry of Finances as well as to the central bank 30 days prior to the receipt of funds. Repayments of such loans must also be notified to the Ministry of Finances and central bank within 30 days. The absence of a declaration gives rise to a 20 per cent. fine on the amount of the transaction. The reinvestment of undistributed profits, through increase of share capital, does not require prior declaration.
Transfers of currency outside of the monetary zone of 1,000,000 Central African francs or more require prior declaration. Transfers for payments of transactions abroad, in excess of 5,000,000 Central African francs, must be made through an authorised intermediary, namely a bank authorised by the central bank to act as an intermediary. Transfers of currency outside of the monetary zone, by foreign nationals residing and salaried in the country, to cover family and dependants' expenses are permitted and limited to a portion of their remuneration. Transfers in settlement of imports in excess of 100 million Central African francs are subject to reinforced control from the authorised intermediary.
Under the Foreign Exchange Act, 2006 (Act 723) and notices issued by the Bank of Ghana thereunder, payments made in foreign currency to and from Ghana between residents and non-residents, or between non-residents, must be made through a bank or any other person authorised by the Bank of Ghana to carry on the business of foreign exchange transfers. Furthermore, without permission from the Bank of Ghana, residents are prohibited from receiving or making payments in foreign currencies in respect of the provision of goods or services other than payments required to meet legitimate external payment obligations.
The South African Exchange Control Regulations issued under the South African Currency and Exchange Act, 1933 (the "South African Exchange Control Regulations") provide for restrictions on exporting capital from South Africa, the Republic of Namibia and the Kingdoms of Lesotho and Swaziland (the "Common Monetary Area"). Transactions between residents of the Common Monetary Area, on the one hand, including corporations, and persons whose normal place of residence, domicile or registration is outside of the Common Monetary Area ("Non-residents"), on the other hand, are subject to these Exchange Control Regulations.
Currency and shares are not freely transferable from South Africa to any jurisdiction outside the geographical borders of South Africa or jurisdictions outside of the Common Monetary Area. These transfers must comply with the South African Exchange Control Regulations.
Certain market, economic and industry data and forecasts in this Registration Document were obtained from the Hardiman Report, which examines the largest tower markets in Sub-Saharan Africa, and in particular those markets where the Group has operations namely DRC, Tanzania, Congo Brazzaville, Ghana and South Africa. The Hardiman Report was commissioned by the Company for use in this Registration Document and is entitled "Helios Towers: Sub-Saharan Africa Tower Market Assessment and Lease Up Analysis" and is dated August 2019. This report was prepared during the first quarter of 2019 and updated with respect to South Africa in June 2019. The Hardiman Report was produced by making use of publications comprising industry data, forecasts, surveys and other information made available to Hardiman by third-party data providers and MNOs operating in DRC, Tanzania, Congo Brazzaville, Ghana and South Africa. Those publications are based on estimates in respect of the Group and the Group's markets whereas Hardiman was provided with actual data by the Group. The Hardiman Report is therefore based on a combination of thirdparty sources, adjusted where appropriate to reflect actual Group data. As such, the data, statistics and analysis provided by Hardiman may differ from the data, statistics and analysis contained in other industry publications.
In addition, the Company obtained market data, certain industry forecasts and other statistical data used in this Registration Document from internal surveys, reports and studies, where appropriate, as well as market research, publicly available information and industry and other publications, including publications and data compiled by Detecon Consulting, The Economist, Ericsson, Fitch Solutions, GSMA Intelligence, Hardiman, TeleGeography and TowerXchange, trade associations, telecommunications regulators and governmental and intergovernmental organisations including the IMF, the United Nations, the U.S. Central Intelligence Agency, the African Development Bank Group and The World Bank Group.
The Company has also used information provided by ministries in the jurisdictions in which the Group operates. The official data published by these ministries may be substantially less complete or researched than data published in more developed countries. Official statistics may also be produced on different bases from those used in more developed countries.
While the Directors believe the third-party information included herein to be reliable, the Company has not independently verified such third-party information, and the Company does not make any representation or warranty as to the accuracy or completeness of such information as set forth in this Registration Document. The Company confirms that all third-party data contained in this Registration Document has been accurately reproduced and, so far as the Company is aware and able to ascertain from information published by those third parties, no facts have been omitted that would render the reproduced information inaccurate or misleading.
Where third-party information has been used in this Registration Document, the source of such information has been identified.
Certain statements included herein may constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of the securities laws of certain jurisdictions. Certain such forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "believes", "expects", "may", "are expected to", "intends", "will", "will continue", "should", "would be", "seeks", "anticipates" or similar expressions or the negative thereof or other variations thereof or comparable terminology. These forward-looking statements include all matters that are not historical facts. They appear in a number of places throughout this Registration Document and include statements regarding the Group's intentions, beliefs or current expectations concerning, amongst other things, its results in relation to operations, financial condition, liquidity, prospects, growth, strategies and the industry in which it operates. By their nature, forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties because they relate to events and depend on circumstances that may or may not occur in the future.
Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and the Group's actual results of operations, financial condition and liquidity, and the development of the industry in which it operates, may differ materially from those made in or suggested by the forward-looking statements contained in this Registration Document. In addition, even if the Group's results of operations, financial condition and liquidity and the development of the industry in which it operates are consistent with the forward-looking statements contained in this Registration Document, those results or developments may not be indicative of results or developments in subsequent periods. Important factors that could cause those differences include, but are not limited to:
The sections of this Registration Document entitled Part I: "Risk Factors", Part VI: "Information on the Group" and Part IX: "Operating and Financial Review and Prospects" contain a more complete discussion of the factors that could affect the Group's future performance and the industry in which it operates. In light of these risks, uncertainties and assumptions, the forward-looking events described in this Registration Document may not occur.
These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this Registration Document. Subject to the requirements of the Prospectus Rules, the Disclosure Guidance and Transparency Rules, the Market Abuse Regulation or applicable law, the Group explicitly disclaims any intention or obligation or undertaking publicly to release the result of any revisions to any forward-looking statements in this Registration Document that may occur due to any change in the Group's expectations or to reflect events or circumstances after the date of it. All subsequent written and oral forward-looking statements attributable to either the Group or to persons acting on its behalf are expressly qualified in their entirety by the cautionary statements referred to above and contained elsewhere in this Registration Document.
Certain terms used in this Registration Document, including all capitalised terms and certain technical and other terms, are defined and explained in Part XII: "Definitions". Additional industry-related terms and those specific to the Group's operations are defined and explained in Part XIII: "Glossary".
The contents of the Company's website, any website mentioned in this Registration Document or any website directly or indirectly linked to these websites have not been verified and do not form part of this Registration Document.
No person has been authorised to give any information or make any representation other than those contained in this Registration Document and, if given or made, such information or representation must not be relied upon as having been so authorised. The delivery of this Registration Document shall not, under any circumstances, create any implication that there has been no change in the affairs of the Group since the date of this Registration Document or that the information in this Registration Document is correct as of any time subsequent to the date hereof.
| Directors | Kash Pandya (Director and Chief Executive Officer) David Wassong (Non-Executive Director) Temitope Lawani (Non-Executive Director) Richard Byrne (Non-Executive Director) Simon Poole (Non-Executive Director) Vishma Dharshini Boyjonauth (Non-Executive Director) Simon Pitcher (Non-Executive Director) Anja Blumert (Non-Executive Director) Xavier Rocoplan (Non-Executive Director) Nelson Oliveira (Non-Executive Director) Joshua Ho-Walker (Non-Executive Director) Umberto Pisoni Non-Executive (Director) Carlos Reyes (Non-Executive Director) |
|---|---|
| Company Secretary | Intercontinental Trust Limited |
| Registered office of the Company | Level 3 Alexander House 35 Cybercity Ebene Mauritius |
| Headquarters of the Group | DIC Unit 102 1st Floor Building 05 Dubai United Arab Emirates |
| English and U.S. legal advisers to the Company |
Linklaters LLP One Silk Street London EC2Y 8HQ United Kingdom |
| Reporting Accountants and Auditors |
Deloitte LLP 1 New Street Square London EC4A 3HQ United Kingdom |
The information in the following section has been provided for background purposes. The information has been extracted from a variety of sources released by public and private organisations as described in Part II: "Presentation of Information on the Group". The information has been accurately reproduced from these sources and, as far as the Company is aware and is able to ascertain from information published by these sources, no facts have been omitted which would render the reproduced information inaccurate or misleading. Industry publications, surveys and forecasts generally state that the information contained therein has been obtained from sources believed to be reliable, but that the accuracy and completeness of such information is not guaranteed. The Company believes that these industry publications, surveys and forecasts are reliable but the Company has not independently verified them and cannot guarantee their accuracy or completeness.
The projections and forward-looking statements in this section are not guarantees of future performance and actual events and circumstances could differ materially from current expectations. Numerous factors could cause or contribute to such differences. See Part I: "Risk Factors" and "Information regarding forward looking statements" in Part II: "Presentation of Information on the Group".
The key participants in the mobile telecommunications sector include:
The mobile telecommunications sector in Sub-Saharan Africa is large, growing and benefits from a number of favourable macroeconomic, structural and regulatory conditions. In 2018, Sub-Saharan Africa accounted for nearly a tenth of the global mobile subscriber base; however it remains substantially underpenetrated compared to other global markets and is expected to grow faster than any other region of the world between 2018 and 2025 based on unique subscribers (GSMA Report, The Mobile Economy 2019). Sub-Saharan Africa is a mobile-dominated region in which most of the incumbent fixed-line operators experience difficulties providing services to large subscriber bases and fixed line penetration is less than one per cent. (Detecon Consulting, Telecommunications in Sub-Saharan Africa, May 2016). While Sub-Saharan Africa has comparatively low mobile penetration, mobile networks play an increasingly significant role in improving socioeconomic development in many countries in the region, which have a combined population of over one billion people.
Source: GSMA Intelligence Database, June 2019
The independent tower company model is driven by MNOs seeking to release capital from passive infrastructure investment by disposing of their towers to specialised infrastructure companies, by way of sale or long lease, with the MNO then leasing back space on those towers as an anchor tenant to install and operate their radio frequency and transmission equipment. This model enables MNOs to focus on their core business model of acquiring customers and providing or developing services for those customers, and expanding network coverage and services without the distractions and complexities of operating passive assets. This trend has been emphasised by various sale and leaseback deals in recent years. The independent tower company model is well-established in the United States, Latin America, China, India and Indonesia. Independent telecommunications towers companies have recently grown in prominence in Sub-Saharan Africa as MNOs seek to reduce costs, densify network coverage in urban areas and accelerate expansion into rural communities. Similarly, independent tower companies in Sub-Saharan Africa are increasingly regarded as partners of MNOs and the Group believes there is little strategic benefit to MNOs operating in Sub-Saharan Africa owning and managing towers rather than leasing tower infrastructure. Tower construction can make up a substantial proportion of capital investments for MNOs and managing towers in many African countries can be more difficult than in most other parts of the world, not least because of the extensive coverage areas and unreliable power supplies. Power cuts can lead to considerable network downtime and force MNOs to invest in backup generators to maintain network operations. Tower companies have the knowhow to build and optimise telecommunications sites, as well as rationalise the necessary operating costs. Following the expected closing of American Tower's merger with Eaton Towers by the end of 2019, the main independent tower companies in Sub-Saharan Africa will be the Group, American Tower and IHS.
The combination of continued population growth (particularly of under 30s), rapid urbanisation, increases in GDP and disposable incomes, reduced prices for end-user devices with greater functionality and the slow development of fixed broadband connectivity (particularly with regard to last mile access) is expected to provide a favourable context for continued growth in the demand for basic and more data-centric mobile communications services. This dynamic is in turn expected to favour continued investment and growth in mobile communications infrastructure and generally benefit the independent tower company sector.
The fast-growing population of and rapid urbanisation in Sub-Saharan Africa are among the key driving forces behind the growing adoption of mobile technology. The population across the five markets in which the Group operates is expected to almost double from 233 million at the end of 2018 to 462 million in 2050 (UN World Population Prospects, 2019). Over the period 2018 to 2050, the population of Sub-Saharan Africa is projected to grow by 104 per cent., compared to 19 per cent. in Latin America and 16 per cent. in Asia (UN World Population Prospects, 2019).
The scope for further growth of the mobile sector in Sub-Saharan Africa is further underlined by the relatively low number of people using mobile voice or data services in the region compared to the number globally. The unique mobile subscriber penetration in Sub-Saharan Africa was 44 per cent. at the end of 2018, substantially below the global average of 67 per cent. Lack of network coverage remains a major barrier for many unconnected people in the region; approximately a third of the region's population are not covered by a mobile broadband ("MBB") network, most in rural areas where more than half of the population live. The unique subscriber base in the region totalled 471 million, equivalent to approximately nine per cent. of unique global subscribers, and is expected to grow to 636 million by 2025, a compound annual growth rate of 4.4 per cent., more than double the global compound annual growth rate over the same period. As a result, the mobile penetration rate in Sub-Saharan Africa is forecast to reach 50 per cent. by the end of 2023, and 51 per cent. by the end of 2025 (GSMA Report, The Mobile Economy 2019).
The Group's markets also have young populations that are enthusiastic mobile users, with an average of over 67 per cent. of the population of the Group's markets being under 30 compared to 35 per cent. in G7 countries. Under 30s are early adopters of mobile technology and use it extensively for social activities and entertainment, resulting in prolonged use coupled with heavy data consumption. Furthermore, the number of unique subscribers in the Group's markets is expected to increase by 25.4 million between 2018 and 2023 (GSMA Intelligence, The Mobile Economy 2019).
Urbanisation is a further factor supporting the growth of mobile communications in Africa. An affluent, educated urban population with increasing digital skills creates demand for new mobile services and drives data consumption. Africa is forecast to be the home of the 10 fastest growing cities in the world in the period between 2020 and 2035 (UN World Urbanisation Prospects, May 2018) of which four are in the Group's current markets (Dar es Salaam – Tanzania, Mbuji-Mayi – DRC, Kinshasa – DRC and Lubumbashi – DRC). By 2024, the number of people living in urban areas in the Group's markets is expected to increase by 27 million, or 11 per cent., compared to 2018 (UN World Urbanisation Prospects, May 2018).
Source: UN World Population Prospects, 2019
Unique Subscribers (millions) Data Subscribers (millions)
————— Source: GSMA Report, The Mobile Economy, 2019
31
Source: GSMA Report, The Mobile Economy, 2019
Annual real GDP growth between 2018 and 2024 for the Group's markets excluding South Africa is expected to be 4.5 per cent. (revenue weighted), compared to 3.8 per cent. across Sub-Saharan Africa as a whole, and 1.5 per cent. in the G7 countries, over the same period (IMF World Economic Outlook Database, April 2019). As of 31 December 2018, five of the top 10 forecasted fastest growing economies in the world were in Africa and include Ghana (World Bank, Global Economic Prospects, January 2019). Strong GDP growth in the Group's markets combined with growing disposable incomes and falling prices of devices and subscription plans will fuel the increased adoption of mobile services and promote usage.
Group Markets
Source: IMF, World Economic Outlook Database, April 2019
The Group believes that the mobile telecommunications sector is not just a beneficiary of GDP growth, but that it is also a driver of continued economic development. For many consumers across Sub-Saharan Africa, the mobile phone is not only a communication device but also the primary means to access online services. It is a vital tool for accessing social networks and entertainment, a means of participating in commercial and financial activities as well as a gateway to healthcare, education and other government services offered online. This is particularly true in rural areas, where more than half the population live and the provision of these services by conventional means is constrained by acute funding, skills and infrastructure gaps.
Mobile money continued to expand rapidly across Sub-Saharan Africa in 2018. The total value and number of mobile money transactions grew year-on-year by 15.3 per cent. and 11.8 per cent., respectively, to reach US\$26.8 billion and 1.7 billion. There were 132 live mobile money services across the region at the end of 2018, with 146 million active accounts (GSMA Report, State of the Industry Report on Mobile Money 2018). Although East Africa remains the largest mobile money market, accounting for 56.4 per cent. of total users in the region, West Africa and Central Africa have seen rapid uptake in recent years, helped by enabling regulatory policies. Both sub-regions have seen their share of the mobile money market double to 30.9 per cent. and 9.7 per cent., respectively, over the five years to 2017 (GSMA Report, The Mobile Economy Sub-Saharan Africa 2018).
It is estimated that more than 20 per cent. of mobile connections in the region are linked to a mobile money account and that, in Tanzania, there are more mobile money accounts than there are physical bank accounts (Detecon Consulting, Telecommunications in Sub-Saharan Africa, May 2016).
Sub-Saharan Africa is currently witnessing the rise of the Internet of Things ("IoT") which has the potential to significantly improve the efficiency of the economy and the quality of people's lives, from solutions enabling solar lighting for off-grid populations and the monitoring of truck fleets and toll road payments, to projects providing real time weather updates to assist crop farmers.
The increasing use of mobile technology as a tool for economic and social activities will drive demand for mobile devices and penetration rates across Sub-Saharan Africa, particularly in light of the lack of availability and the unreliability of fixed line communications, creating a pressing need to develop the critical supporting infrastructure for expanding mobile networks as the demand for network coverage and capacity grows.
Source: GSMA, State of the Industry Report on Mobile Money, 2018
Historically, Sub-Saharan Africa has predominantly relied on available 2G and 3G mobile technologies; however, an increasing number of Sub-Saharan African countries are rolling out, or looking to roll out, fourth-generation ("4G") networks based on Long Term Evolution ("LTE"), which increases the need for infrastructure support. The site densification required for 3G and 4G coverage, capacity and data traffic will require investment in telecommunications infrastructure across Africa, which is already straining to meet levels of consumer demand for 2G voice services.
Monthly mobile data traffic per smartphone continues to increase, driven by improved device capabilities and more affordable data plans, as well as an increase in data-intensive content, predominantly video. The increase in video data traffic per smartphone user has three main drivers: increased viewing time, more video content embedded in news media and social networking, and an evolution to higher resolutions and more demanding formats. Today, most mobile video is streamed at low-definition and standard-definition formats, 360 pixels and 480 pixels, respectively. However, user behaviours are shifting as network capabilities expand and are projected to change more dramatically as 5G services are made available in Sub-Saharan Africa from around 2022 onward.
As monthly usage per smartphone continues to grow in Sub-Saharan Africa, total data traffic per smartphone is predicted to rise at a compound annual growth rate of 27 per cent. between 2018 and 2024, reaching 7.3 gigabytes ("GB") per month by the end of 2024 compared to 1.7GB in 2018. Smartphone subscriptions are projected to nearly double from 330 million in 2018 to 650 million in 2024 (a compound annual growth rate of 12 per cent.), increasing smartphone penetration from 46 per cent. of total mobile subscribers in 2018 to 68 per cent. in 2024. The combined effect of growing smartphone usage and higher smartphone penetration in Sub-Saharan Africa will result in an approximate eight times increase in total monthly mobile data traffic between 2018 and 2024, from 0.5 exabytes per month in 2018 to 4.2 exabytes per month in 2024, a compound annual growth rate of 41 per cent. representing the highest growth rate globally (Ericsson Mobility Report, June 2019).
Sub-Saharan Africa Total Mobile Data Traffic Sub-Saharan Africa Smartphone Subscriptions (EB/month) (millions)
————— Source: Ericsson Mobility Report, June 2019
The rising demand for mobile, particularly data, services together with falling device costs, is expected to result in increased investments in 3G and 4G LTE due to their operating efficiency, cost advantages and ability to handle larger data volumes. In turn, these investments are expected to lead to approximately 24 per cent. of connections in Sub-Saharan Africa being 4G-based by 2025 (GSMA Global Mobile Trends, September 2018), and a further 60 per cent. being 3G-based by the same date, implying substantial infrastructure roll-out both to provide network coverage and densification as well as investment in placing newer equipment on existing sites. In total, by 2025 3G/4G/5G technology will account for 87 per cent. of all mobile connections, compared to 38 per cent. in 2017 (GSMA Global Mobile Trends, September 2018).
In the five markets in which the Group operates, it is estimated that over 19,000 new MNO points of service ("PoS") will be required between 2018 and 2024 to meet the growing demand, representing an average increase of 41 per cent. (Hardiman Report, August 2019). Network PoS refers to additional technology being placed on a site by an MNO, for example, the installation of 3G equipment on a site where an MNO may already have 2G equipment ("Network PoS"). In addition to the increase in PoS numbers, the changes in mobile communications technology can involve reductions in the amount of space occupied on a tower by certain equipment as well as increases in space occupied by other equipment depending on, amongst other things, the agreed operator equipment configuration on a tower as well as the technology upgrade plan adopted by the operator. The Group estimates that the resulting conversion of new Network PoS into amendment colocations will be one to two per cent. of this increase.
Since the Group is the sole independent tower company in three of its markets, and since the anticipated growth rates for new PoS in Tanzania and DRC, the Group's largest markets, are expected to exceed the rates of Ghana and Congo Brazzaville, its smaller markets, it is forecast that the Group will capture a rising overall share of that growth assuming it approximately maintains its current market share in each of these markets. South Africa has a vibrant independent tower companies space with several tower companies including American Tower (2,608 active towers), and a number of small independent tower companies, including Atlas Towers and Eagle Towers, building and operating towers for the MNOs and developing small cell solutions (Hardiman Report, August 2019). Mobile penetration is very high in South Africa and the estimated demand for an additional 7,020 PoS by 2024 is forecast to be driven by high data service usage and the need for infill sites to improve the quality of the data network (Hardiman Report, August 2019).
The mobile telecommunications sector contributes significantly to the social and financial development of Sub-Saharan Africa, driving innovation and economic inclusion. The adoption of mobile technology to provide financial services has become instrumental in integrating parts of the population into mainstream financial systems, which has accelerated their socio-economic development. The rapid implementation of mobile money has made basic financial services available to a wider population in Sub-Saharan Africa, thereby providing a platform for further integration of users into the economy. Across Sub-Saharan Africa, the mobile industry complements the development efforts of governments and financial institutions, which recognise the potential social and economic benefits of having advanced telecommunications infrastructure in the region.
It is estimated that, in 2017, mobile technologies and services generated US\$110 billion of economic value in Sub-Saharan Africa, an equivalent of 7.1 per cent. of the region's GDP. By 2022, the mobile industry's economic contribution is forecast to increase to US\$150 billion, an equivalent of 7.9 per cent. of Sub-Saharan Africa's GDP. The growing contribution of mobile technologies and services to the region's GDP is driven by improvements in productivity and efficiency brought about by increased take-up of mobile internet (GSMA Report, The Mobile Economy Sub-Saharan Africa 2018).
Government and regulatory bodies view infrastructure sharing as a way of achieving increased mobile penetration and improved mobile services by facilitating competition among network providers. In instances where an independent tower company has purchased towers from an MNO, those towers can be accessed by new, smaller entrants, thereby enabling their entry into the market without the traditional cost and time constraints of rolling out new networks and the related infrastructure. In addition, the proceeds from the sale of towers and the corresponding reduction in maintenance costs provides MNOs with greater capacity to invest in new technologies and opportunities to improve the quality of their services, which ultimately benefit the subscribers.
The tower sharing model results in fewer towers being used by MNOs in a given country, which has positive implications for the overall carbon footprint of the telecommunications sector. Certain jurisdictions have imposed restrictions on building towers in high density areas with the purpose of reducing emissions and responding to complaints that towers and their power generators are noisy, noxious, and unattractive additions to the landscape. Furthermore, the divestment of towers by MNOs releases capital for expansion into rural areas, which require connectivity. In some instances, rural connectivity is a condition of governmental bodies granting new licences and spectrums to operators.
| 2011 | 2018 | 2024 | 2011-18 CAGR |
2018-24 CAGR |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Real GDP growth (%) | 7.9% | 6.6% | 4.9% | 6.4% | 4.5% |
| Population (millions) | 45.7 | 56.3 | 67.0 | 3.0% | 2.9% |
| Urban Population (% Total) | 29% | 34% | 38% | — | — |
| Population below 30 (% Total) | 72% | 72% | 71% | — | — |
| FDI (US\$ billion) | 1.2 | 0.9 | — | — | — |
————— Sources: IMF World Economic Outlook Database, April 2019; UN World Population Prospects, 2019; UN Urbanisation Data, 2018; EIU Database, May 2019.
Tanzania is the seventh largest economy in Sub-Saharan Africa (IMF World Economic Outlook Database, April 2019). The major urban areas include Dar es Salaam, with 6.0 million inhabitants, Mwanza with 1.0 million inhabitants, and the capital, Dodoma with 0.3 million inhabitants (CIA World Factbook, 2018).
Tanzania's second Five-Year Development Plan, 2016/17–2020/21 aims at economic transformation through industrialisation and human development. The industrialisation strategy seeks to capitalise on Tanzania's comparative advantages, particularly its agricultural and mining potential, and geographic location, which makes it a natural trading and logistics hub for East Africa. To facilitate private sector-led growth, the government aims to address the infrastructure gap, which remains large in Tanzania, and create a business environment that is conducive to job creation. Considering large investment needs, the government plans to rely on enhanced mobilisation of domestic revenue and the use of public-private partnerships for large infrastructure projects to limit government borrowing.
Tanzania has largely completed its transition to becoming a market economy, although the government retains a presence in certain sectors, such as telecommunications, banking, energy and mining. Banking reforms, including the partial liberalisation of Tanzania's foreign exchange regime, have helped increase private-sector growth and investment. Robust domestic demand, continued regional integration and growth in the manufacturing, construction and service sectors are expected to be the key drivers of development. Investments in power electrification as part of the Tanzania Development Vision target increasing generation capacity to 10,000 megawatts by 2025. Foreign direct investment is also expected to grow significantly from 2018 levels, strengthening international and business trade in Tanzania.
The political system of Tanzania is a unitary presidential democratic republic, whereby the President of Tanzania is both the head of state and the head of government, and is elected by universal adult suffrage every five years. Since taking office in 2015, President John Magufuli's administration has reoriented public expenditure towards development spending, reducing recurrent expenditure significantly, and intensifying efforts to mobilise domestic revenue. There has also been a focus on the eradication of corruption in Tanzania's public institutions, which has helped the government secure grants and concessional loans from international development multilateral institutions, as well as attract foreign investment. The authorities continue to push their drive against corruption and tax evasion, which is leading to higher revenues and reduced low-priority government spending. A better, more predictable business environment and strengthening of the government's dialogue with all stakeholders, including the private sector, will be crucial to achieving the plan's envisaged private sector-led growth.
Tanzania's telecommunications sector is a key contributor to the country's GDP, representing 5.2 per cent. of GDP in 2016, which is expected to grow to more than six per cent. in 2020. The sector has experienced significant growth in the last five years, driven predominantly by mobile penetration, which is estimated to have grown from 49 per cent. in 2011 to 72 per cent. in 2018 (Hardiman Report, August 2019). The unique mobile subscriber penetration rate, however, was estimated to be only 40 per cent. in 2018, taking into account multi-SIM usage where one physical subscriber may own a number of SIMs for voice and data devices (for example, different phone subscriptions as well as tablets), suggesting that there is still significant growth potential for the mobile telecommunications sector in Tanzania (Hardiman Report, August 2019).
Source: Hardiman Report, August 2019
SIMs were estimated to have reached 43.5 million in 2018 compared to 23.5 million in 2011, and thus estimated to have grown at a compound annual growth rate of 9.2 per cent. over this period (Hardiman Report, August 2019). Growth in new mobile subscriptions is estimated to have accelerated during 2015, primarily driven by the entry of Halotel in October 2015. Regulatory action to register SIMs and to block counterfeit phones and higher churn rates associated with the accelerated growth driven by the aggressive sales promotions of the new entrant, along with consolidation of the Tigo and Zantel subscriber bases, contributed to a reduction in the growth rate of mobile subscriptions from 22.6 per cent. between 2014 and 2015 to 3.9 per cent. between 2015 and 2016, but there was a return to higher growth of 8.8 per cent. between 2017 and 2018 (Hardiman Report, August 2019).
While urban areas have benefited from growing coverage and network densification, rural areas remain underserved and are now seen as major sources of growth by MNOs. The government has been supporting the expansion of mobile networks into rural areas through subsidies from the Universal Communications Service Access Fund. Halotel has also targeted rural areas while other MNOs are also evaluating opportunities outside urban regions. As network infrastructure expands into rural areas, supported by government incentives, mobile services will be used by an increasing segment of the rural population. By offering colocation on its towers and thus reducing the costs to MNOs of expanding their networks into the underserved regions of the country, the Group will be making a significant contribution to the government's development objectives.
Source: Hardiman Report, August 2019
Tanzania, as a result of having one of the youngest populations in Africa, has a subscriber base that generally uses mobile phones for entertainment, social interactions and work. However, as smartphones become more affordable, GSMA expects that the rate of smartphone adoption will increase. GSMA estimates that the rate of adoption will increase from 21 per cent. in 2018 to 54 per cent. in 2024. Increased data usage will require MNOs to expand their network infrastructure to handle the growing data traffic, resulting in additional base stations and tower requirements. Furthermore, higher frequency installations such as those owned by Halotel, which is growing its position in Tanzania, require a greater number of infill tower locations to support the reduced range of such installations.
Source: Hardiman Report, August 2019
Of the estimated 43.5 million overall mobile subscriptions as of 31 December 2018, approximately 22.3 million were MBB users, comprising 96 per cent. of Tanzania's total internet connections as of the same date. MBB users grew at an estimated compound annual growth rate of 29 per cent. from 2011 to 2018, while the use of other internet technologies such as fixed line declined. The continued roll-out of 3G and 4G services, offering higher transmission and download speeds, is expected to drive further take-up of MBB services, with an estimated 85 per cent. of the Tanzanian population covered by broadband networks as of 31 December 2017 (Hardiman Report, August 2019). GSMA estimates that MBB-capable internet connections will grow from 19.3 million in 2018 to 46.5 million in 2024. Continued growth in data usage would require MNOs to increase the capacity of their networks, leading to further demand for PoS, which is expected to drive colocation and build-to-suit growth.
As of 31 December 2018, there were four major commercial mobile voice/data network operators in Tanzania: Vodacom, Tigo, Airtel, and Halotel, which together accounted for a combined subscriber market share of 99 per cent., primarily via 2G and 3G networks, with Tigo and Vodacom also reported as having 4G services (Hardiman Report, August 2019). Each of these four operators is majority owned by large international telecommunications groups: Vodacom Group is headquartered in South Africa, Millicom, owner of Tigo, is headquartered in Luxembourg, Bharti Airtel is headquartered in India and Viettel, owner of Halotel, is headquartered in Vietnam. There are a number of other smaller mobile operators, including Zantel (majority-owned by the Millicom Group following a 2015 acquisition, but administered separately from Tigo), TTCL, which is the fixed line incumbent operator (also provides a mobile service), Smart Telecom Tanzania and Smile Tanzania – an independent wireless broadband operator that launched 4G wireless broadband internet networks in Dar es Salaam in March 2014 (TeleGeography, Smart Telecom enters crowded Tanzanian mobile market, April 2014).
| Market Entry | Technologies | Subscriptions (31 Dec 2018) |
Market Share (31 Dec 2018) |
||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (millions) | (%) | ||||
| Vodacom | 2000 | 2G/3G/4G | 14.0 | 33 | |
| Tigo/Zantel | 1994 | 2G/3G/4G | 13.7 | 32 | |
| Airtel | 2001 | 2G/3G/4G | 11.0 | 25 | |
| Halotel | 2008 | 2G/3G/4G | 3.9 | 9 |
Source: Hardiman Report, August 2019
—————
————— Source: TeleGeography, Smart Telecom enters crowded Tanzanian mobile market, April 2014
Tanzania's mobile operators have been developing their mobile data services, which are the source of mass market internet connectivity in Tanzania. According to the TCRA's estimates, approximately 22.3 million of approximately 23.1 million internet users were connected by mobile wireless as of 31 December 2018. Zantel was the first to market 3G technology in the country in November 2006 with the remaining mobile operators launching in subsequent years (TeleGeography, GlobalComms Database: Tanzania). New entrant Halotel simultaneously launched its 2G and 3G networks in October 2015 while Tigo was the first major operator in Tanzania to launch high-speed 4G services in April 2015. In December 2015 and June 2016, TTCL and Vodacom, respectively, launched their 4G networks in Dar es Salaam. In 2018, Vodacom and Azam, a new market entrant, acquired 700 MHz. Subscribers using 4G services accounted for a small but rapidly rising share of the subscriber base, which represented 2.1 million as of December 2018, an increase of 450 per cent. from 0.4 million in December 2016 (TeleGeography, GlobalComms Database: Tanzania).
The mobile subscriber base in Tanzania is projected to grow from 43.5 million as of 31 December 2018 to 57.9 million by 2024, implying a compound annual growth rate of 4.9 per cent. This projected increase in subscribers is anticipated to be fuelled by increasing internet use, the proliferation of cheaper smartphones, rising financial inclusion and population growth (Hardiman Report, August 2019). According to GSMA, broadband coverage is expected to grow from approximately 61 per cent. as of 31 December 2018 to 75 per cent. by 2020.
The spread of mobile financial services is also expected to drive demand as Tanzanians rely on wireless devices for a growing number of services, including banking, business, trade and other uses in addition to communication. Population growth is also expected to be a significant contributor to subscriber growth. Moreover, as mobile penetration is positively correlated to nominal GDP per capita, mobile penetration is forecast to increase to 81 per cent. in 2024 with nominal GDP per capita also increasing from US\$1,134 in 2018 to US\$1,465 by 2024, a compound annual growth rate of 4.4 per cent. The growth potential is further illustrated by mobile penetration rates, which Hardiman estimates will increase from 72 per cent. in 2018 to 81 per cent. in 2024 (Hardiman Report, August 2019).
As of 31 December 2018, the Group owned and managed 64 per cent. of the total 5,610 marketable towers located in Tanzania. The remaining marketable towers were owned by Airtel (25 per cent.), Tigo (6 per cent.) and others (5 per cent.). Halotel also owned low-cost, single operator towers in Tanzania but these are not universally considered marketable by all market participants (Hardiman Report, August 2019).
In March 2016, Bharti Airtel announced that it had concluded an agreement to sell its 1,350 towers in Tanzania to American Tower, with an additional 100 sites that were under construction available for purchase at a later date. The purchase price was reported by American Tower to be US\$179 million, representing an average cost per tower of US\$132,600. The transaction was expected to close by the middle of 2016, however American Tower reported that it was negotiating potential adjustments to the definitive agreement in the event that a waiver of certain legislation could not be obtained. In June 2017, American Tower announced that the agreement to purchase the Airtel towers had lapsed. The entry of a new mobile operator, Halotel, resulted in the construction of approximately 1,400 new low-cost, single operator towers between 2015 and 2017, as well as 1,494 colocations on existing Group towers as Halotel attempted to achieve similar coverage to its competitors.
Prior to the Group's entry into Tanzania in 2011, the sector was characterised by limited tower sharing, on the basis of bilateral agreements between MNOs. Growing pressure to achieve operational efficiencies and the need to expand network infrastructure to meet the regulatory requirement to cover rural areas and enhance network capacity have led MNOs to pursue colocation on the Group's towers. With three strong incumbent operators (Vodacom, Tigo and Airtel) and a new market entrant (Halotel), Tanzania still has relatively low mobile penetration in terms of mobile subscribers per capita, leaving significant potential for further growth in demand for tower infrastructure. The regional nature of Tanzania's mobile networks, whereby each operator has larger end customer share in a different part of the country, supports infrastructure sharing as each operator seeks a broader footprint across the country. For example, Zantel has a strong presence in Zanzibar, Tigo's network is dominant in coastal areas, Vodacom focuses on the Arusha area and Airtel has a strong position in the Lake region. Tanzania also has several other licenced MNOs, internet service providers ("ISPs") and worldwide interoperability for microwave access operators providing further opportunities for improving tenancy ratios.
The current tower market structure underpins the relatively high barriers to entry that are a characteristic of the tower infrastructure sector. These hurdles include, in addition to economies of scale, high capital expenditure requirements and the need to obtain energy supply contracts, regulatory approvals, site acquisition skills and the necessary tower management expertise, as well as the need to overcome existing long-term contracts, which are typical of the Sub-Saharan tower industry. Existing tower infrastructure operators such as the Group have also built extensive customer relationships over many years which cannot easily be replicated by new entrants.
The forecast growth in the mobile sector driven by population growth, increases in the penetration of mobile devices among the population and the growing use of mobile phones for activities beyond traditional communications (for example, for banking and trade) encourages the MNOs to ensure that their networks are able to support the growing number of new services as well as maintain and increase their quality. This in turn requires the MNOs to increase the number of their PoS going forward.
Source: Hardiman Report, August 2019
Hardiman projects that an additional 5,084 PoS will be required in Tanzania between 2018 and 2024 to support the required improvements in network coverage and network capacity. Not only will MNOs be required to increase their PoS, but it is also anticipated that MNOs will be required to lease more space on towers due to the adoption of new technologies and quality of service improvements. In addition, technological developments are forecasted to accelerate in African markets over the period reflecting both customer demand for data services as well as the increased operational and spectral efficiency for operators of utilising newer technologies, particularly 3G and 4G LTE in preference to 2G. Among the impacts of this changing network configuration, it is expected that MNOs will locate different and additional equipment on mobile communications towers (multi-band antennae, remote radio units ("RRUs") and microwave dishes) as well as more antennae to facilitate sectoring. This will increase the demand for space on mobile communications towers which underlies the forecast growth in terms of Network PoS. When the demand for additional space on a specific tower exceeds the amount of space already under lease to a MNO on that tower under the individual site agreement ("ISA"), the MNO and the tower operator will typically enter into a discussion to provide for more space which can lead to amendments to existing tenancies resulting in amendment revenue for the tower company. According to Hardiman, Network PoS in Tanzania are forecast to increase at a compound annual growth rate of 13.8 per cent. between 2018 and 2024, which translates into a total increase in Network PoS from 21,098 in 2018 to 45,891 in 2024, underpinning the Group's strong growth prospects.
Source: Hardiman Report, August 2019
Demand for more site locations for MNOs (either as new build or colocation) as well as demand for space on towers to locate more equipment for 3G and 4G LTE equipment in response to increased market penetration are key drivers for the Group's business in Tanzania. Hardiman expects that 3G and LTE Network PoS will grow from 46 per cent. in 2018 to approximately 70 per cent. in 2024 (Hardiman Report, August 2019).
The Group continuously assesses opportunities to carry out strategic purchases of existing tower assets that meet the Group's internal criteria. In Tanzania, there are 1,997 tower sites owned by MNOs that may be suitable for asset purchases in the future (TeleGeography, Smart Telecom enters crowded Tanzanian mobile market, April 2014). The Group is not currently engaged in discussions regarding any bolt-on acquisitions in Tanzania and bolt-on acquisitions are not currently included in the Group's business plan.
Source: Hardiman Report, August 2019 —————
(1) Marketable sites are those that are suitable for adding colocation tenants.
In addition to ensuring the accurate reporting of telecommunications revenue and implementing a traffic monitoring system, the TCRA has listed a number of quality of service performance indicators. The TCRA actively monitors MNO's network performance to ensure compliance with its quality of service requirements. Due to a lack of network capacity that can only be alleviated by acquiring more spectrum or building more sites, every MNO has been fined by the TCRA for failure to comply with these requirements.
Following the EPOCA requirements for licenced telecommunications operators to issue 25 per cent. of their share capital through an initial public offering and thereafter list their shares on the Dar es Salaam Stock Exchange, Vodacom Tanzania listed its shares on the Dar es Salaam Stock Exchange on 15 August 2017, becoming the first telecommunications operator to comply with the government's mandatory listing requirements.
| 2011 | 2018 | 2024 | 2011-18 CAGR |
2018-24 CAGR |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Real GDP growth (%) | 6.9% | 3.9% | 4.9% | 5.9% | 4.6% |
| Population (millions) | 66.8 | 84.1 | 101.1 | 3.3% | 3.1% |
| Urban Population (% Total) | 41% | 44% | 48% | — | — |
| Population below 30 (% Total) | 72% | 72% | 72% | — | — |
| FDI (US\$ billion) | 1.6 | 1.0 | — | — | — |
————— Sources: IMF World Economic Outlook Database, April 2019; UN World Population Prospects 2019; UN Urbanisation Data, 2018; EIU Database, May 2019.
DRC is the second largest country in Africa in terms of area (World Bank DataBank, 2017). When DRC gained independence in 1960, the formal economy of DRC was based almost entirely on the extraction of minerals, primarily copper and diamonds, and DRC is still considered to have among the largest endowments of minerals in Africa. The major urban areas include the capital Kinshasa, with 13.2 million inhabitants, Mbuji-Mayi, with 2.3 million inhabitants, Lubumbashi with 2.3 million inhabitants, Kananga with 1.3 million inhabitants, and Kisangani with 1.2 million inhabitants (CIA World Factbook, 2019).
Historically, the economy in DRC has suffered from declines in the prices of its main mineral exports and from a volatile political and security climate. However, the country has recently witnessed an improvement in its economy due to higher commodity prices and greater mining production. The primary sector continued to be the key driver of growth, sustained by a dynamic extraction sector. Macroeconomic policy has been relatively stable with the fiscal balance slipping to an estimated deficit of 0.6 per cent. of GDP, down from a surplus of 0.1 per cent. in 2017, due to budget pressures linked to elections. Management of government debt remained controlled, at an estimated 18.2 per cent. of GDP at the end of 2017. In 2018, the Central Bank of the Congo lowered its key interest rate from 20 per cent. to 14 per cent. due to favourable developments in economic activity. The current account deficit fell to 1.1 per cent. of GDP in 2018 from 3.6 per cent. in 2017 as a result of greater mining production (African Development Bank Group, African Economic Outlook 2019).
Mining continues to be a core sector of the economy and activity in the cobalt and copper sectors will continue to increase between 2019 and 2020 as prices rise (although only in 2020 for copper), spurring production gains as output volumes increase. This, coupled with an acceleration in non-mining sector output, is expected to marginally increase the government's spending capacity and support economic activity, including continued investment in the transport and power sectors. The government has launched reforms to strengthen governance and transparency in the extractive industries (forestry, mining and oil) and to improve the business climate. Moreover, DRC participates in the Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative and regularly publishes revenues from natural resources. The new mining code adopted in 2018 has raised some concerns from mining companies, though investors are expected to remain involved in the sector given the relatively low labour costs, high ore grades and potential for further discoveries (Economist Intelligence Unit, May 2019).
Felix Tshisekedi was inaugurated as president on 24 January 2019 in what is being called the first peaceful transfer of power in the history of DRC. He replaced Joseph Kabila, who came to office in January 2001 following the assassination of his father, President Laurent-Désiré Kabila, a leader of the rebellion against the prior dictatorship. Joseph Kabila was elected President in 2006 and in 2011 he was re-elected for a second term. Kabila's second term ended on 19 December 2016 and was followed by two years of political uncertainty and continuous delays in holding the new presidential election, which finally took place on 30 December 2018.
In the National Assembly election held at the same time, the Joint Front for Congo, a pro-Kabila political bloc, gained 337 out of 500 seats in the National Assembly, followed by the Martin Fayulu-led Lamuka coalition (102 seats) and Felix Tshisekedi's Heading for Change with 46 seats.
Since his election, Felix Tshisekedi appears to have been accepted by the region and the international community. In early February 2019, Tshisekedi attended the African Union heads of state summit and travelled around the region. At the summit, he held bilateral meetings with Paul Kagame of Rwanda, UN Secretary General António Guterres, and the EU's High Representative for Foreign Affairs, Federica Mogherini. The EU and DRC have also reached an agreement for the EU's ambassador to return to Kinshasa after he was expelled by former President Joseph Kabila last December. During a visit to the Republic of Congo-Brazzaville, Tshisekedi called for thousands of DRC exiles to return to the country.
On 20 May 2019, Felix Tshisekedi named the head of the country's railways, Sylvestre Ilunga Ilunkamba, as the next prime minister. Ilunga Ilunkamba was appointed under "the political agreement" between Tshisekedi and his predecessor Joseph Kabila.
Ilunkamba announced his new cabinet in August 2019, which includes 65 members, 42 members from Kabila's party, the Common Front for the Congo, and 23 from Tshisekedi's CACH coalition. (UN radio OKAPI reports).
The DRC telecommunications sector is an attractive market for long-term investment given the country's large population and mineral deposits (Fitch solutions, Q3 2019), despite the underinvestment in telecommunications infrastructure and security concerns amongst others. In addition, the new DRC Telecommunications Act is expected to allow for the removal of government involvement in telecommunications companies in DRC thereby inhibiting government interference in the industry. In the last few years there has been significant capital expenditure by the four main MNOs attributable to the roll-out of 4G, network upgrades and expansion.
DRC's telecommunications sector grew significantly from an estimated 15.3 million mobile subscriptions in 2011 to an estimated 37.7 million mobile subscriptions as of 31 December 2018, implying a compound annual growth rate of 14 per cent. per year (Hardiman Report, August 2019). Until 2014, growth was particularly spurred by the arrival of Africell in the market in late 2012. Mobile subscriptions stayed relatively flat in 2015 but declined during 2016 based on data reported to the Post and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority ("ARPTC") by Vodacom, Orange/Tigo and Africell. Similarly, mobile penetration reached an estimated high of 49 per cent. in 2014 before falling to approximately 34 per cent. by the end of 2016 (Hardiman Report, August 2019). Key factors behind the decline in the mobile market may have included the government's SIM registration programme, which resulted in the deactivation of unregistered SIMs, a change in MNOs' methodology for counting SIMs (moving from counting "registered" SIMs to counting "active" SIMs) and the removal of overlapping second SIMs following Orange's purchase of Tigo in DRC in 2016. Multiple SIM ownership is a significant feature of DRC's mobile market, because each unique mobile subscriber in DRC has an estimated average of 1.3 SIMs. These factors had a one-off impact as the effects have largely passed and mobile penetration levels were up to an estimated 44 per cent. as of 31 December 2018, as mobile subscriber growth appeared to have exceeded net population growth (Hardiman Report, August 2019). Hardiman projects a convergence with African average penetration levels over the medium- to long-term.
————— Sources: ARPTC; MNO data; Hardiman Report, August 2019
The subscriber base in DRC is projected to grow from an estimated 33.8 million as of 31 December 2017 to 62.6 million by 2024 (Hardiman Report, August 2019), implying a compound annual growth rate of nine per cent. per year over such period. This projected increase in subscribers is anticipated to be primarily underpinned by growth in the cohort, as measured by age, of mobile and candidate users and an increase in mobile penetration. DRC's projected mobile penetration of 61 per cent. as of 31 December 2024 is well correlated with its nominal GDP per capita and is in line with peer markets over the next six years. Furthermore, mobile penetration rates of above 60 per cent. have been reported in Sub-Saharan African markets such as Sierra Leone at similar or lower levels of GDP per capita. The forecast penetration rates do not take into account multi-SIM usage. As of 31 December 2018, the unique mobile subscriber penetration rate was 37 per cent., which was below the Sub-Saharan Africa average of 47 per cent. (GSMA Report, 2019), suggesting that a large segment of the population does not have access to mobile services.
————— Source: Hardiman Report, August 2019
Additionally, the continual roll-out of 4G services is expected to account for a rising share of the subscriber base in the medium-term. GSMA projects that the rate of smartphone adoption will more than double from 14 per cent. in 2018 to 32 per cent. in 2024. Increased data usage will require MNOs to expand their network infrastructure to handle the growing data traffic, resulting in additional base stations and tower requirements.
There has been negligible investment to date in fixed broadband infrastructure. The ARPTC reported only 1,000 fixed broadband subscriptions as of 31 December 2017, representing a penetration rate of 0.001 per cent. Consequently, nearly all internet access in DRC is provided via mobile networks.
MBB-enabled subscriptions had been only 3G until May 2018 when 20-year 4G licenses were awarded to Vodacom, Airtel, Orange and Africell, the four key MNOs in the market, for US\$20 million (TeleGeography, September 2018). Vodacom and Orange launched their 4G services in Kinshaha in the same month. MBB coverage is growing rapidly in DRC, but penetration was relatively low at 37 per cent. as of 31 December 2018 (ARPTC, 2018). Subsequent to the 4G launch, MBB represented 27 per cent. of DRC's mobile market subscribers as of 31 December 2018 (GSMA Report, The Mobile Economy 2019). Vodacom (the only MNO to report data users within its reported subscriber statistics) reported that its number of data users in DRC was 4.7 million as of 31 March 2019, representing 39 per cent. of its total subscribers. The number of data users grew at a multiple of 2.5 times between 2016 and 2018; compared to an average growth of 13 per cent. per year in mobile subscribers over the same period. GSMA projects that MBB-capable internet connections will grow from 10.5 million in 2018 to 37.2 million 2024.
Source: GSMA Intelligence, June 2019
The DRC mobile market comprises four main MNOs. Estimates indicate Vodacom as being the market leader with 35 per cent. subscriber share as of 31 December 2018, followed by Airtel (28 per cent.), Orange (27 per cent.) and Africell (11 per cent.) (Hardiman Report, August 2019). The three largest operators are majority owned by large international telecommunications groups, being Vodacom Group, headquartered in South Africa, Millicom, headquartered in Luxembourg, and Bharti Airtel, headquartered in India.
In 2016, the acquisition of Tigo from Millicom by Orange created an MNO of scale which is competing with Airtel for the second position in DRC. Africell, the relatively new entrant, entered the DRC market in November 2012, disrupting market dynamics with aggressive pricing and market segmentation. Within two years, it had grown its mobile subscriber base to seven million, however this declined significantly to 3.9 million as of 31 December 2016 due to the DRC SIM registration program and was 4.0 million as of 31 December 2018.
3G launched in DRC in 2012 and in May 2018 the four MNOs acquired inaugural 4G licenses (800MHz spectrum) for US\$20 million with a 20-year term (TeleGeography, May 2018). Both Vodacom and Orange commercially launched 4G services in May 2018, while Airtel and Africell expect to launch their 4G services in the future (Hardiman Report, August 2019).
In terms of revenues, as of 31 December 2017 the ARPTC reported that Vodacom had 42 per cent. of total market revenues, compared to Orange and Airtel at 25 per cent. In the last 12 months (as at 31 March 2019), Vodacom and Orange revenues grew by 11 per cent. and 12 per cent., respectively.
There are other smaller mobile operators, including Yozma Timeturns, a 2G Licensee which has defaulted on its license, and Smile Communications, which is expected to launch its 4G LTE operations in DRC in 2020 (TeleGeography, May 2018).
| Market Entry(1) | Technologies | Market Share (31 Dec 2018) |
||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| (millions) | (%) | |||
| Vodacom | 1999 | 2G/3G/4G | 12.8 | 35 |
| Airtel-Tigo | 2000 | 2G/3G/4G | 10.3 | 28 |
| Orange | 2000 | 2G/3G/4G | 10.6 | 27 |
| Africell | 2012 | 2G/3G | 4.0 | 11 |
(1) Source: TeleGeography database, June 2017
(2) Source: Hardiman Report, August 2019
—————
Source: Hardiman Report, August 2019
As of 31 December 2018, the Group owned or managed approximately 63 per cent. of the estimated total of 2,802 marketable towers located in DRC. The remaining marketable towers were reported as owned by Vodacom (26 per cent.), Orange (nine per cent.) and Airtel (one per cent.). The Group remains the only identified independent tower company operating in DRC (Hardiman Report, August 2019).
Prior to the Group's entry into DRC in 2011, the sector was characterised by limited tower sharing on the basis of bilateral agreements between MNOs. Growing pressure to achieve operational efficiencies and the need to expand network infrastructure to meet requirements to cover rural areas and enhance network capacity have led the MNOs to pursue colocation on the Group's towers. The Group's tower footprint favours the Kinshasa and Bas Congo regions in the west of the country, where 38 per cent. of its towers are located, with the mining areas in the south accounting for an additional 30 per cent. of the Group's sites.
The DRC market is particularly supportive of the independent tower company model owing to the strong market share held by the three main MNOs, low market penetration providing the potential for future growth, low mobile ARPU in the region and the overall size of the country compared to its current network coverage, all of which demonstrate a need for additional towers. MNOs are expected to increase colocations and build-to-suit rather than build their own towers.
The forecast growth in the mobile sector is driven by growth in the cohort, as measured by age, of mobile and candidate users, increases in the penetration of mobile devices among the population and the increasing affordability of smartphones and data consumption. Data consumption is growing at a fast rate as mobile phones are being used for data communications as well as traditional voice communications, including mobile money applications, e-commerce and the launch of 4G services. This requires that the MNOs ensure that their networks are able to support both the growing number of new services as well as to maintain and increase their quality of service in terms of coverage and availability, as supervised by regulatory monitoring. This in turn requires MNOs to increase the number of their standard PoS or MNO PoS (or tenancies, either anchor or colocation) over the next five years as they increase coverage and densify their networks, particularly in urban areas.
Total Market MNO PoS Forecast
Source: Hardiman Report, August 2019
The Hardiman Report projects that an increase of 3,829 PoS will be required between 2018 and 2024 to support the improvements in network coverage and network capacity in DRC. The Group expects the demand for additional PoS will lead to growth in its colocations and build-to-suit towers in DRC. In particular, Airtel and Orange are expected to invest in network rollout as they seek to reduce the network advantage of Vodacom. In addition, the continual 4G roll-out is expected to drive new tenancies on the Group's sites. Given the impacts of this changing network configuration it is expected that MNOs will locate different and additional equipment on mobile communications towers, including multi-band antennae, RRUs, microwave dishes, as well as more antennae to facilitate sectoring. This will increase the demand for space on mobile communications towers which underlies the forecast growth in terms of Network PoS. When the demand for additional space on a specific tower exceeds the amount of space already under lease to a MNO on that tower under the ISA, the MNO and the tower company will typically enter into a discussion on amending the ISA to provide for more space which can lead to amendments to existing tenancies resulting in incremental revenues, or amendment revenues, for the tower company.
————— Source: Hardiman Report, August 2019
Demand for more site locations for MNOs (either as new build or colocation) as well as demand for space on towers to locate 3G and 4G LTE equipment are key drivers for the Group's business in DRC. The Group is projected to benefit from this demand as the sole independent tower company in DRC. Network PoS in DRC is forecast to increase from 11,243 as of 31 December 2018 to 26,238 in 2024, an increase of 2.3 times reflecting a compound annual growth rate of 15.2 per cent. over the period. Rollout of 3G and LTE sites is expected to drive Network PoS growth with 3G and LTE growing from 52 per cent. in 2018 to 67 per cent. of total Network PoS in 2024.
The Group continuously assesses opportunities to carry out strategic purchases of existing tower assets that meet the Group's internal criteria. In DRC, there are an estimated 1,029 tower sites owned by MNOs that may be suitable for asset purchases in the future (Hardiman Report, August 2019). The Group is not currently engaged in discussions regarding any bolt-on acquisitions in DRC and bolt-on acquisitions are not currently included in the Group's business plan.
Source: Hardiman Report, August 2019
The principal pieces of legislation governing the telecommunications sector in DRC are the Framework Law Number 013/2002 on Telecommunications, which establishes the structure of the sector ("DRC Telecommunications Law"), and Law Number 014/2002, which establishes the independent regulator of the sector, the ARPTC. The ARPTC operates under the tutelage of the Minister of Postal Services, Telecommunications and New Technologies of Information and Communication ("MPT"), which develops governmental policies with respect to the telecommunications sector. The ARPTC, together with MPT, enforces the DRC Telecommunications Law and licence provisions.
The ARPTC commenced operations in 2003 and is mandated to ensure compliance with the laws and regulations concerning telecommunications services; issue, suspend or revoke licences and supervise licences; ensuring that operators meet their licence obligations; regulate retail and wholesale tariffs for communications service; promote effective competition in the sector and protect consumer rights in the sector.
All telecoms services, including the installation and operation of mobile cellular radio networks, in DRC are licensed activities, and the use of allocated segments of the radio spectrum are specifically authorised activities. The construction and operation of telecommunications towers is not a licenced activity, but the operator is required to submit a notification to the ARPTC.
To further update the legal and regulatory framework for telecommunications in DRC, MPT, together with other relevant government authorities, has adopted a new DRC Telecommunications Act. The new DRC Telecommunications Act is expected to overhaul the current licensing regime, modernise the structure of the sector with a view to encouraging competition and enabling the withdrawal of state involvement in telecommunications companies and spectrum management frameworks. Key measures introduced include interconnection, infrastructure sharing, tariff setting and management. This new regulation was prepared with assistance from the World Bank, which made regulatory reform a pre-requisite for financial assistance to DRC's segment of the Central African Backbone (TeleGeography, September 2018). The new DRC Telecommunications Act was submitted to the Senate for approval in May 2018 and is yet to be disseminated.
| 2011 | 2018(1) | 2024 | 2011-18 CAGR |
2018-24 CAGR |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Real GDP Growth (%) | 17.4% | 5.6% | 3.8% | 5.6% | 5.4% |
| Population (millions) | 25.4 | 29.8 | 33.7 | 2.3% | 2.1% |
| Urban Population (% Total) | 51% | 56% | 60% | — | — |
| Population below 30 (% Total) | 68% | 66% | 64% | — | — |
| FDI (US\$ billion) | 3.2 | 3.4 | — |
————— Note:
(1) 2018 figures are based on estimates.
Source: IMF World Economic Outlook Database, April 2019; UN World Population Prospects, 2019; EIU Database, June 2019.
Ghana remains an attractive market with significant natural resources and is a market-based economy with relatively few policy barriers to trade and investment. Gold, oil, and cocoa exports, as well as individual remittances, are major sources of foreign exchange. Expansion of Ghana's nascent oil industry has boosted economic growth, but the fall in oil prices since mid-2014 has reduced Ghana's oil revenues.
Ghana's fiscal performance has shown a broad turnaround since 2016. The consolidation of public finances has been successful, leading to a significant reduction in the fiscal deficit from 7.3 per cent. of GDP in 2016 to 3.8 per cent. in 2018. The primary balance turned positive at the end of 2017, the first time in almost a decade, and remained positive at the end of 2018. In addition, Ghana's supportive regulatory environment and stable environment attracted US\$3.4 billion of foreign direct investment in 2018. Positive macroeconomic developments resulted in Standard & Poor's rating upgrade (to "B" from "B-") for the first time after almost a decade as well as the largest Eurobond issuance in 2018 (IMF Country Report No. 19/ 97, Ghana, April 2019).
The inflation rate has stabilised to levels within the central bank's target range of six to 10 per cent. Headline inflation fell from close to 20 per cent. in 2016 to 9.8 per cent. in 2018 (African Development Bank, African Economic Outlook 2019). This decline was driven by moderations in both food and non-food inflation, the relative stability of the Cedi (an average of 4.41 U.S. dollar to Ghanaian Cedi in the first quarter of 2017 vs. 5.12 U.S. dollar to Ghanaian Cedi in the first quarter of 2019) as well as the ongoing fiscal consolidation. The moderation in inflation created room for policy easing since July 2017, as the policy rate was cut from 21.5 per cent. in January 2017 to 20 per cent. in September 2017 and was at 16 per cent. in January 2019.
Meanwhile, the government has shown a commitment to improving the reliability of grid power and ensuring investment in key infrastructure. Ghana has a weak infrastructure base, which is generally aged or outdated and in need of renewal. The government is likely to remain committed to improving infrastructure and has the means to attract investment or utilise revenues from commodity exports.
Ghana's growth target for 2019 is 8.8 per cent. mainly to be driven by the industrial sectors, especially oil, gas and mining. Manufacturing is also expected to post higher growth. From 2018 until 2024, overall GDP is projected to grow on average at 5.4 per cent., as the effects of oil on growth decline and non-oil growth strengthens. Inflation is expected to remain in the central bank's target range of 6 to 10 per cent. in 2019, while the fiscal deficit is expected to be marginally higher at 4.2 per cent. of GDP.
The government of Ghana has been a constitutional democracy since 1992, from which time it has held multiparty presidential elections every four years. The president is vested with executive powers and acts as head of government, while the legislative branch is represented by a unicameral parliament. The two main parties have alternated in power since the 1990s. The National Democratic Congress, which had held the presidential office since 2008, recently faced challenges from the opposition party, the New Patriotic Party, over the perceived severe effects of the fiscal responsibility programme on living standards, and in December 2016, a member of the New Patriotic Party, Nana Akufo-Addo, was elected president.
Governmental policies are becoming increasingly business-friendly and the political environment is relatively stable. The government introduced several initiatives, including the National Entrepreneurship and Innovation Plan ("NEIP") and "One District, One Factory". The former is a flagship policy initiative of the government of Ghana with the primary objective of providing an integrated national support for start-ups and small businesses. The latter is aimed at establishing, at least, one factory or enterprise in each of the 216 districts of Ghana as a means of creating economic growth poles that would accelerate the development of those areas and create jobs for the teeming youth. Nevertheless, bureaucracy in Ghana slows down processes, the country remains prone to corruption, and the judiciary is subject to political influence.
Ghana's telecommunications sector grew significantly from an estimated 25.6 million mobile subscriptions in 2012 to an estimated 38.5 million mobile subscriptions in 2018, implying a compound annual growth rate of 7.0 per cent. per year. Similarly, estimated mobile penetration increased from 98 per cent. in 2012 to 129 per cent. by the end of 2018. The estimated total number of mobile subscriptions increased by 3.3 million between 31 December 2017 and 31 December 2018. The estimated number of subscriptions declined sharply in 2017 mainly due to a change in the method used by the market leader (MTN) to count active customers. However, market growth was reported to have resumed in 2018. Multiple SIM ownership is a significant feature of the Ghanaian mobile market as each unique mobile subscriber has an estimated average of 2.4 SIMs (Hardiman Report, August 2019). Unique subscriber penetration as of 31 December 2018 was estimated to be 54 per cent., which is slightly above the average of approximately 50 per cent. for Sub-Saharan Africa (GSMA Intelligence, June 2019; Unique Mobile Subscribers, 2018).
Source: Hardiman Report, August 2019.
—————
The subscriber base in Ghana is projected to grow from an estimated 38.3 million in 2016 to 44.0 million by 2024, a compound annual growth rate of 1.7 per cent. per year over the period, with the increase in subscribers expected to be driven primarily by demand for mobile data connectivity and increased rates of smartphone adoption, which are projected to increase from 45 per cent. in 2018 to 90 per cent. in 2024. Ghana's estimated mobile market penetration as of 31 December 2017 amounted to 121 per cent. Decline in penetration during 2017 was mainly due to downward restatement of active subscribers by MTN. Market penetration in Ghana as of 31 December 2018 was estimated to be 129 per cent. Hence, mobile market penetration is projected to recover from the 2017 decline and stabilise around 131 per cent. in 2024. Furthermore, mobile penetration rates above 120 per cent. have been reported in African markets such as Cote d'Ivoire and Gambia with similar or lower levels of GDP per capita (Hardiman Report, August 2019).
Source: Hardiman Report, August 2019.
Growth in Ghana's mobile market is now being driven mainly by the adoption of mobile data services. Voice and traditional messaging services are no longer the key driver of demand. The Ghanaian regulator, the National Communications Authority ("NCA"), reported that the number of mobile data subscriptions increased from 8.3 million as of 31 December 2012 to 23.5 million as of 30 September 2018. Hence, growth in the number of mobile data users is reported as higher than the growth of mobile phone subscriptions (Hardiman Report, August 2019).
MBB penetration as a share of population amounted to an estimated 82 per cent. as of 31 December 2017. The share of mobile subscribers that are data users has increased from an estimated 33 per cent. as of 31 December 2012, to an estimated 59 per cent. as of 30 September 2018. The Hardiman Report projects that the share of mobile subscribers that are data users will increase further as old handsets are replaced by smartphones, MBB coverage is improved, and MNOs roll out own 4G services. GSMA projects that MBBcapable internet connections will increase from 24.2 million in 2018 to 45.4 million in 2024. As of 31 December 2017, estimated 4G population coverage exceeded 35 per cent. in Ghana (Hardiman Report, August 2019).
Ghana's mobile market features four major MNOs, three of which, MTN, Airtel-Tigo and Vodafone, are significant international MNOs. MTN is reported as a clear market leader with 46 per cent. market share as of 31 December 2018 (Hardiman Report, August 2019). MTN announced 3.4 million disconnections in the first quarter of 2017 resulting from a change in how it defined customers. MTN is the only MNO identified as having launched 4G in Ghana, which reinforced its leadership position. Tigo Ghana and Airtel Ghana formally merged in October 2017 via a 50:50 joint venture. Vodafone's strong market position derives from the acquisition of a 70 per cent. stake in Ghanaian incumbent Ghana Telecom in 2008. Vodafone obtained a 4G licence in December 2018, having paid US\$30 million for 2x5 MHz in the 800 MHz band. Glo Mobile in Ghana was set up as part of Nigerian multinational Globacom's overall "fibre-plus-mobile" regional strategy for West Africa. Glo Mobile subscriber base has declined and its brand perception is weak. Nevertheless, the company has not announced plans to withdraw from the market. Expresso Telecom formally exited the market at the beginning of 2018. Its subscriber base had decreased close to zero by the time of withdrawal and NCA had not renewed its licence.
| Market Entry | Technologies | Subscriptions (31 Dec 2018) |
Market Share (31 Dec 2018) |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
| (millions) | (%) | |||
| MTN | 1996 1994 (Tigo) |
2G/3G/4G | 17.7 | 46 |
| Airtel-Tigo | 1997 (Airtel) | 2G/3G | 10.3 | 27 |
| Vodafone | 2000(1) | 2G/3G/4G(2) | 9.8 | 25 |
| Glo Mobile | 2008 | 2G/3G | 0.7 | 2 |
Source: Hardiman Report, August 2019. —————
Notes:
(1) Vodafone obtained a licence in 2000. In 2008, Vodafone acquired a 70 per cent. stake in Ghana Telekom
(2) 4G licence acquired in December 2018
Following the acquisition of Eaton Towers by American Tower announced 30 May 2019, the Group is one of two independent tower companies in Ghana. As of 31 December 2018, the Group owned 21 per cent. of the 4,314 marketable towers located in Ghana. The remaining 79 per cent. were owned by American Tower, including the towers American Tower acquired from Eaton Towers.
Independent tower companies have been active in the Ghanaian market since 2010 when the Group, American Tower, and Eaton Towers each entered the market. The Company entered the Ghanaian market through the acquisition of Tigo's towers portfolio. American Tower entered the market by creating a joint venture with MTN and, as a result, is the largest tower company in Ghana, further increasing its market share with the acquisition of Eaton Towers. Eaton Towers entered the market in 2010 by means of a tower management contract with Vodafone which runs until 2020. Subsequently, Eaton acquired Airtel's tower portfolio in Ghana.
The Ghanaian market is particularly supportive of the independent tower company model given that all major MNOs in the country rely on independent tower companies for new sites. Emerging wireless ISPs are also potential customers. In addition, local planning guidelines and restrictions limit the number of new towers that can be built. Duplication of towers is prohibited, which limits the construction of towers in close proximity to each other thereby further mitigating competitive pressures.
The Group's towers in Ghana reflect the network coverage of anchor tenant Airtel-Tigo, which is concentrated in the southern part of the country and the cities of Accra and Kumasi. The Company's tower portfolio is predominantly located in urban and suburban areas (only 26 per cent. of all sites are located in rural areas). The Group's urban-centric portfolio has limited overlap with the portfolios of other tower companies in Ghana. Therefore, the Company believes that it is well-suited to capture a high portion of site densification build-out as data demand drives infrastructure improvements.
The Group continuously assesses opportunities to carry out strategic purchases of existing tower assets that meet the Group's internal criteria. In Ghana, based on publicly available information, the Group estimates there are approximately 750 tower sites owned by MNOs which are managed by other tower companies that may be suitable for asset purchases in the future. The Group is not currently engaged in discussions regarding any bolt-on acquisitions in Ghana and bolt-on acquisitions are not currently included in the Group's business plan.
Source: Hardiman Report, August 2019. —————
(1) In Ghana, Eaton manages 750 sites on behalf of Vodafone.
(2) This figure is Company information based on 848 online and marketable sites.
The increase in PoS is forecasted to be driven by growth in the cohort, as measured by age, of mobile and candidate users, higher penetration of mobile devices, and the growing use of mobile phones for activities beyond traditional communication services (for example, banking and trade). As a result, MNOs will have to ensure that their networks are able to support the increased demand for new services and, at the same, the quality of the services provided is improved. Growing data usage will require MNOs to expand their network infrastructure in order to handle increased data traffic. Consequently, MNOs are expected to increase the number of their PoSs over the next years, as illustrated in the following chart.
Source: Hardiman Report, August 2019.
As of 31 December 2018, there were an estimated 7,815 PoS in Ghana. It is projected that an additional 2,740 PoS will be required between 2018 and 2024 to support the improvements in network coverage and network capacity in Ghana (Hardiman Report, August 2019). The majority of new PoS in the forecast period is expected to be built by Airtel-Tigo and Vodafone. MTN has recently reported significant investments in new sites and network infrastructure. As a result, Airtel-Tigo and Vodafone will likely have to invest in their infrastructure in order to remain competitive with MTN.
In African markets the demand for and the uptake of data services is accelerating. Data capacity is becoming the main determinant of PoS dimensioning. Consequently, rapid technological developments are forecasted to take place over the next years, reflecting both customer demand for data services as well as increased operational and spectral efficiency of operators utilising newer technologies (particularly 3G and 4G LTE in preference to 2G). It is expected that MNOs will locate additional equipment on mobile communications towers, including multi-band antennae, RRUs, microwave dishes, and more antennae to facilitate sectoring. Additional equipment implies increased demand for space on mobile communication towers. Once the demand for additional space on a specific tower exceeds the amount of space leased by an MNO under the ISA, the MNO and the tower company will typically begin discussions regarding amendment of the ISA to provide more space. The tower company is likely to receive increased revenues as a result of leasing more space.
Network PoS in Ghana are forecasted to increase from an estimated 15,845 in 2018 to 26,889 in 2024, an increase of 11,044 PoS reflecting a compound annual growth rate of 9.2 per cent. over the period (Hardiman Report, August 2019). The Hardiman Report projects that the rollout of 3G and LTE sites, which the Hardiman Report estimates will grow from 53 per cent. of total Network PoS in 2018 to 67 per cent. of total Network PoS in 2024, will drive Network PoS growth.
Source: Hardiman Report, August 2019.
Network PoS growth is expected to be driven primarily by the rollout of 3G and LTE sites. As of 31 December 2018, there was an estimated 1,286 LTE PoS in Ghana (Hardiman Report, August 2019). Operator PoS growth is expected to come from additional coverage sites and 3G infill sites as MNOs densify their data networks. Network PoS will grow as MNOs install 3G and 4G equipment on existing 2G sites and on new sites.
The responsibility for Ghana's telecommunications market is split between the Ministry of Communications and the NCA. The Ministry of Communications exists to facilitate the development of reliable, cost-effective, and advanced communications infrastructure and services. The NCA is the central body in Ghana responsible for licensing and regulating communications activities and services. The NCA requires licences in connection with the ownership and operation of telecommunications towers. In order to own, build and operate telecommunications towers in Ghana, permits are required in connection with building, airspace safety, non-ionising radiation protection and the environment. These permits are required prior to the commencement of any construction work.
The Ghanaian regulatory model is highly proactive in terms of policy implementation and forward-looking with regards to the adoption and monetisation of new technologies, applications and services. The regulator continually monitors whether operators meet their licence conditions, attempts to promote competition, and increase coverage in rural areas. In March and April 2017, the NCA held meetings with MNOs ordering them to improve their quality of service. In December 2018, MTN Ghana was reported to be in talks with broadband wireless access (BWA) spectrum holder Goldkey Telecoms about exchanging a proportion of its shares for the latter's 4G 2600MHz spectrum. According to media reports, the NCA had approved the move. Furthermore, in December 2018, NCA granted Vodafone Ghana 265MHz spectrum in the 800MHz band. As a result, Vodafone became the second operator, after MTN, to be awarded 4G spectrum by the NCA.
| 2011 | 2018(1) | 2024 | 2011-18 CAGR |
2018-24 CAGR |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Real GDP Growth (%) | 3.4% | 0.8% | 2.2% | 1.6% | 2.0% |
| Population (millions) | 4.4 | 5.2 | 6.1 | 2.6% | 2.5% |
| Urban Population (% Total) | 64% | 67% | 70% | — | — |
| Population below 30 (% Total) | 68% | 68% | 67% | — | — |
| FDI (US\$ billion) | 0.3 | 0.1 | — | — | — |
————— Note:
(1) 2018 figures are based on estimates.
Sources: IMF World Economic Outlook Database, April 2019; UN World Population Prospects, 2019; EIU Database, June 2019.
Located in Central Africa, Congo Brazzaville has significant reserves of oil and natural gas, forestry and arable land. The petroleum industry is the predominant force of the Congo Brazzaville economy, contributing significantly to the country's GDP and workforce.
The sharp drops in oil prices that started in mid-2014 resulted in GDP contracting by 2.9 per cent. (in real terms) in 2016. Nevertheless, oil production increased in 2017, with a new field (Moho Nord) coming on stream, and oil prices started to recover, which contributed to positive economic growth. The economy is projected to recover at 2.0 per cent., on average, over the period 2018 to 2024. This recovery has been supported by growing oil production, an increase in information and communications technology as well as higher manufacturing output.
The government has introduced the National Development Plan (2018 to 2022), which lays out its intention for a change of focus to improving governance, nurturing human capital, and diversifying the economy. The plan's stated agenda is rapid economic recovery with sustained and inclusive growth. As a result, overall fiscal and external balances are expected to be contained over the 2018 to 2020 period in anticipation of the government's successful implementation of fiscal and economic reforms.
Upon independence in 1960, the former French region of Middle Congo became Congo Brazzaville. The country adopted a Marxist form of government until Marxism was abandoned in 1990 and a democratically elected government took office in 1992. Denis Sassou Nguesso was President from 1979 to 1991 before becoming an opposition leader for five years before returning to power during the Second Civil War (1997-1999), in which his rebel forces ousted President Pascal Lissouba. Following a transitional period, Sassou Nguesso won the 2002 presidential election, which involved low opposition participation, and he was re-elected in the 2009 presidential election. The introduction of a new constitution, passed by referendum in 2015, enabled Sassou Nguesso to stand for a further term which resulted in his re-election as president in 2016 with a majority in the first round. The government quickly launched "the march towards development", the President's social project for 2016-2021, and "living together", on initiative which calls for unity, dialogue and national cohesion. However, some major political or military leaders have been imprisoned. Legislative and local elections took place on July 2017, and saw the main ruling party, the Congolese Labour Party (PCT), win most of the seats. The reshuffling of the government resulted in no major changes in key ministerial positions.
The president is chief of state, and following a constitutional referendum in 2015, the head of government is a prime minister vested with executive powers with the legislative branch composed of a bicameral parliament. Subsequently, there was significant political unrest in certain regions (particularly in the Pool region), including protests in 2015 over the constitutional referendum eliminating the age limit for presidential candidates. Nevertheless, the Pool region is gradually regaining peace and security. As a result of the ceasefire agreement reached in November 2017 between government officials and representatives of the former rebel leader, Frédéric Bintsamou (also known as Pastor Ntumi), the free movement of goods and people is improving, and displaced populations are gradually returning to their localities of origin.
A disarmament, demobilisation, and reintegration process started in August 2018 under the supervision of the United Nations, and accelerated with the support of Pastor Ntumi, whose first public appearance in two years took place in August 2018. Members of the government and international community continue working to improve the situation in the Pool region.
Congo Brazzaville's telecommunications sector grew from 4.3 million mobile subscriptions in 2012 to 4.8 million mobile subscriptions in 2018, implying a compound annual growth rate of 1.9 per cent. Mobile penetration decreased from 91 per cent. in 2012 to 89 per cent. in 2018. Mobile subscriptions fell by 0.3 million during 2018 as a result of Azur's exit from the market. Multiple SIM ownership is a significant feature of Congo Brazzaville's mobile market. Each unique mobile subscriber has an average of 2.0 SIMs (Hardiman Report, August 2019). Unique subscriber penetration as of 31 December 2018 was estimated to be 46 per cent., which is slightly below the average of approximately 50 per cent. for Sub-Saharan Africa (GSMA Intelligence, June 2019; Unique Mobile Subscribers, 2018).
————— Source: Hardiman Report, August 2019.
The subscriber base in Congo Brazzaville is projected to grow from an estimated 4.8 million in 2018 to 6.0 million in 2024, implying a compound annual growth rate of 3.8 per cent. over the period. Mobile market subscriptions are forecast to increase by an average of 200,000 per year, which is slightly higher than population growth (c. 150,000 annually on average). It is expected that mobile data will be the main driver of growth, with GSMA projecting that the smartphone adoption rate will increase from 30 per cent. in 2018 to 62 per cent. in 2024. Congo Brazzaville's mobile market penetration as of 31 December 2017 amounted to an estimated 95 per cent. Mobile market penetration declined to 88 per cent. in 2018, likely as a result of Azur's withdrawal from the market. Growth however appears to have recommenced, and penetration is forecast to reach 94 per cent. by 2024. Furthermore, mobile market penetration rates in the 90 to 100 per cent. range have already been reported in African markets such as Senegal with lower levels of GDP per capita (Hardiman Report, August 2019).
————— Source: Hardiman Report, August 2019.
MBB population penetration as a share of population in Congo Brazzaville amounted to an estimated 17 per cent. as of 31 December 2017. The main restraint on MBB adoption is low population coverage of 3G and 4G. MBB coverage in Congo Brazzaville is relatively low, 17 per cent. and five per cent. for 3G and 4G, respectively. Nevertheless, MBB adoption within the coverage area is estimated to be high (101 per cent. as of 31 December 2017) and GSMA estimates that MBB-capable internet connections will increase from 2.1 million in 2018 to 5.3 million in 2024 (GSMA Report, June 2019).
MTN, which has a 51 per cent. subscriber market share in Congo Brazzaville, reported 0.4 million active mobile data users as of 30 June 2018 (19 per cent. of total MTN subscriptions). This is equivalent to 48 per cent. of MTN's estimated 0.9 million smartphone owners as of 30 June 2018 (Hardiman Report, August 2019).
The Agence de Régulation des Postes et des Communications Electroniques ("ARCPE") has made increased efforts to enforce quality of service requirements on MNOs and in 2015 reduced the licence terms of MTN and Airtel for their failure to meet network quality of service requirements. The ARCPE has also announced a public consultation on market powers for telecommunications operators, which could result in additional obligations regarding the imposition of extended national coverage requirements on MNOs with significant market power implying a greater need for infrastructure build-out.
Congo Brazzaville's mobile market is a duopoly between two major international operators, MTN and Airtel. The exit of Warid from the market in 2014 intensified already latent duopolistic tendencies. Withdrawal from the market by Azur in the second quarter of 2018 formalised the market's duopoly status. MTN is the market leader with 51 per cent. subscriber market share. MTN benefited from the exit of Warid from the market in 2014 as it immediately increased the market share from 38 per cent. as of 31 December 2013 to 44 per cent. as of 31 December 2014. MTN further increased its market share by seven percentage points in 2015. Nevertheless, Airtel managed to increase its market share from 42 per cent. as of 31 December 2015 to 49 per cent. as of 31 December 2018. Azur exited the market due to financial difficulties, which undermined consumer confidence and negatively impacted its brand. The company's licence was not renewed by the Agence de Régulation des Postes et des Communications Electroniques (the "ARPCE").
MTN was the first operator in Congo Brazzaville to offer 4G services. It launched "4G Turbo" in some parts of the capital (Brazzaville) and in Congo's second largest city, Pointe Noire, at the end of 2016. Airtel announced the launch of 4G services in December 2018. It claims to offer the broadest 4G coverage, via 250 dedicated 4G sites (83 per cent. population coverage).
| Market Entry | Technologies | Subscriptions (31 Dec 2018) |
Market Share (31 Dec 2018) |
||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (millions) | (%) | ||||
| MTN | 2000 | 2G/3G/4G | 2.5 | 51 | |
| Airtel | 1999 | 2G/3G/4G | 2.3 | 49 |
————— Source: Hardiman Report, August 2019.
The Group is the only independent tower company operating in Congo Brazzaville. The Company currently owns and manages 49 per cent. of the estimated 773 marketable towers located in Congo Brazzaville. The remaining marketable towers are owned by MTN (39 per cent.), Airtel (6 per cent.) and Azur (6 per cent.). Given that Azur has left the market, its tower portfolio may be available for acquisition (Hardiman Report, August 2019).
Prior to the Group's entry into the Congo Brazzaville market in 2015 through its acquisition of Airtel's towers, the sector was characterised by significant tower sharing arrangements between MNOs. As of 2018, 90 per cent, 40 per cent., and 34 per cent. of Airtel, Azur, and MTN PoS were estimated as colocated on third party sites, with Airtel's proportion having been the highest as a result of the sale of the majority of its portfolio to the Group (Hardiman Report, August 2019). The Congo Brazzaville market is supportive of the independent tower company model owing to the existing duopoly between MTN and Airtel as well as historically low levels of activity in terms of tower growth. Moreover, remote rural areas in the north of the country would make it expensive for MNOs to service the towers. The MNOs prefer to use independent tower companies to construct build-to-suite sites.
The Group's towers are concentrated in the southern part of the country and in the cities of Brazzaville and Pointe Noire, reflecting the network coverage of anchor tenant Airtel. With a duopoly in place between MTN and Airtel, it is likely that these MNOs will continue to collaborate with the Company in the development of new build-to-suit sites. The Group believes that the market is too small to support a second independent tower company. Hence, the Company is well-positioned to capture a portion of the growth stemming from capacity infill and site densification in urban areas.
The Group continuously assesses opportunities to carry out strategic purchases of existing tower assets that meet the Group's internal criteria. In Congo Brazzaville, there are 393 tower sites owned by MNOs that may be suitable for asset purchases in the future. The Group is not currently engaged in discussions regarding any bolt-on acquisitions in Congo Brazzaville and bolt-on acquisitions are not currently included in the Group's business plan.
————— Source: Hardiman Report, August 2019.
The increase in PoS is forecasted to be driven by growth in the cohort, as measured by age, of mobile users and candidate users, higher penetration of mobile devices, increasing affordability of smartphones, and growing use of mobile phones for activities beyond traditional communication services. As a result, MNOs will have to ensure that their networks are able to support the increased demand for new services and, at the same time, the quality of the services provided is improved. Growing data usage will require MNOs to expand their network infrastructure in order to handle increased data traffic. Consequently, it is expected that MNOs will increase the number of their PoS over the coming years as they increase coverage and densify their networks (particularly in urban areas).
Source: Hardiman Report, August 2019.
As of 31 December 2018, there were an estimated 1,047 PoS in Congo Brazzaville. The Hardiman Report estimates that an additional 375 PoS will be required between 2018 and 2024 to support the improvements in network coverage and network capacity in Congo Brazzaville. The Hardiman Report projects that increasing numbers of subscribers for MTN and Airtel will drive demand for new operator PoS while the rollout of 3G and 4G LTE sites, which Hardiman estimates will grow from 53 per cent. of total estimated Network PoS in 2018 to 67 per cent. of total Network PoS in 2024, will drive Network PoS growth. As a result of Azur's exit from the market, their PoS are not expected to grow and are shown solely for information purposes.
In African markets the demand for and the uptake of data services is accelerating. Data capacity is becoming the main determinant of PoS dimensioning. Consequently, rapid technological developments are forecasted to take place in the short-term, reflecting both customer demand for data services as well as increased operational and spectral efficiency of operators utilising newer technologies (particularly 3G and 4G LTE in preference to 2G). It is expected that MNOs will locate additional equipment on mobile communications towers, including multi-band antennae, RRUs, microwave dishes, and more antennae to facilitate sectoring. Additional equipment implies increased demand for space on mobile communication towers. Once the demand for additional space on a specific tower exceeds the amount of space leased by an MNO under the ISA, the MNO and the tower operator will typically begin discussions regarding amendment of the ISA to provide more space. The tower operator is likely to receive increased revenues as a result of leasing more space.
Network PoS in Congo Brazzaville are forecasted to increase from 2,192 in 2018 to 3,951 in 2024, an increase of 1,759 PoS reflecting a compound annual growth rate of 10.3 per cent. over the period (Hardiman Report, August 2019).
————— Source: Hardiman Report, August 2019.
Network PoS growth is expected to be driven primarily by the rollout of 3G and 4G LTE sites. As of 31 December 2018, there was an estimated 237 4G LTE PoS in Congo Brazzaville (Hardiman Report, August 2019). Operator PoS growth is expected to come from additional coverage sites and infill sites as MNOs densify their data networks. Network PoS will grow as MNOs install 3G and 4G equipment on existing 2G sites and on new sites. MNOs' demand for more site locations (either as new build or colocation) as well as the demand for tower space to locate more equipment for 3G and 4G LTE services are the key drivers for the Group's business in Congo Brazzaville.
The government entity responsible for the regulation of the telecommunications sector in Congo Brazzaville is the ARPCE, which operates under the auspices of the Ministry of Communications. The agency is responsible for managing frequencies, prescribing equipment standards, setting tariffs, promoting competition and mediating consumer disputes. In addition, the ARPCE monitors compliance with the terms of licences and applicable laws.
The installation and operation of equipment on telecommunications towers in Congo Brazzaville are licenced activities monitored by the ARPCE. The construction of towers in Congo Brazzaville requires a permit from the ARPCE which must be held as long as the tower exists, and written notifications must be filed and approved by the Ministry of Environment of Congo Brazzaville ("MECB"). Furthermore, local municipal approval is required to operate towers in Congo Brazzaville.
—————
| 2011 | 2018 | 2024 | 2011-17 CAGR |
2018-24 CAGR |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Real GDP growth (%) | 350.9 | 368.1 | 458.6 | 1.5% | 1.7% |
| Population (millions) | 52.0 | 57.8 | 62.1 | 1.5% | 1.2% |
| Urban Population (% Total) | 62.7% | 66.4% | 69.3% | — | — |
| Population below 30 (% Total) | 59.2% | 55.7.% | 52.9% | — | — |
| FDI (US\$ billion) | 4.1 | 6.0 | — | — | — |
Sources: IMF World Economic Outlook Database, April 2019; UN World Population Prospects, 2019; UNCTAD Work Investment Report.
South Africa, the largest economy in Southern Africa and the second largest in Africa, is a middle-income market with an abundant supply of natural resources, well-developed financial, legal, telecommunications, energy and transport sectors, and a stock exchange that is Africa's largest and rated amongst the top 20 in the world. South Africa's mature financial market, combined with high levels of business sophistication and innovation, have led the country to be considered a gateway to doing business in Sub-Saharan Africa.
Through South Africa's central bank, the South African Reserve Bank ("SARB"), monetary policy has focused on maintaining price stability and balanced and sustainable economic growth. Inflation is expected to average 5 per cent. annually between 2019 and 2023, which is within the SARB's target range of 3 per cent. to 6 per cent. (The Economist Intelligence Unit, South Africa, Country Report).
However, economic growth in South Africa has decelerated in recent years with the most recent data showing no growth in year-on-year real GDP during the first quarter of 2019. The challenges facing the country include high levels of inequality and unemployment, the latter of which is currently at 27.6 per cent. of the population, skills shortages due to deteriorating primary and secondary education standards, high public debt spending, mismanagement of state-owned enterprises such as South African Airways and Eskom, which in the case of the latter has resulted in load shedding as a consequence of underinvestment, aging power plants and delays in the completion of new power generation facilities. Other contributing factors include ongoing drought conditions, weaker commodity prices and a weaker sovereign rating.
Despite these challenges, Moody's maintains South Africa's risk rating at investment grade (Baa3 – Stable), while noting the country's significant debt levels, low economic growth and limited investment levels. Moody's however has expressed confidence in President Ramaphosa and his ability to push through much needed reforms (CIA World Factbook, 2019; The Economist Intelligence Unit, South Africa, Country Report).
Since his inauguration in February 2018, President Ramaphosa and his administration have embarked on a number of policy reforms designed to improve the efficiency of the economy and attract local and FDI, including:
Restarting the private-sector-led renewable energy programme and introducing a more business-friendly mining charter represent some of Mr Ramaphosa's key achievements to date. Reforms to overhaul parastatals are expected to facilitate much-needed investment from both public and private sources. Increased consumption underpinned by an expanding middle class is expected to drive the economy as will the spread of digital technologies. Policy clarification in key areas is still required, particularly regarding the government's land reform programme (The Economist Intelligence Unit, South Africa, Country Report).
Progress has also been made in strengthening the institutional framework of the country, maintaining relative exchange rate stability and reducing crime, all of which have led to general positive GDP sentiments. GDP growth in 2019 will benefit from the above-mentioned policy reforms and rising confidence in the government. Between 2020 and 2023, GDP is expected to rise to an average 2.8 per cent. annually (The Economist Intelligence Unit, South Africa, Country Report).
South Africa is a multi-party democratic state wherein the president and members of the National Assembly are elected every five years. The African National Congress ("ANC"), has remained the dominant political force in the country since the first democratic elections in 1994, and today holds 230 seats in the 400-seat National Assembly. President Ramaphosa recently received a new popular mandate when the ruling ANC won the National Assembly elections held on 8 May 2019. Mr Ramaphosa is now considered to have greater authority to shape the policy, agenda and structure of the government, and to drive reforms (The Economist Intelligence Unit, Country Report, South Africa). On 30 May 2019, President Ramaphosa announced the formation of his cabinet, in which 50 per cent. of the posts are held by women, making South Africa one of the few countries in the world in which the cabinet is gender-balanced.
President Ramaphosa has already made progress in rebuilding and strengthening key state institutions such as the NPA and the SARS, whose oversight and governance had been weakened by the previous administration. President Ramaphosa has also championed numerous and ongoing inquiries into corruption and state capture to expose and prosecute abuses which are alleged to have taken place under former president Jacob Zuma.
The South African telecommunications sector is a mature market with a highly penetrated mobile segment. Mobile penetration has grown from an estimated 129 per cent. in 2012 to 178 per cent. in 2018 (Hardiman Report, August 2019). The unique mobile subscriber penetration rate, however, was estimated to be only 67 per cent. in 2018 (Hardiman Report, August 2019), taking into account multi-SIM usage. This suggests that despite elevated penetration levels, there is still significant growth potential for the mobile telecommunications sector in South Africa.
SIM subscriptions grew from an estimated 74 million in 2013 to an estimated 103 million by end of 2018 (Hardiman Report, August 2019) driven predominantly by a growing black middle class and innovation and competition in mobile data services. The small drop in subscriber numbers in 2015 can likely be attributed to the revision and clean-up of Cell C's subscriber base.
————— Source: Hardiman Report, August 2019
The subscriber base in South Africa is projected to grow from an estimated 94.8 million in 2017 to 111 million by 2024, a compound annual growth rate of 2.3 per cent. over the period.
————— Source: Hardiman Report, August 2019
The reported MBB take-up rate in South Africa is among the strongest in the region. MBB-enabled subscriptions (3G/4G) represented an estimated 62 per cent. of the total mobile market subscriptions as of 31 December 2018, which was equivalent to 100 per cent. population penetration (Hardiman Report, August 2019). Focus is now on the further extension of 4G coverage with 78 per cent. of population already covered by 4G as of 31 December 2017, one of the highest rates in Sub-Saharan Africa (Hardiman Report, August 2019). The increased availability of cheap smartphones in South Africa will act as a further stimulus for mobile broadband uptake, notably among the young population. From 2018 to 2024, GSMA expects that the rate of smartphone adoption will increase from 98 per cent. to 133 per cent.
South Africa Mobile Broadband Subscriptions and MBB Penetration
Source: Hardiman Report, August 2019
The South African telecommunications market is mature and comprises four main MNOs: Vodacom, MTN, Cell C and Telkom, as well as mobile virtual network operators ("MVNOs"). The main characteristics of the telecommunications market are price competition, a significant pre-eminence of Vodacom and MTN, data-led propositions and stringent regulation. The two largest operators are majority-owned by large telecommunications groups, Vodacom Group, headquartered in South Africa, which is ultimately owned by Vodafone Group Plc, and MTN Group headquartered in South Africa.
The three largest MNOs (Vodacom, MTN and Cell C) had an estimated combined market share of 90 per cent. as of 31 December 2018 (Hardiman Report, August 2019). Vodacom is a market leader with an estimated 43.8 million subscribers in 2018 (Hardiman Report, August 2019), and a claimed coverage of 99 per cent. in South Africa. MTN is the country's second largest mobile operator with an estimated 31.2 million subscribers (Hardiman Report, August 2019), a claimed 3G network coverage of 98 per cent. and a 4G network coverage of 90 per cent. Cell C is the country's third largest operator with an estimated total subscriber base of 17.2 million in 2018, up sharply from 2012 when it reported 10.1 million subscribers (Hardiman Report, August 2019). Discussions on a potential merger between Cell C and Telkom reportedly took place in 2018, but so far, no transaction has been announced. Telkom, which is a semiprivatised company in which the government has a direct shareholding of 39.3 per cent. (Hardiman Report, August 2019) as well as an indirect stake of 11.6 per cent. through the Public Investment Corporation, a state-owned asset manager, is the fourth largest MNO with 8.6 million subscribers reported in 2018 (TeleGeography, GlobalComms Database, January 2019).
| Licence Date(1) | Technologies(2) | Subscriptions (31 Dec 2018)(1) |
Market Share (31 Dec 2018)(1) |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
| (millions) | (%) | |||
| Vodacom | 1993 | 2G/3G/4G | 43.8 | 43 |
| MTN | 1993 | 2G/3G/4G | 31.2 | 30 |
| Cell C | 2000 | 2G/3G/4G | 17.2 | 17 |
| Telkom | 2010 | 2G/3G/4G | 8.6 | 8 |
————— Notes:
(1) Hardiman Report, June 2019.
(2) Source: Telegeography database, June 2017.
3G mobile data services have grown rapidly since their launch in 2004 and this has been followed by the rollout of 4G services across the country. Vodacom was the first provider to commercially launch 4G in 2012 and by April 2018 it had extended its coverage to 80 per cent. of the population. MTN also began offering 4G data services in 2012 and had achieved 90 per cent. coverage by November 2018. Cell C launched its 4G network in October 2015 after the establishment of a roaming agreement with MTN enabled Cell C to boost its LTE coverage from 33 per cent. to 80 per cent. Most of the operators are struggling with the scarcity of LTE-suitable spectrum due to the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa's ("ICASA") slow progress in auctioning the respective frequencies. This has forced the operators to reform portions of existing spectrum to ensure their ability to continue with the roll-out of LTE technology.
South African operators have begun 5G trials. MTN was the first operator to launch a 5G trial in South Africa in partnership with Ericsson in January 2018 and conducted further trials in Pretoria in collaboration with Huawei. Vodacom is planning to conduct 5G trials in partnership with Nokia in the near future. 5G spectrum auctions are expected to take place by the end of 2019.
South Africa has more than 10 MVNOs. The key players are Virgin Mobile, First National Bank with its mobile offering which reported just over 600,000 subscribers in March 2018, and the recently launched Standard Bank offering. The launch of Standard Bank's MVNO highlights the growing convergence between telecommunications services and retail banking in South Africa. Unlike their rivals, Vodacom and MTN previously avoided MVNO agreements to prevent lower cost alternative players from benefitting from their wider network coverage. This changed when Vodacom entered a data roaming deal with Rain. The deal will give Vodacom access to Rain's 1,800MHz and 2,600MHz spectrum. Cell C has played host to a growing number of MVNO partners to increase revenues and sustain network investments.
South Africa has the largest tower market in Sub-Saharan Africa with an estimated 28,997 towers. Most of the towers in South Africa are owned by MNOs, with MTN having the greatest number of towers at an estimated 10,500 (Hardiman Report, August 2019).
The tower industry is vibrant with a number of small independent tower companies, including Atlas Towers and Eagle Towers, building and operating towers for the MNOs and developing small cell solutions. The largest independent tower company is ATC with 2,608 active towers.
In March 2019, the Group entered into a majority-owned joint venture with Vulatel in South Africa to create Helios Towers South Africa pursuant to which it acquired 13 edge data centres and related customer contracts. In April 2019, the Group acquired SA Towers, which owned 58 online sites and additional sites under construction, through the acquisition of a majority interest in HTSA Towers (Pty) Ltd by Helios Towers South Africa.
Note:
(1) As of 30 June 2019. Total site count including 4,277 towers owned by tower companies and 24,700 towers owned by MNOs.
Subscriber numbers are forecast to grow to 111 million by 2024, based on expected GDP per capita growth, which should support net subscriber additions of one million annually between 2019 and 2023. Mobile penetration is likely to stabilise around 180 per cent. supported by continued multi-SIM ownership in the South African market (Hardiman Report, August 2019).
The South African mobile market is more comparable with European mobile markets than other Sub-Saharan African markets. Mobile penetration is high, mobile broadband coverage and penetration is also high and traffic volumes are substantial. Additionally, consumer service expectations are high. Consequently, the average number of subscribers per PoS is relatively low in South Africa when compared with that of other African markets. As market leaders, Vodacom and MTN have the most PoS deployed. MTN has been engaged in a major rollout project geared towards having the best 4G network coverage (Hardiman Report, August 2019).
Source: Hardiman Report, August 2019
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Increases in PoS numbers will be driven by demand for high quality data services and increased utilisation of mobile data services. The Hardiman Report forecasts that an additional 8.4 million subscribers will join the South African mobile market by 2024. This coupled with increasing data traffic and the need for additional sites to improve data quality of service will drive demand for an estimated additional 7,020 PoS. The majority of this requirement is expected to come from Cell C and Telkom as they seek to retain market share (Hardiman Report, August 2019). The adoption of 4G and an increase in mobile data users is driving the overall mobile market with a total of approximately 111 million subscriptions forecast by 2024.
South Africa's telecommunications sector is regulated by ICASA, which operates under the oversight of the Department of Telecommunications and Postal Services.
There has been mounting consumer pressure as well as subsequent inquiries into the high cost of data prices in South Africa, which has pushed MNOs to adjust their mobile data pricing in recent quarters. Based on the investigations by the Competition Commission of South Africa, the commission has found that data prices in South Africa are higher than those of its Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa ("BRICS") and South African Development Community ("SADC") peers (Data Services Market Inquiry, April 2019). In its aim to stimulate competition and promote affordable services in the mobile market, the regulator has recommended terms for the upcoming spectrum auction including: operators' access to frequencies being contingent on their commitments to price reductions as well as spectrum caps for larger players. These measures if enacted, will further stimulate data usage by MNO subscribers and result in the need for additional tower infrastructure to carry the increased data traffic.
The regulations and procedures guiding the operation and location of telecommunications towers in the countries in which the Group operates are drawn from legislation, subsidiary regulations and administrative consents from the governments in each jurisdiction in which the Group operates.
In each jurisdiction in which the Group operates, there are specific consents required to erect and own masts and towers. These consents are typically in the form of building or construction permits authorising the telecommunications tower owner to erect or carry out construction works for the erection of the towers. Failure to obtain building permits may lead to the demolition of the structure by the relevant authorities. In some jurisdictions, the owner of the structure would pay the government for the demolition cost. Alternatively, the relevant authority may issue a notice to the owner of the offending structure to make them compliant with building regulations.
The TCRA was established pursuant to the Tanzania Communication Regulatory Authority Act No. 12 of 2003. The TCRA is responsible for regulating the ownership, maintenance and operation of telecommunication towers in Tanzania. Additionally, the TCRA is responsible for, amongst other things, renewing and cancelling telecommunication licences and the licences of associated services (the "Regulated Goods and Services"), establishing standards for the Regulated Goods and Services, and the terms and conditions of the supply of the Regulated Goods and Services, and monitoring the performance of the Regulated Goods and Services.
The TCRA is responsible for issuing network facility licences. Such licences are required to be held by those that own and control electronic communications infrastructure such as towers in Tanzania. The EPOCA and the Electronic and Postal Communications (Licencing) Regulations, 2018 (the "Licencing Regulations") establish the framework for obtaining and maintaining a network facility licence and set forth the penalties for owning or controlling electronic communications infrastructure in Tanzania without such a licence.
To apply for a licence an applicant must complete and submit a prescribed form to the TCRA together with supporting documents, a business plan and any other information the authority may require. The supporting documents required include a certificate of incorporation or registration, a business plan, technical proposals including roll-out plans, a description of previous experience, proof of financial capability and other information that the authority may require.
The licence is normally issued 30 days after application and is issued for a non-renewable 25-year term.
Under regulation 16(1) of the Licensing Regulations, the TCRA reserves the right to revoke or cancel a licence if the terms and conditions of a licence are breached.
Under section 116(1) of the EPOCA, any person who installs, operates, constructs, maintains, owns or makes available network facilities without obtaining the relevant individual licence commits an offence. Such person will be liable upon conviction for a fine of not less than 5,000,000 Tanzanian shillings, imprisonment for a term of not less than 12 months or both.
Tower companies operating in Tanzania will require certain permits in order to carry out their business and the relevant permits are determined by the activities the tower company carries out at each site. In light of the nature of most tower companies' businesses, the following permits may be required:
* a building permit to carry out any construction on a tower site;
Regulations 124, 126 and 127 of the Local Government (Urban Authorities) (Development Control) Rules, 2008 entitle municipal councils or township authorities (the "Authority") to issue a building permit. A building permit is issued by the Authority that has jurisdiction over the location of the building and an application for a building permit must be made in the prescribed form to the municipal director of the Authority. With regard to the construction of a tower, the Authority will require the specifications of the proposed construction, any lease agreement and the EIA.
The relevant Authority can determine the time frame for granting the permit; one to six months is a common time frame. There is no prescribed duration of the permit and if the Authority considers that the construction in respect of which the permit was granted is not completed within a reasonable time it may give notice requiring the permit holder to complete construction within a specified time and if the permit holder does not comply the permit will lapse. In addition, the Authority has the power to revoke the permit by notice.
It is an offence to undertake construction without a building permit. Upon conviction, a person will be liable for a fine not exceeding 400 Tanzanian shillings and, if the offence continues, a fine not exceeding 50,000 Tanzanian shillings for each day the breach continues. Demolition of the structure in question may also be ordered.
The Civil Aviation Act, 2006 and the Civil Aviation (Aerodromes) Regulations, 2013 entitle the TCAA to approve the construction of telecommunications towers and the operators of obstacles such as telecommunication towers are required to provide the TCAA with the following information for evaluation:
The TCAA will evaluate the information provided and the structure of the communication tower, using obstacle evaluation principles. The TCAA will then decide whether to issue an approval. The time frame for obtaining a licence is two weeks, subject to the fulfilment of all criteria required by the TCAA. Such licence is issued without an expiration date.
While there are no prescribed penalties for not having the TCAA's approval, the TCAA may issue an order requiring the demolition of the tower if approval is not received.
The Environmental Impact Assessment and Audit Regulations, 2005 entitle the minister in charge of environmental matters to issue EIA certificates. The National Environmental Management Council (the "NEMC") directs that an EIA be carried out by an environmental expert registered with the NEMC (an "Environmental Expert"). To apply for an EIA certificate, an applicant submits a prescribed form to the NEMC. Steps taken upon the receipt of an application include:
* the conduct of an EIA;
* the preparation of an environmental impact statement by an Environmental Expert;
It takes a minimum of 105 days to obtain an EIA certificate once the environmental impact statement is submitted to the minister responsible for the environment for approval.
For projects that have already commenced prior to conducting an EIA, including those projects that commenced prior to the Environmental Management Act, Cap 191 coming into force, an environmental audit must be conducted. It takes a minimum of 104 days to obtain an environmental audit certificate, excluding the time it takes to carry out the environmental audit study.
The Electricity Act, Act No. 10 of 2008 (the "Electricity Act") and the Electricity Generation Rules (G.N. No. 321) of 2012 entitle the Energy and Water Utilities Regulatory Authority (the "EWURA") to grant a licence for each generator used to power a telecommunications tower. An application is made by completing a prescribed form accompanied by various documents (a certificate of registration, incorporation and compliance; memorandum and articles of association of the company; a Tax Identification Number certificate; a Value Added Tax certificate, the applicant's address, and details regarding the shareholder and principal officers).
Once evaluated by EWURA officers, an announcement will be made in the press giving the public 21 days within which to object to the application. If no objections are received, the EWURA's management makes a recommendation to the board of the EWURA on whether or not to issue a licence. A licence is usually issued within 90 days of submitting the application and the law gives the EWURA discretion as to its duration. The EWURA may revoke the licence if the licence holder fails to adhere to the terms and conditions of the licence.
Under section 15(8) of the Electricity Act, a person operating without a licence will be liable for a fine not exceeding 4,000,000 Tanzanian shillings or a term of imprisonment not exceeding three years.
Under the Fire and Rescue Force Act 14/2007 and the Fire and Rescue Force (Safety Inspections and Certificates) (Amendment) Regulations, 2014, each telecommunications tower must have a fire and safety certificate, which is issued by the Commissioner General for Fire and Rescue Force. Such certificates are also required at the Group's offices in Tanzania.
A number of the Group's tower sites are situated on village land in Tanzania. Under a strict interpretation of the relevant Tanzanian laws, a majority foreign-owned company cannot occupy village land. However, the Group believes that the following factors significantly undermine the validity of that interpretation:
* the Group holds a valid Certificate of Incentives from the Tanzanian Investment Centre. As part of the application for this Certificate of Incentives, the Group submitted detailed business plans to the Tanzanian Investment Centre. There is therefore an assumption that the Group was invited to invest in Tanzania as per its business plan and that the Government of Tanzania was on notice as to the Group's investment and development plans;
* there is doubt as to whether the provisions of the Village Land Act, Cap 114, 2002 relating to the occupation of village land by a majority foreign-owned company apply to tower companies and whether the Village Land Act, Cap 114, 2002 was intended to apply to the occupation of village land by tower companies; and
The EPOCA requires that each person or legal entity holding a licence to provide network facilities in Tanzania before 1 July 2016, which originally included some 89 separate companies such as HTT Infraco, is required to offer shares equal to at least 25 per cent. of its total share capital on the Dar es Salaam Stock Exchange by no later than 31 December 2016. In 2017, the number of separate companies subject to the EPOCA decreased from 89 to 23. HTT Infraco remains subject to the legislation. To that end, following the provision of a written status update by Orbit Securities Company Ltd (the sponsoring broker) to the CMSA on 23 December 2016, HTT Infraco provided a draft prospectus to the CMSA on 29 December 2016, whereby HTT Infraco proposed to carry out an initial public offering of 25 per cent. of its total enlarged issued nominal share capital. On 1 February 2017, HTT Infraco made an interim application to the CMSA, including a revised draft prospectus. Furthermore, as part of its preparation for the initial public offering and commitment to comply with the law, HTT Infraco has been undertaking a capital reorganisation to transform itself into a company that is able to conclude a successful initial public offering. Certain steps in the capital reorganisation have required or will require notifications to, or approvals by, the TCRA, FCC and BRELA in Tanzania that have taken or may take many weeks or months to complete.
The Group is progressing its reorganisation and is not aware of any reason why it could not meet the current requirements in due course once the necessary preparatory steps have been completed. The Group believes that prior to any proposed enforcement for a violation of EPOCA against HTT Infraco it would be contacted and asked to proceed more expeditiously or that there would be a discussion with it as to outstanding requirements and that the CMSA and the TCRA would work with HTT Infraco to support it in the completion of the listing. However, if the TCRA is determined to enforce a violation of the EPOCA against HTT Infraco, it could be materially adverse to the Group in extreme but very unlikely circumstances and result in a cessation of operations in Tanzania until the violation could be sufficiently remedied or otherwise addressed. Additionally, in similarly low probability circumstances, the Group's MNO customers in Tanzania who are also subject to the EPOCA may also be at risk of suffering the same penalties for failure to comply with the EPOCA. Suspension of their operations in Tanzania could jeopardise their ability to perform under their contracts with the Group, and certain of the Group's MLAs entitle its customers to terminate their obligations thereunder in the event of the loss of their licence to operate mobile networks.
Tanzania is an important market for the Group and accounted for 42.1 per cent. of the Group's revenue and 48.5 per cent. of the Group's Adjusted EBITDA for the year ended 31 December 2018, and 42.2 per cent. of the Group's revenue and 47.4 per cent. of the Group's Adjusted EBITDA for the six months ended 30 June 2019. As of 30 June 2019, Tanzania accounted for 37.4 per cent of the Group's total assets. Therefore, any of the foregoing consequences could have a material adverse impact on the Group's financial condition and results of operations.
The main principles of DRC's regulatory framework are set forth in Law No. 013/2002 of 16 October 2002 on telecommunications (the "Telecoms Law") and Law No. 014/2002 of 16 October 2002 establishing the ARPTC.
The Telecoms Law has been supplemented by various Ministerial Orders including Ministerial Decree 2014 Interministerial Orders of 5 July 2014, 24 December 2012, 21 December 2012 and 26 February 2009 which set the rates of duty, taxes and fees to be charged by the Ministry of Information and Communication Posts, Telecommunications and New Technologies.
In May 2018, the National Assembly of the Parliament of DRC passed the Telecommunications, Information and Communication Technologies Bill in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (the "TICT"). The TICT is currently being considered by the Senate of the Parliament and, if passed, will reform the existing telecommunications regulatory framework in the country. If it becomes law, tower infrastructure companies will require authorisation from the TICT Minister in order to operate in DRC and will have to comply with technical specifications set out under the ARPTC.
Pursuant to the Telecoms Law, the ARPTC is the governmental entity responsible for regulating the ownership, maintenance and operation of telecommunication towers in DRC, preparing telecommunication licences and the relevant conditions of the licences (i.e. cahiers des charges) for approval by the Post, Telephones and Telecommunications Minister and receiving notifications of activities being undertaken whenever required.
The Group (specifically HT DRC Infraco SARL) is not required to hold any licences in DRC in order to carry out its operations in DRC. However, a tower company is subject to the notification regime (Régime de Déclaration) in accordance with Article 27 of the Telecoms Law. The notification process involves submitting a declaration form letter to the ARPTC.
Tower companies operating in DRC require certain permits in order to carry out their business and the relevant permits are determined by the activities the tower company carries out at each site. In light of the nature of most tower companies' businesses, the following permits may be required:
A building permit (permis de construire) to carry out any construction on a tower site (except for those built on rooftop sites) in accordance with Ministerial Order No. CAB/MIN.ATUHITPR/006/2014 of 4 April 2014. The building permit is a one-off permit.
A national exploitation permit (permis d'exploitation) from the Ministry of the Environment of DRC in order to undertake an activity that is deemed to be dangerous, including any mechanical, construction or maintenance activity (such as the construction of a tower) in accordance with Decree No. 13/015 of 29 May 2013 relating to the regulations of classified installations. The permit is obtained by paying an administrative tax, consisting of an initial one-off payment and an annual tax payment thereafter. The permit is then evidenced by proof of payment of the initial one-off payment required to obtain the permit. The application for a permis d'exploitation is subject to an inspection procedure (de commodo et incommodo inquiry) to assess the potential adverse impact of the activities concerned on the environment, health, property and public welfare and to ensure that the required standards are maintained and followed. The permis d'exploitation will need to be supplemented in the future with an overall environmental and social impact assessment (the "ESIA") to be approved by the environmental protection agency (Agence Congolaise de l'Environnement) (the "ACE") when the ACE becomes operational in accordance with Law No. 11/009 of 9 July 2011, Decree No. 14/019 of 2 August 2014, which sets forth the procedural mechanisms concerning environmental protection, and Decree No. 14/030 of 18 November 2014 relating to the organisation of the ACE. Upon approval of the ESIA prepared by the licenced environmental bureau, the company will be issued an environmental certificate.
A permit for towers built or maintained within the proximity of an airport from the Civil Aviation Authority in DRC to ensure that the installation of towers does not violate the criteria for obstruction to air navigation (servitudes aéronautiques) and whether or not any specific painting or marking is required in accordance with Civil Aviation Authority (Autorité de l'Aviation Civile) standards pursuant to Ordinance No.62/321 dated 8 October 1955 relating to air navigation and Law No.10/014 dated 31 December 2010 regulating civil aviation.
The government entity responsible for the regulation of the telecommunications sector in Congo Brazzaville is the ARPCE, under the auspices of the Ministry in charge of Electronic Communications.
Article 5 of Law n°11-2009 dated 25 November 2009 establishes such regulatory body and sets forth the ARPCE's mandate, which includes monitoring compliance with the terms of licences and applicable law and issuing licences.
In order to install electronic equipment on telecommunications towers in Congo Brazzaville, Helios Towers Congo Brazzaville SASU requires an agreement of installateur de supports d'équipments de communications électroniques from the ARPCE (the "Electronic Communications Licence") which is granted only to the applicant and may not be assigned. The application fee for the Electronic Communications Licence is 2,500,000 Central African francs (approximately US\$4,300), the application processing fee is 500,000 Central African francs (approximately US\$900) and the royalty for management of the licence is 1,250,000 Central African francs (approximately US\$2,200). The process for renewing the Electronic Communications Licence involves the submission of the following documents:
On receiving an application for a renewal of a licence, the ARPCE takes from two weeks to two months to issue its decision. The ARPCE can only withdraw or revoke the Electronic Communications Licence if the licence holder does not comply with local legislation. However, in the event of a change of control in the shareholding of the licence holder, the entity to which the shares in the licence holder are transferred should inform the ARPCE, which will then advise whether a new Electronic Communications Licence is required or not.
Tower companies operating in Congo Brazzaville require certain permits in order to carry out their business and the relevant permits are determined by the activities the tower company carries out at each site. In light of the nature of most tower companies' businesses, the following permits may be required:
Prior to constructing a tower in Congo Brazzaville, an agreement d'implantation (a building permit) is required from the ARPCE and must be held for as long as the tower exists; these are granted to the applicant only and are not assignable. A new agreement d'implantation is required for the new tower company upon the acquisition of a tower site, since there is no transfer of the existing agreement d'implantation to the new entity. A change in the controlling shareholding of a tower company does not trigger a requirement for the tower company to apply for a new agreement d'implantation but such change of control should be notified to the ARPCE within one month. Once the permit is received, no civil aviation approval is required, because the ARPCE is required to liaise with the minister in charge of civil aviation prior to granting the building permit.
The application for a building permit is submitted to the ARPCE and must include:
* detailed information on the software used to design the tower (in order to verify that the tower conforms to ARPCE requirements);
* a justification stating why the equipment cannot be installed on the tower of the nearest operator;
An agréément d'implantation will be obtained within two months from the submission of the application and if the ARPCE fails to reply to the applicant within this period, the ARPCE is deemed to have approved the application. The application fees are described below under the heading "—Pylons Permit". If an agréément d'implantation is not obtained for a tower site, the ARPCE may send a notification letter advising of the breach and, if no action is taken within 30 days of such notification, the ARPCE may order the dismantling of the tower.
Under Law No.003/91 of 23 April 1991 on the protection of the environment (the "Environment Law"), the MECB is responsible for determining the potential impact a particular activity may have on the environment and public health and safety and classifies each such activity into two categories: (i) activities which the MECB deems to be dangerous and polluting and therefore require an EIS to be prepared by the tower company; and (ii) less dangerous activities, including waste management and cutting, that does not present serious environmental drawbacks and danger, for which only a written notification filed at and approved by the MECB is required. A written notification should be filed both for existing towers and for newly constructed towers. It takes approximately one month to obtain approval from the MECB (although this may be subject to administrative delay).
A one-off Opening Tax per tower site of between 500,000 Central African francs (approximately US\$900) and 5,000,000 Central African francs (approximately US\$900) and an annual fee of approximately 1,000,000 Central African francs (approximately US\$1,700) is payable in relation to dangerous and polluting activities or infrastructure and a one-off Opening Tax per tower site of between 250,000 Central African francs (approximately US\$400) and 500,000 Central African francs (approximately US\$900) is payable in relation to less dangerous activities or infrastructure.
If a tower company fails to comply with the Environment Law, the tower company may be subject to a monetary fine of between 1,000,000 Central African francs (approximately US\$1,700) and 5,000,000 Central African francs (approximately US\$8,700) for each tower that is in breach.
Environment and social impact assessments are required and are subject to fees depending on the classification of the tower site made by the Ministry of Environment. The issuance of the terms of reference is subject to an administrative fee of 2,000,000 Central African francs (approximately US\$3,500) (Category A) and 1,000,000 Central African francs (approximately US\$1,700) (Category B). The fee for the analysis of the report is also dependent on the classification and ranges from 5,000,000 Central African francs (approximately US\$8,700) (Category A) to 2,000,000 Central African francs (approximately US\$3,500) to 3,000,000 Central African francs (approximately US\$5,200) (Category B).
An annual tax of 1,000,000 Central African francs (approximately US\$1,700) per tower must be paid to the Unity for Large Businesses no later than 20 June in each year. Failing to pay such amount or paying it late can result in a 50 per cent. fine applied on the amount of tax owed.
On 8 February 2018, the General Inspector of the State in Congo Brazzaville issued a letter to the Group's subsidiary in Congo Brazzaville, HT Congo, claiming that 123 of HT Congo's sites were constructed without the payment of Opening Taxes and EIS necessary in order to obtain the environmental permit required to operate in Congo Brazzaville. The letter purported to impose a penalty of 615,000,000 Central African francs (approximately US\$1,065,000) payable to the General Inspector for not conforming to obligations related to Opening Taxes and EIS on these 123 sites following their acquisition from a third party in 2015. HT Congo challenged the claim on the basis that the previous owner of the tower sites had paid the Opening Taxes and conducted EIS. HT Congo agreed to pay 50 million Central African francs (approximately US\$86,655) to the Public Treasury upon request of the General Inspector in 2018 to settle the claims made by the General Inspector with regard to the 123 sites. The Group does not expect to pay any additional penalties in respect of the matters raised in the letter, nor does it expect to have to pay Opening Taxes in respect of its acquired sites. The Managing Director of Environment has confirmed the General Inspector's position that the EIS were not transferable if there was a new owner of the sites. HT Congo has been working with a consultancy firm approved by the Ministry of Environment to obtain EIS for all of the 393 sites in Congo Brazzaville that it acquired from a third party. The Group expects the potential payments to the Ministry of Environment in respect of obtaining the EIS for these sites to be up to 108,000,000 Central African francs (approximately US\$187,175).
Operators owning pylons must also apply for an authorisation, valid for 10 years, to build and operate such pylons and to use related network and electronic communication services. The application fees are as follows:
The construction and operation of towers in Congo Brazzaville is expected to be considered a less dangerous activity, but this is ultimately for the MECB to decide. The MECB may, at its discretion, request further clarification and documents following a submission of a written notification. If a tower company has failed to obtain an approved written notification, the MECB will send a formal notice requesting the tower company to cease its operations at the relevant tower site or to remedy the situation as soon as possible. If a tower has already been constructed without the required authorisation, the MECB will notify the tower company requesting authorisation to submit an application to undertake an environmental impact assessment.
Local municipality approval is required to operate towers in Congo Brazzaville and often takes approximately two months to obtain. The applicable fees are determined by the local municipality on a case-by-case basis.
The National Communications Authority Act, 2008 (Act 769) established the NCA as the central body to licence and regulate communication activities and services. The government's policy towards the telecommunication sector is guided by two overarching policy documents: the National Telecoms Policy (the "NTP") and the Information and Communications Technology ("ICT") for Accelerated Development Policy (the "ICT4AD").
The NTP broadly aims to make telephone and internet connectivity available and affordable to all Ghanaians. The related ICT4AD sees ICT as an important catalyst for economic growth and the development of a range of economic sectors.
The Electronic Communications Act 2008 (Act 775) prohibits the ownership and operation of telecommunications towers without a communications infrastructure licence (a "Communications Infrastructure Licence"). Such licences are issued by the NCA for a term of at least 10 years from the date of issue and are renewable for a further 10 years by mutual agreement between the NCA and the licensee. The ownership and operation of a telecommunications tower business without a valid Communication Infrastructure Licence is an offense punishable by a fine of not more than 9,000 penalty units (equivalent to 108,000 Ghanaian cedis) on the Company and a fine of not more than 3,000 penalty units (equivalent to 36,000 Ghanaian cedis) on each director of the Company.
In order to own, erect and operate tower masts in Ghana, a company is required to hold the following permits for each individual site on which a tower is built:
* an airspace safety permit from the Ghana Civil Aviation Authority (the "GCAA") (if applicable);
* a non-ionising radiation protection institute permit from the Radiation Protection Institute (the "RPI"), if applicable; and
The tower operator is required to obtain the above approvals and permits before the commencement of any construction work. The MMDAs are the collection point for the building and environmental permits in respect of the construction of towers after the requisite approvals have been obtained from the GCAA and the RPI. The MMDAs are responsible for verifying all submitted documents at the time of submission to ensure compliance. In the event that further information is required, the MMDAs notify the applicant within three working days to submit the required document(s).
The length of time for the MMDA to issue a permit must not exceed 90 calendar days from the date of submission of all relevant documents to the MMDA and the application must include a colocation statement and the processing fee specified by law. In the case of building permits, if the MMDA does not issue a permit within 90 days or fails to give notice of the refusal of an application, a tower operator that has submitted all required documents and paid the applicable fees may begin construction without the permit. However, if an environmental permit is not issued within the 90-day period, the MMDA can extend the period for issuance of the permit.
Applications to the MMDA for a permit to construct a communications tower must include various documents, including four copies of the site plan drawn to a scale of 1:2,500, four copies of the block plan drawn to a scale of 1:50 showing the position of the tower and ancillary facilities, four copies of the design of the structure, evidence of ownership of the property on which the structure is to be installed or the written consent of the owner, a valid GCAA permit and the appropriate fees for development and building permits. If approved, the permit is usually issued within 90 days of submission of all the required documentation and payment of the necessary fees.
The GCAA is mandated under the Ghana Civil Aviation Act 2004 (Act 678) to issue permits to applicants. To obtain a GCAA permit, the applicant must submit completed Form SRD/ASAS-01 (Notice of Proposed Construction or Alteration) and pay the required fees. If the GCAA deems it necessary to inspect the proposed site, the applicant must provide transportation to and from the site for the GCAA. The GCAA will inform the applicant of the outcome within 10 working days of the submission of the documents. GCAA permits are valid for 12 months and the permit holder is required, on or before 31 January of each year, to submit a Telecommunications Facility Annual Information Report, including names and certain details specified in the GCAA guidelines.
An applicant may obtain an environmental permit by submitting four copies of the EPA application form together with a site plan duly signed by a licenced surveyor, a block plan, the lease agreement, GPS coordinates of all tower locations in decimal units, site photographs and a scoping report evidencing consultation with the neighbours of the affected land. The EPA will review the application and make a decision about the grant or otherwise of the permit within 50 working days of the end of such review. The applicant must also pay the required processing and permit fees.
The RPI is authorised under the Atomic Energy Commission Act 2000 (Act 588) to ensure the health and safety of radiation workers, patients, the public and the environment as well as to issue permits to applicants. A person who intends to construct a communication tower and install an antenna is obligated to submit a completed RPI form for non-ionising radiation and relevant technical information to enable the RPI to carry out its safety assessment. Once completed, the RPI will issue a report within 10 working days.
The Guidelines for the Deployment of Communications Towers (the "Guidelines") were implemented in 2011. The Guidelines restrict the ability of a tower company to erect and maintain tower masts within 20 metres of the nearest structure or boundary fence. They also require prior individual consultations with neighbours within a 50-metre radius and group consultations for neighbours within a 500-metre radius of towers sited near residential buildings. If the use of a mast is discontinued by a tower company, the tower company has an obligation to dismantle the tower mast and remove it, failing which the Company will be fined 10,000 Ghanaian cedis (approximately US\$1,800) per day for non-compliance and a lien will be placed on the property for the cost of removal. If any tower masts do not comply with other requirements stipulated under the Guidelines, the tower company will be notified by the local authorities to remove it within 60 days of receipt of such notice. Failure to remove the tower mast within 60 days shall result in a fixed penalty of 35,000 Ghanaian cedis (approximately US\$6,400).
The NCA established a five-year moratorium on the implementation of the Guidelines that originally expired on 31 December 2016, but such moratorium has been repeatedly extended most recently until 30 June 2019. Following the expiry of the moratorium, a company that fails to comply with the regulation will be fined 10,000 Ghanaian cedis (approximately US\$1,800) and the MMDA and the EPA, in consultation with the NCA, will be entitled to remove the facility and place a lien on the property for the cost of removal.
As of 30 June 2019, HTG Managed Services Limited had 117 towers out of a total of 889 towers in Ghana that were within the proximity limitations set out in the Guidelines. Residential areas were built near certain of the HTG Managed Services Limited's existing towers in contravention of the proximity limitations set out in the legislation after the towers already existed. HTG Managed Services Limited has not constructed any towers in violation of the Guidelines. HTG Managed Services Limited is working with other affected companies in Ghana to pursue the further extension of the moratorium or amendment or abolition of the provision of the Guidelines that imposes a penalty of 10,000 Ghanaian cedis (approximately US\$1,800) per day and requires the removal of the tower with a lien on the property to cover the cost of removal following expiration of the moratorium. The Group believes, based on meetings with and oral statements made by the relevant regulators, that the moratorium has not been further extended because of the likelihood that the provision of the legislation that imposes a penalty of 10,000 Ghanaian cedis (approximately US\$1,800) per day and requires the removal of the tower with a lien on the property to cover the cost of removal following expiration of the moratorium will be amended or abolished.
The governing legislation for the telecommunications (electronic communications) industry in South Africa is the Electronic Communications Act, No 36 of 2005 (as amended) (the "ECA"), which came into effect on 19 July 2006, and the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa Act, No 13 of 2000, which established ICASA in July 2000, the industry regulator.
The ICASA regulates the electronic communications sector pursuant to national policy, the custodian of which is the Department of Communications (led by the Minister of Communications). The Communications ministry is, amongst other things, responsible for overarching communication policy and strategy, information dissemination, as well as the operation and administration of the ECA. The Communications ministry is thus able to make policies on radio frequency spectrum, universal service, the application of new technologies and any other matter that may be necessary for the application of the ECA.
The ICASA is the regulatory authority responsible for, amongst other things, licensing the providers of telecommunications and broadcasting services and monitoring compliance by licensees with the conditions in their licences and the various regulations which regulate, amongst other things, the treatment of end-users and subscribers, numbering, general licence fees, universal service fees, code of conduct, interconnection, facilities leasing, mobile number portability, call termination, approvals for equipment and compliance procedures.
The ICASA grants individual and class Electronic Communications Network Services ("ECNS") and Electronic Communications Services ("ECS") licences (collectively, "Service Licences") under the ECA. The holder of an ECNS licence is permitted to deploy and operate an electronic communications network, which includes the provision of electronic communications network services, whether by sale, lease or otherwise. An "electronic communications network" is a system of electronic communications facilities (excluding subscriber equipment), including, without limitation, satellite systems, fixed systems, mobile systems, fibre optic cables, electricity cable systems (to the extent used for electronic communication services) and other transmission systems, used for the conveyance of electronic communications.
A holder of an ECS licence may provide ECS in South Africa, which is a service provided to the public, sections of the public, the State, or the subscribers to such service, which consists wholly or mainly of the conveyance by any means of electronic communications over an electronic communications network, but which excludes broadcasting services.
The Group is not required to hold an ECNS licence under the ECA as it does not operate a "system" of electronic communication facilities which are used to provide an electronic communications service in South Africa. Similarly, the Group does not require an ECS licence under the ECA as it does not provide ECS over an electronic communications network in South Africa.
Leases in respect of agricultural land must comply with the Subdivision of Agricultural Land Act, No 70 of 1970 (the "SALA"). The SALA provides that no lease in respect of a portion of agricultural land, of which the period is 10 years or longer, or which is renewable from time to time at the will of the lessee, either by the continuation of the original lease or by entering into a new lease, indefinitely or for the periods which together with the first period of the lease amount to not less than 10 years, shall be entered into unless the Minister of Agriculture has consented in writing.
Not all farm land is "agricultural land" for the purposes of the SALA. Whether or not land is agricultural land is a decision to be made by the Minister of Agriculture, with reference to a database of information and maps detailing the land which is regarded as agricultural land. Unless the land under discussion is being used for non-agricultural purposes (e.g. for factory purposes) and falls within the urban edge of a city, it is likely to be viewed as agricultural land.
The Minister of Agriculture must be approached for its consent to any new lease agreements in respect of a portion of agricultural land prior to the parties concluding such lease agreement. Once the Minister of Agriculture has consented in writing to such lease, the parties may conclude the lease agreement.
The Civil Aviation Act (No. 13 of 2009) ("Civil Aviation Act") and the Civil Aviation Regulations, 2011 ("CARS") state that any communications structure, building or other structure (which includes a mast or tower), whether temporary or permanent, which has the potential to endanger aviation in navigable airspace, or has the potential to interfere with the operation of navigation or surveillance systems, including meteorological systems for aeronautical purposes, shall be considered an obstacle for purposes of the Civil Aviation Act and shall be submitted to the Commissioner for Civil Aviation for evaluation.
In addition to the ECA, the Consumer Protection Act, No 68 of 2008 ("CPA") is another key piece of legislation that regulates certain aspects of the electronic communications sector. The CPA came into effect on 31 March 2011 and the CPA regulations came into effect on 1 April 2011. The CPA provides for fundamental consumer rights, fair and reasonable marketing, fair and honest dealing, fair, just and reasonable terms and conditions, and fair value, good quality and safety.
The CPA applies to all transactions for goods and services between a supplier and a consumer in South Africa, and applies to all industries involved in the supply of goods and services. Sanctions for noncompliance include fines and imprisonment. The National Consumer Commission ("NCC") was established to oversee the CPA and address consumer complaints. To date, the NCC has launched investigations in the ICT sector in respect of subscriber agreements, international roaming, handset subsidies and consumer complaints. A National Consumer Tribunal has also been established in terms of the National Credit Act 34 of 2005 and derives its mandate from various regulations under the CPA in respect of consumer credit.
In addition to the ECA, the Competition Act, No 89 of 1998 ("CA") regulates certain aspects of conduct within the ICT sector as part of its remit to regulate competition matters across all industries, including the electronic communications industry. The ICASA and the competition authorities, that are charged with the implementation of the CA, share jurisdiction in respect of competition issues and regularise those domains through a memorandum of agreement between the respective regulators, which defines their respective areas of jurisdiction and regulates interaction between them. The CA also establishes the Competition Tribunal with adjudicative powers, and the Competition Appeal Court.
Although it is Group policy to seek and obtain the requisite state and local approvals prior to the commencement of site construction, the Group may, in exceptional circumstances, proceed with the construction of build-to-suit sites without receiving all required permits, approvals and licences. For example, in Ghana, on a limited number of occasions, the Group has constructed a site in advance of receiving a required permit because there was a delay in formally issuing the permit even though the Group had completed the requisite applications and paid for the permit. In each of those cases, the Group received approvals in principal in writing from the relevant regulator that permitted the Group to proceed with construction of the sites, pending issuance of the formal permits.
In addition, the Group has purchased, and may in the future purchase, sites from third parties that have not received all required permits, approvals and licences. It is not uncommon in the markets in which the Group operates for companies in the telecommunications tower industry to construct or operate towers in certain circumstances without all of the required permits, approvals and licences. There is sometimes a long lead time required for processing applications for permits, approvals and licences from the local and national authorities, including (i) construction and building permits required from state authorities to construct or build any structure, (ii) environmental approvals and (iii) Aviation Height Clearance Certificates required to construct and operate telecommunications towers, as the case may be. In certain cases, the Group has acquired sites after the application for the requisite permit, approval or licence has been made but prior to the issuance of the requisite permit, approval or licence, or retrospective legislation has been applied which requires the Group to seek a permit, approval or licence for a site that is already operational. In other cases, a permit, approval or licence needs to be annually renewed and there can be periods where the existing permit, approval or licence lapses prior to the new permit, approval or licence being granted.
As of 30 August 2019, approximately 917, 15, 405 and 15 of the Group's sites in Tanzania, Ghana, Congo Brazzaville and South Africa, respectively, were missing one or more permits. In Tanzania, most of the missing permits are environmental permits, with HTT Infraco having approximately 915 outstanding environmental permits as of that date. As noted above, it takes a minimum of 105 days to obtain an EIA certificate once the EIS is submitted to the minister responsible for the environment for approval and can in some instances take over 24 months. Obtaining an environmental audit certificate in Tanzania can take a similar period of time. The Company's subsidiaries in Tanzania, Ghana, Congo Brazzaville and South Africa have applied for the missing permits in their respective jurisdictions.
Most of the Group's outstanding permits relate to existing towers the Group purchased from third parties rather than those constructed by the Group, and most are permits that should have been in place at the time the towers were constructed, rather than permits that relate to renewals. The outstanding permits are not in all cases covered by contractual protections such as indemnities from the third parties from whom the Group acquired the affected sites.
On 8 February 2018, the General Inspector of the State in Congo Brazzaville issued a letter to the Group's subsidiary in Congo Brazzaville, HT Congo, claiming that 123 of HT Congo's sites were constructed without the payment of Opening Taxes and EIS necessary in order to obtain the environmental permit required to operate in Congo Brazzaville. The letter purported to impose a penalty of 615,000,000 Central African francs (approximately US\$1,065,000) payable to the General Inspector for not conforming to obligations related to Opening Taxes and EIS on these 123 sites following their acquisition from a third party in 2015. HT Congo challenged the claim on the basis that the previous owner of the tower sites had paid the Opening Taxes and conducted EIS. HT Congo agreed to pay 50 million Central African francs (approximately US\$86,655) to the Public Treasury upon request of the General Inspector in 2018 to settle the claims made by the General Inspector with regard to the 123 sites. The Group does not expect to pay any additional penalties in respect of the matters raised in the letter, nor does it expect to have to pay Opening Taxes in respect of its acquired sites. The Managing Director of Environment has confirmed the General Inspector's position that the EIS were not transferable if there was a new owner of the sites. HT Congo has been working with a consultancy firm approved by the Ministry of Environment to obtain EIS for all of the 393 sites in Congo Brazzaville that it acquired from a third party. The Group expects the potential payments to the Ministry of Environment in respect of obtaining the EIS for these sites to be up to 108,000,000 Central African francs (approximately US\$187,175).
Except as disclosed above, to date none of the regulators in the Relevant Jurisdictions has imposed any reprimands, warnings, fines or dismantling orders for missing permits relating to the Group's sites and the Group is not aware of any such sanctions for missing permits imposed on the previous owners of the sites before they were acquired by the Group.
Tanzania, DRC and Ghana have introduced mandatory SIM card registration and have deactivated unregistered SIM cards. In Ghana, immediately following the 3 March 2012 deadline for existing mobile phone owners to register, more than 1.5 million mobile SIM cards were deactivated for failure to register. There is also mandatory SIM card registration in Congo Brazzaville pursuant to which unregistered SIM cards may be deactivated. While these regulations did not have a material impact on the Group, such regulations may deter mobile phone users in these countries by requiring them to go through the additional step of providing documents confirming their identity, which they may not have, before they can buy a SIM card.
This Part VI: "Information on the Group" should be read in conjunction with the other information contained in this Registration Document including the financial and other information appearing in Part IX: Operating and Financial Review and Prospects". Unless otherwise stated, financial information in this section has been extracted without material adjustment from Part X: "Historical Financial Information".
The Group is a leading Sub-Saharan independent tower company with operations across five countries in Sub-Saharan Africa. The Group is the sole independent operator and owns and operates more sites than any other operator in each of Tanzania, DRC and Congo Brazzaville. The Group is also a leading operator in Ghana where it has a strong urban presence and it commenced operations in South Africa in March 2019. The Group's principal business is operating owned telecommunications sites and related passive infrastructure in order to provide site space (measured in terms of effective panel area and related services) to large MNOs and other fixed wireless operators that in turn provide wireless voice and data services to end-user subscribers. The Group's customers can use space on existing sites alongside other telecommunications providers, known as colocation, or commission new sites in unique locations where the customers and the Group do not have existing infrastructure, known as build-to-suit. The Group also offers comprehensive site-related operational services, including site selection, site preparation, construction, maintenance, security and power management. As of 30 June 2019, the Group operated 6,882 total online sites with 14,100 tenancies, reflecting a ratio of tenants to online sites ("tenancy ratio") of 2.05x.
Founded in 2009, the Group completed its first purchase of site assets from an MNO in 2010, when it acquired Tigo's site portfolio in Ghana. Over the next nine years, the Group completed eight more major site portfolio transactions. As a result, the Group now operates a geographically diverse business with 3,650, 1,817, 381, 933 and 101 total sites as of 30 June 2019 in Tanzania, DRC, Congo Brazzaville, Ghana and South Africa, respectively. As of 30 June 2019, 85 per cent. of the Group's owned sites were located in jurisdictions in which the Group was the only independent tower company. Helios Towers, Ltd. was the first independent tower company to enter each of Tanzania, DRC, Congo Brazzaville and Ghana, and entered each in a manner designed to create committed long-term relationships with its key MNO customers and to provide a sustainable platform for long-term revenue and margin growth. In March 2019, the Group entered into a majority-owned joint venture with Vulatel in South Africa to create Helios Towers South Africa pursuant to which it acquired 13 edge data centres and related customer contracts. In April 2019, the Group acquired SA Towers, which owned 58 online sites and additional sites under construction, through the acquisition of a majority interest in HTSA Towers (Pty) Ltd by Helios Towers South Africa. In South Africa, in addition to its core telecommunications site offerings, the Group plans to expand its complementary product range, including the provision of wireless and fixed line open-access infrastructure. The Group is considering seeking admission of the shares of a new holding company incorporated in England and Wales, which will be inserted above the Company in the current Group structure, to listing on the premium segment of the Official List of the FCA and to trading on the main market for listed securities of the London Stock Exchange plc ("London Stock Exchange").
As a supplier of essential network services to MNOs, the Group's principal focus is providing flexible and varying solutions in order to maximise the potential benefit from its customers' growing requirements for network expansion and densification in response to demand for communications services that is being driven by underlying demographic and macroeconomic growth in each of its existing markets. The Group seeks to grow its revenue and margins by adding tenancies, primarily through colocation (including by amending customers' existing contracts to enable MNOs to lease more site space or consume more power) and building new sites. In addition, the Group believes there are opportunities to selectively add site portfolios to its current assets, as well as to develop initiatives to address increasing data communications and storage demand in the form of small-cell solutions, fibre connectivity to sites and data centres.
The Group provides space on its sites and related services under individual customer site contracts governed by long-term MLAs of typically 10 to 15 years in duration, with provision for multiple subsequent automatic renewals. As of 30 June 2019, the weighted average remaining life of all the Group's customer site contracts was approximately 7.8 years without taking into account any renewals, and the Group had total contracted future revenue under agreements with its customers of approximately US\$3.0 billion without taking into account any escalation of fees. The fees the Group's customers pay under these long-term MLAs are typically indexed to a CPI as well as fuel and electricity prices to allow for escalation over the life of the agreement and provide partial protection against inflation and diesel and electricity prices, which are strongly correlated with the U.S. dollar. For the year ended 31 December 2018 and the six months ended 30 June 2019, 86.7 per cent. and 86.5 per cent. of the Group's revenue, respectively, was attributable to MNO operating subsidiaries of five of the largest MNO holding companies in Sub-Saharan Africa (Airtel, MTN, Orange, Tigo and Vodacom), each with a long history of operating in multiple Sub-Saharan African jurisdictions and an investment-grade or near investment-grade credit rating. An additional 12.0 per cent. of the Group's revenue for the year ended 31 December 2018 and 12.3 per cent. of the Group's revenue for the six months ended 30 June 2019 was attributable to subsidiaries of Viettel and Africell, which are more recent but fast-growing entrants to the mobile market in Sub-Saharan Africa. The Group is well insulated from local currency volatility in its countries of operation, as revenues and expenses that the Group considers to be U.S. dollar or euro-based contributed approximately 65 per cent. of the Group's Adjusted EBITDA for the year ended 31 December 2018.
The Group believes its geographically diverse site portfolios, leading market positions, diversified customer base, committed long-term customer relationships, experienced management team and strong operational capabilities leave it well-positioned to capitalise on what the Group expects to be continued high demand for space on existing and new sites in its fast-growing markets. The Group plans to meet this demand primarily by adding colocations to its existing site portfolios. Additional colocations are highly accretive to the Group's operating margins, adding significant incremental revenue without requiring a significant increase in operating expense and typically requiring minimal capital expenditure. In particular, the Group expects that underlying demand for site space will be reflected in increased amendment colocation tenants as MNOs seek to upgrade antennae and/or place additional equipment on sites where such MNOs already have a tenancy to better enable them to serve the increased data usage of their subscribers. Having extended service to an average of 698 colocations per year (excluding acquired colocations) from 1 January 2011 to 31 December 2018, the Group had an ALU rate of 0.18x during such period.
As a result of the growth in the Group's overall site portfolio and number of tenancies, from 31 December 2016 to 31 December 2017, the Group's revenue grew from US\$282.5 million to US\$345.0 million and the Group's Adjusted EBITDA increased from US\$105.2 million to US\$146.0 million; from 31 December 2017 to 31 December 2018, the Group's revenue grew from US\$345.0 million to US\$356.0 million and the Group's Adjusted EBITDA increased from US\$146.0 million to US\$177.6 million; and from 30 June 2018 to 30 June 2019, the Group's half-year revenue grew from US\$178.1 million to US\$190.7 million, the Group's half-year Adjusted EBITDA increased from US\$85.9 million to US\$99.0 million, and the Group's last quarter annualised Adjusted EBITDA increased from US\$175.8 million to US\$200.7 million.
The Group has entered into a number of agreements with its customers regarding future "take-or-pay" colocation commitments, which provide greater visibility on contracted revenue, given that, under these agreements, customers are committed to pay the agreed fees, irrespective of whether the site space is used. The Group believes that there will be continued opportunities to negotiate such advance colocation commitments with its customers, furthering its success in securing committed contract revenue and expected Adjusted EBITDA growth.
The Group is a well-established and leading Sub-Saharan independent tower company that operates the largest owned site portfolio in three of its five markets. Through the provision of critical infrastructure and superior service to the rapidly growing mobile telecommunications sector, the Group is well-positioned to capitalise on sustainable structural growth drivers and support from evolving telecommunications technology trends.
The Group benefits from the following key strengths:
The Group builds, acquires, owns and operates critical mobile telecommunications infrastructure, hosting multiple MNOs on its sites that are seeking to increase and densify their mobile telecommunications coverage across Sub-Saharan Africa in a more cost-effective way than they are able to do themselves. The Group is one of three independent tower companies in Sub-Saharan Africa with 6,882 sites as of 30 June 2019, and it operates strategically in some of the fastest growing markets within the region. It is the sole independent tower company in three of its five markets, meaning that 88.5 per cent. of the Group's revenue for the year ended 31 December 2018 was generated in areas where there are limited alternatives to the Group's site infrastructure.
The Group offers MNOs the option to colocate on its existing towers, either as an anchor tenant or as a colocation tenant, which provides an attractive and cost-effective service to address MNOs' network requirements and ambitions to grow their network coverage. Colocations are further driven by strong and growing demand for data across Sub-Saharan Africa, which requires that MNOs add upgraded telecommunications equipment to existing towers. This trend is particularly prevalent in areas of rapid urbanisation and the Group believes that it is strongly positioned to capture this demand with 60 per cent. of its total online sites located in urban areas as of 30 June 2019. The Group also offers its customers the option of build-to-suit sites, which enable MNOs to expand their mobile networks using newly constructed, bespoke sites that are strategically located to support mobile coverage in areas where infrastructure has not previously been in place. The Group is particularly suited to this as it has specific capabilities in building towers across difficult terrain and delivering superior service levels in challenging conditions.
The Group's well-diversified customer base includes Africa's five largest MNOs (Airtel, MTN, Orange, Tigo and Vodacom, all of which have investment-grade or near-investment grade credit) that together made up 82 per cent. of the Group's contracted revenues as of 30 June 2019. The Group's single largest customer exposure accounted for approximately 23 per cent. of total contracted revenues as of 30 June 2019.
The Group believes that its superior service levels provided at prices below the MNOs' total cost of ownership, strategic site selection and access to the Group's geographically diversified site portfolio, enable rapid MNO network expansion and reinforce the long-term incentive for MNOs to continue to develop partnerships with the Group.
The Group has leading positions in markets that have some of the fastest growing economies in the world. These economies have mobile telecommunications markets that are in the early stages of development and require high levels of investment from MNOs to meet the strong demand for enhanced mobile telecommunications coverage and growing data consumption. Rising demand for mobile telecommunications services across Africa, where fixed line service is not a viable alternative, is driven by favourable demographics and improving macroeconomic conditions. This demand is underpinned by a regulatory environment that encourages competition amongst MNOs to increase the accessibility of mobile services and that recognises mobile connectivity as a significant driver of socioeconomic development. National regulators also support independent tower companies like the Group because regulators perceive the companies as helping to fulfil government mandates to provide faster, cheaper and better-quality telecommunications services.
It is estimated that the addressable population of the Group's markets was 223 million in June 2019, with approximately 67 per cent. of the combined populations of these markets being under the age of 30 compared to approximately 35 per cent. of the combined populations of G7 countries as of the same date (United Nations, World Population Prospects 2019). The Group's markets, the GDP of which the IMF forecasts will increase by 4.5 per cent. on a revenue-weighted basis between 2017 and 2024, compared to 1.5 per cent. in the G7 countries over the same period, are also expected to experience significant demographic expansion in the coming years, with population growth of 37 million and an increase in urban populations of 27 million (United Nations, World Population Prospects, 2018-2024E). This growth, combined with unique mobile subscription penetration of 47 per cent. compared to 85 per cent. in the G7 countries and unique mobile data penetration of just 26 per cent. compared to 73 per cent. in the G7 countries, is expected to lead to 55 million more mobile subscriptions, a four times increase in 4G enableddevices (GSMA Intelligence, June 2019) and an approximately eight times increase in mobile data usage in Sub-Saharan Africa between 2018 and 2024 (Ericsson Mobility Report, June 2019). Mobile subscription growth in the Group's markets over the same period is projected to be 29.3 per cent. compared to 5.7 per cent. in the G7 countries (GSMA, June 2019).
The ongoing focus on operational and financial efficiency, as well as the need to maintain competitiveness in pricing, is also resulting in an increasing trend amongst MNOs of releasing capital and reducing operating costs by selling sites to independent tower companies, like the Group, and using such companies' colocation services. In 2018, 73 per cent. of mobile telecommunications towers in Africa were owned by MNOs compared to 33 per cent. globally. However, between 2010 and 2018 the percentage of telecommunications sites in Africa owned by independent tower companies grew from five per cent. in 2010 to 27 per cent. in 2018. As of 2018, there were approximately 29,000 shareable towers owned by MNOs across the Group's markets, with approximately 25,000 of these located in South Africa and the remainder split across its four other markets.
Furthermore, the number of mobile subscribers per PoS is significantly higher in the Group's markets than in other markets. Tanzania, DRC, Congo Brazzaville, Ghana and South Africa have 3,675, 6,683, 4,585, 4,926 and 3,189 mobile subscriptions per PoS, respectively, compared to an average of 2,355 for selected countries including India, Indonesia, Russia and the USA. Accordingly, there will be a need for new and upgraded site infrastructure in both urban and rural areas across the Group's markets, which is estimated to be higher than the average across other Sub-Saharan African markets.
These factors are all expected to contribute to an estimated infrastructure requirement of over 19,000 standard PoS and over 53,000 new Network PoS in the Group's markets excluding South Africa by 2024 in order to ensure that the expected increase in mobile subscribers, the growing demand for mobile data and the adoption of new technologies can be addressed while maintaining or improving current levels of network quality (Hardiman Report, August 2019). Of these additional PoS, the Group believes that there is potential for it to achieve approximately 7,500 new tenancies, comprising approximately 7,100 potential new standard PoS and 400 potential new amendment colocations, by 2024.
The Group believes that its business model creates natural incentives for MNOs to enter into long-term contracts by providing a higher level of operational service and coverage at an approximate 35 per cent. discount to an MNO's total cost of ownership, which includes an MNO's financing costs, maintenance capital expenditure and operating expenses to operate its own network. This discount relates to the anchor tenant's lease rate for a site with two or more tenants, such that if the Group built a tower for an MNO customer (the anchor tenant) and added a colocation tenant to the site, the Group believes that the anchor tenant's lease rate would be at an approximate 35 per cent. discount to its total cost of ownership. The contracts, which typically have an initial term of 10 to 15 years, with provision for multiple subsequent automatic renewals and minimal cancellation rights, provide stable, highly predictable recurring revenue streams and have been specifically structured to address some of the key challenges of operating in the Group's markets. As of 30 June 2019, the weighted average remaining life across the Group's customer site contracts was approximately 7.8 years, without taking into account renewal clauses. In addition, the Group had total contracted revenue until 2034 under agreements with its existing customers of approximately US\$3.0 billion, without taking into account any escalation of fees, as of 30 June 2019.
The Group's contracts include automatic renewal clauses and other partial economic protections against inflation and diesel and electricity price movements through inflation and power price escalations, respectively. This has enabled the Group to deliver consistent quarterly Adjusted EBITDA growth in U.S. dollars between the three months ended 31 March 2015 and the three months ended 30 June 2019 despite market volatility in the local currencies of the Group's markets and in the price of Brent Crude oil.
The Group operates in some regions of Sub-Saharan Africa with currencies that have either a high percentage of dollarisation or that are pegged to the euro, which provides a natural hedge against currency fluctuations. During the year ended 31 December 2018, approximately 57 per cent. of the Group's revenue was in U.S. dollars or in currencies pegged to the euro, including 100 per cent. of the Group's revenue in DRC, which has a highly dollarised economy. In addition, revenues and expenses that the Group considers to be U.S. dollar-based or in currencies pegged to the euro, and therefore inherently less volatile than relying exclusively on local currency, contributed approximately 65 per cent. of the Group's Adjusted EBITDA for the year ended 31 December 2018.
The Group believes its business model benefits from attractive site economics, where the average live site generates a site gross margin of 54 per cent. with one tenant, rising to 64 per cent. with two tenants and 71 per cent. for three tenants. The colocation margin flow through to Adjusted EBITDA on a build-to-suit site is 82 per cent. for a second tenant and 87 per cent. for a third tenant. On average, a site produces a Free Cash Flow yield of nine per cent. with one tenant, which grows to 19 per cent. for two colocating tenants and 32 per cent. for three collocating tenants.
The Group operates a young portfolio of sites, with an average site age of 5.4 years as of 30 June 2019, such period being based on the date a tenant is first installed on a build-to-suit site or the date that the Group acquired the site for acquired sites. As of 30 June 2019, 73 per cent. of the Group's sites were leaseup ready and its strategy of investing upfront to upgrade its site portfolio means it is strongly positioned to capture the significant residual colocation-driven growth potential within its markets. As of 30 June 2019, the Group's portfolio had a tenancy ratio of 2.05x compared to 1.2x as of 31 December 2010, with capacity to accommodate up to approximately 4.2x tenants per tower on average.
New colocations require very little incremental installation capital expenditure and the Group expects to fund the majority of this and future upgrade capital expenditure from Portfolio Free Cash Flow generated from historical investment in the Group's sites. When the Group acquires a site, it typically invests approximately US\$35,000 in each site to ensure it (i) is structurally sound for multi-tenant occupancy, (ii) is able to deliver efficient, reliable power through new power equipment and generators and (iii) complies with the Group's rigorous health and safety standards.
The Group has developed a model of demand-led expansion capital expenditure that underpins its returns on organic investment through both build-to-suit and colocations. The Group will not construct any build-to-suit tower without a signed lease agreement from an anchor tenant, which allows the Group to manage the timing and amount of associated expansion capex. The average build-to-suit tower has a cash payback period of six years and an expected useful life of 40 years. In the near-term, the Group is targeting asset depreciation and amortisation of approximately US\$140 million, reducing to approximately US\$80 million and approximately US\$45 million in the medium-term and long-term, respectively, excluding the impact of accelerated depreciation following tower acquisitions.
Since 2010, the Group has had consistent year-on-year growth in sites and almost doubled its tenancy ratios. Following the introduction of the Group's Business Excellence Programme in 2015, the Group has also delivered 18 consecutive quarters of Adjusted EBITDA growth, growing Adjusted EBITDA 273 per cent. between the year ended 31 December 2015 and the last quarter annualised Adjusted EBITDA for the three months ended 30 June 2019. This equates to an Adjusted EBITDA compound annual growth rate of 44 per cent. between the three months ended 31 March 2015 and the three months ended 30 June 2019, compared to an 11.5 per cent. compound annual growth rate in online sites, with Adjusted EBITDA margins more than doubling on a last quarter annualised basis over the same period from 25 per cent. for the three months ended 31 March 2015 to 52 per cent. for the three months ended 30 June 2019, demonstrating the natural operating leverage in the site-sharing model. The Group is targeting Adjusted EBITDA margin of 55 per cent. to 60 per cent. in the medium-term increasing to over 60 per cent. in the long-term, assuming current exchange rates in the medium and long-term and a tax rate of 5 per cent. of revenue in the medium-term and 30 per cent. of pre-tax profits in the long-term, respectively. The Group also has a strong focus on Portfolio Free Cash Flow generation, which has grown from US\$51 million for the year ended 31 December 2016 to US\$158 million of last quarter annualised Portfolio Free Cash Flow for the three months ended 30 June 2019.
The Group considers its operational strength to be a facilitator of growth, a barrier to entry to competitors considering entering its existing markets and a means to enhance its long-term customer relationships. The Group has developed and refined internal processes which it believes have optimised its service delivery and positioned it to realise future growth prospects.
The Group has delivered tangible efficiency improvements and operating cost reductions through its Business Excellence Programme, as demonstrated by the reduction of operating costs as a percentage of revenue from 47 per cent. to 37 per cent. between the years ended 31 December 2016 and 2018. Since the Group initiated the programme in 2015, power uptime has increased significantly and during the year ended 31 December 2018 and the six months ended 30 June 2019, the Group achieved average uptimes of 99.98 per cent. and 99.99 per cent., respectively, across its sites. The Group has also significantly improved its supply chain, with estimated procurement savings of US\$48 million between 30 June 2015 and 30 June 2019, almost all of which is capital expenditure savings, and a 80 per cent. reduction in strategic suppliers over the same period from 60 to 12.
Central to the Group's ability to increase productivity is its continued investment in improving power management. The Group has been able to reduce its reliance on diesel generation by investing in solar power and hybrid technology solutions. As of 31 December 2018, the Group had installed hybrid and solar solutions at 740 and 430 sites, respectively. In addition, as of 31 December 2018 the Group had connected an additional 400 sites to the national power grids in its established markets. Between the three months ended 31 December 2015 and the three months ended 30 June 2019 these efficiencies resulted in a 93 per cent. improvement in power service delivery. Reduced usage of diesel generators will prolong the life of the Group's generators and lower associated annual maintenance costs, reducing the Group's capital investment in generating capacity, as well as its operating expenses and carbon footprint.
The Group believes it is well-placed to drive further operating leverage and deliver sustainable margin enhancement over time through the addition of multiple long-term colocation contracts from new and existing tenants across its markets supported by incremental process improvements and operational efficiencies. The Group estimates that its gross leverage going forward will be between 3.5x and 4.5x. The Group is targeting a two to six-year payback period on its power investments.
The Board is supported by the Group's Senior Management, the members of which collectively have over 100 years' experience in the emerging markets' telecommunications towers and power sectors. The team has a proven track record of successfully developing and expanding the Group's operations, including the effective integration of nine site asset portfolios since 2009, and has demonstrated the ability to identify and execute operational enhancements to continue to improve the quality of service delivered to customers, as well as to drive responsible growth and profitability. The Group's Senior Management is committed to social responsibility and undertakes schemes that benefit the communities in which the Group operates, including by contributing to the installation of sanitation programs in schools, the provision of water supplies and the funding of improvements to hospitals.
The Group's core values stress the importance of integrity, partnership and excellence, not just in terms of internal Group operations, but also in dealing with customers, suppliers, maintenance partners and other outsourced contractors. The Group's centralised headquarters facilitate a high level of consistency, efficiency, control, oversight and compliance across the operating subsidiaries. The Group's Senior Management closely monitors compliance with established principles of good corporate governance by employing a framework that provides for checks and balances while also affording management the ability to act quickly in the ordinary course of business.
The Group is a leading provider of critical mobile telecommunications infrastructure, focused on delivering quality, responsible profit growth for its shareholders and increasing mobile connectivity across Sub-Saharan Africa for the economic benefit of all of its stakeholders, including the local communities it serves.
The Group believes it has significant opportunities to capitalise on the strong and growing demand for increased mobile telecommunications coverage and data consumption, both in its current Sub-Saharan markets and in new, high-growth African markets.
The core pillars of the Group's strategy are (i) its people; (ii) its values; (iii) growing with its customers; (iv) business excellence; (v) supply chain optimisation; and (vi) business digitalisation.
The key elements of the Group's strategy include:
The Group has become a trusted partner of choice for MNOs seeking to expand and upgrade their network footprint, with the Group's customers including all of Africa's "Big Five" MNOs, many of which it has served since the Group's inception in 2010.
The Group intends to continue to build on and expand the relationships it has with its customers. Central to the Group's relationship with its customers is its fair and sustainable long-term pricing strategy, which is designed to ensure lease rates are approximately 35 per cent. lower than the total cost of ownership would be for MNOs to own and operate the towers themselves. In return, the Group is able to secure certain contractual economic protections such as minimal cancellation rights, automatic renewals clauses, menu pricing for amendment revenue, inflation and power price escalators, and take-or-pay commitments for colocation and build-to-suit.
The Group is targeting between 1,000 and 1,500 new tenancies per year over the medium-term, with the rate of new tenancies increasing over the period. The Group expects that the percentage of build-to-suit sites that make up these tenancies will reduce from 50 per cent. to 25 per cent. over the medium-term partly as a result of potential small tower asset purchases.
The continuing addition of colocations and colocation amendments is core to the Group's business model, driving Adjusted EBITDA growth and improving operating margins through what the Group estimates to be 80 to 90 per cent. flow through of revenue to Adjusted EBITDA. Growth in colocations is driven by MNO customers seeking a cost-effective way to expand the coverage and improve the quality and capacity of their networks, and by consumer demand for 4G and other next generation mobile communications technologies that require upgrades beyond the standard configurations permitted by existing lease agreements. Limited incremental capital expenditure is required for colocations to produce Adjusted EBITDA growth because the Group invests upfront in its site portfolio. As of 30 June 2019, 73 per cent. of the Group's sites were leaseup ready for additional tenancies, with the Group estimating that approximately 84 per cent. of anticipated colocation demand can be accommodated with no upgrade capital expenditure investment.
The Group also drives organic revenue growth through build-to-suit site construction, which helps MNOs unlock service potential in areas without current mobile telecommunications coverage and strengthen existing coverage to increase network capacity. For example, during 2018 the Group invested in the upgrade and construction of a new telecommunications backbone network in DRC that covers 1,800 kilometres. The network replaced old satellite technology and provides connectivity to an estimated six million people. The investment supports continued network improvement and expansion efforts by local MNOs and follows the recent award of inaugural 4G licences to Vodacom, Orange and Africell.
The Group has an established strategy of demand-led capital expenditure, which means it will not begin the construction of any build-to-suit site until it has secured an anchor tenant on terms that provide enduring and efficient economics. The Group's build-to-suit sites currently have an average cash payback of approximately six years.
The Group also has grown and intends to continue to grow in its existing markets through the purchase of site portfolios. The strength of the Group's customer relationships is critical to ensuring the Group has access to the pipeline of site assets that MNOs may be seeking to divest. The Group estimates that there were approximately 29,000 marketable and potentially acquirable towers still owned by MNOs in its markets as of 30 June 2019.
The Group's strategy is also to investigate new African markets where opportunity exists to expand the Group's geographic footprint and product offering. Out of a total of approximately 225,000 mobile telecommunications towers in Africa, approximately 61,000, located almost entirely in Sub-Saharan Africa, are currently owned by independent tower companies, with the remainder (approximately 164,000 sites) owned by MNOs. (TowerXchange "TowerXchange analysis of the Sub-Saharan African tower Industry", March 2019). The Group believes there are significant further opportunities for it to expand through selective asset purchases into new structurally attractive markets with superior growth dynamics. It estimates that Africa needs over 75,000 new PoS by 2023. As of 30 June 2019, the Group estimated that there were approximately 35,000 sites that could be acquired in other markets and the Group closely monitored approximately 10,000 sites and over 13,000 PoS.
The Group has adopted a disciplined approach to entering new markets using an internal rate of return of 20 per cent. to 30 per cent. as a guiding metric coupled with profit multiples over a three to five-year business plan and has set out a strict framework for assessing such opportunities, including that the market must be an emerging market with (i) a population in excess of 10 million; (ii) three or more MNOs; (iii) a stable and/or pegged currency; (iv) the ability to achieve the largest or second largest market share in the country; (v) an infrastructure gap; (vi) a high usage growth; (vii) lease-up and build-to-suit opportunities; and (viii) low mobile penetration (in the vast majority of cases), that (ix) enhances the Group's returns.
In January 2019, the Group announced the creation of an infrastructure platform to enter and accelerate growth in South Africa through Helios Towers South Africa, a majority-owned joint venture with Vulatel, and the subsequent acquisition of HTSA Towers (Pty Ltd), which comprises the former businesses of SA Towers and Sky Coverage Proprietary Limited. The Group intends to leverage SA Towers' pipeline of buildto-suit site opportunities, its knowledge of the South African market, its existing regional relationships with MNOs and its town planning expertise and capabilities for managing building permit applications with municipalities. Moreover, the Group expects to invest in the business platform by funding and supporting the build-out and expansion of SA Towers' pipeline of more than 500 potential sites (which are sites that the Group has identified as being of potential interest to MNOs and which are ready to build or sites for which the Group is in the process of obtaining relevant permits). The Group also expects to share its management expertise with the SA Towers team, which have been integrated into the Group's organisation to manage the day-to-day South African site operations.
South Africa is a large, high-growth market with diversified customers and technology that has attractive growth indicators and favourable structural dynamics. The country has a population of 58 million that is forecast to increase by four million over the next six years, of which 66 per cent. already live in urban areas (United Nations, World Population Prospects, June 2019). According to TowerXchange, there are approximately 29,000 mobile telecommunications towers, of which the Hardiman Report estimates only approximately 15 per cent. are owned by independent tower companies. It is estimated that approximately 7,000 additional standard PoS will be required by 2024 (Hardiman Report, August 2019). 3G and 4G are widely available and over four million 5G connections are expected by 2023; however, compared to the G7 countries, South Africa had low mobile market penetration as of 31 December 2018 (67 per cent. compared to 85 per cent.), indicating potential for growth in the market. Multiple MNOs operate in South Africa, including two of Africa's "Big Five", and it is also seen as the leader in telecommunications innovation in Africa, providing the Group with the opportunity to develop expertise in adjacent technologies which can be leveraged in its other four markets.
The Group also intends to develop new business areas in other aspects of passive infrastructure, leveraging the Group's core infrastructure management skills, such as:
South Africa is considered to be a leader in telecommunications innovation within Africa, and the Group believes the more developed nature of adjacent technologies in South Africa can therefore be leveraged to develop expertise and accelerate roll-out of these technologies across the Group's four other markets.
The Group considers the delivery of reliable and innovative customer service solutions in accordance with its guiding principles of integrity, partnership and excellence an integral component of its strategy to grow its business and expand its relationships with all of its customers. The Group believes that its Business Excellence Programme and bespoke digital initiatives built on platforms such as ServiceNow and Red Cube will assist the Group in continuing to deliver high levels of power uptime and reductions in operating costs, maximising the life of its capital assets such that they exceed the targets in the Group's SLAs and improve financial performance. For the year ended 31 December 2019, the Group is targeting an approximate midsingle digit percentage decrease in site operating expenses as a result of savings initiatives.
The Group also works in partnership with MNO customers, using its proprietary Geographic Information System ("GIS"), which enables it to more accurately forecast colocation demand, better inform the analysis of site asset portfolio acquisitions, make better capital investments by choosing the right locations to build new sites and achieve higher colocation ratios on existing sites through proactive marketing.
Power usage is the Group's largest operating expense and it is pursuing multiple strategies for lowering diesel and electricity costs, including (i) establishing grid connections where reliable grid capacity has been installed close to Group sites; (ii) deploying hybrid installations, which involve alternating between battery power and diesel generators or grid power; and (iii) installing solar power technologies at selected sites. These efficiencies not only reduce the Group's fuel operating expenses but also reduce recurring maintenance capital expenditure by reducing diesel generator run time, prolonging service life and requiring fewer site visits. As the majority of the Group's MLAs allow it to retain the cost benefit of increased power efficiency, alternative power systems improve the Group's operating margins by reducing fuel costs and shortening the cash payback period on tower sites.
The Group has an entrepreneurial culture and invests in its employees through training focused on skill development and by offering competitive rewards. As the Group's local businesses grow, it has consciously and progressively reduced the need for expatriates, with a significant majority of management and employees being local and bringing unique insights and market knowledge to benefit the Group's operations. By the end of 2018, approximately 35 per cent. of the Group's employees had been trained in Lean Six Sigma, and this is expected to grow to approximately 50 per cent. by the end of 2019. Although primarily for the Group's employees, this has also included certain members of its maintenance partners, strengthening the Group's "one team" ethos.
The Group takes its responsibility to reduce the environmental impact of its operations for the local populations it serves seriously. The Group's site sharing model immediately removes the need for wasteful duplication, unnecessary site constructions, multiple power generators and emissions, and many thousands of miles driven in parallel maintenance programmes. The Group's investment in solar technology and hybrid solutions in 2018 is expected to cut the emission of more than 5,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide each year, while also delivering millions of dollars in fuel cost savings.
Corporate governance and risk management are integral to the Group's strategy, both in the achievement of its long-term goals and the protection of shareholder value. The Directors are committed to maintaining high standards of corporate governance and have implemented a corporate governance framework that they consider appropriate for the size and current ownership structure of the Group. The Group's continued success as an organisation depends on its ability to identify and pursue the opportunities generated by its business and the markets in which it operates. The Group defines risk appetite as the amount of risk that the business is prepared to take in order to deliver safe, effective working practices as well as maintaining and growing its business. The Group dedicates resources and focus to understanding and ensuring risk is identified, assessed, managed and monitored.
In March 2019, the Group entered into a majority-owned joint venture with Vulatel in South Africa to create Helios Towers South Africa. As part of its initial contribution to the joint venture, Vulatel sold 13 edge data centres and related customer contracts to a subsidiary of Helios Towers South Africa in return for shares in Helios Towers South Africa, valued at approximately US\$2 million.
Separately, on 30 April 2019, Helios Towers South Africa acquired an 89.5 per cent. interest in HTSA Towers (Pty) Ltd for an initial consideration of US\$10.6 million. SA Towers holds the remaining 10.5 per cent. shareholding in HTSA Towers (Pty) Ltd. The share subscription agreement provides that, for a threeyear period ending 31 May 2022, each calendar quarter, HTSA Towers (Pty) Ltd will pay outstanding distributions to SA Towers calculated by reference to, among other things, the satisfaction of development conditions for certain sites specified in the agreement and the type and number of customers hosted on those sites. The maximum total amount payable by the Group for the interest in HTSA Towers (Pty) Ltd, including the initial consideration and the outstanding distributions, is US\$65 million over the three-year period.
The Group commenced operations in South Africa in March 2019 following the transfer of the acquired South African sites on that date. The Group integrated the SA Towers' team into the wider business through training in the Group's process, systems and Business Excellence Program to ensure continuity of service and retain their expertise in the South African market. The Group completed the integration of the acquired South African sites and the SA Towers' team from an operations perspective at the end of May 2019. As of 30 June 2019, the Group operated 101 sites in South Africa, including the 13 edge data centres.
The Group expects its primary operations in South Africa to be consistent with its principal business, mainly owning, operating and maintaining telecommunications sites to provide site space and related services to MNOs and other telecommunications providers. See "—Tower Contracts". As such, currently the Group's principal offerings in South Africa are in sites and edge data centres. However, in the medium-term, the Group expects to use its South African operations as a platform to expand its product offering.
The Group expects to invest into the SA Towers' business platform by funding and supporting the build out and expansion of SA Towers' pipeline of more than 500 potential sites (which are sites that the Group has identified as being of potential interest to MNOs and which are ready to build or sites for which the Group is in the process of obtaining relevant permits). See "—Build-to-Suit Sites". The sites acquired as part of the SA Towers acquisition are located on real property subject to lease agreements with the property owners, which have the same characteristics as the ground leases in the Group's other markets. See "—Real Property". The Group intends to operate these sites through a "grass and steel" model by which it will provide and be responsible for the tower, electricity distribution boards and site services (such as access, site cleaning and maintenance of the tower structure) and Eskom will provide and be responsible for the power supply while the Group's customers will own, manage, operate and secure the equipment they place on the site.
Unlike prior site portfolio acquisitions, the Group expects to invest significantly less in upgrading the acquired sites because the sites were constructed for multi-tenant use by a tower company and the Group believes that they are ready to be leased-up. Furthermore, in South Africa the Group is only responsible for ensuring that its sites have a connection to the main electricity grid and for the distribution of electricity at its sites. The landlord or municipal authority is responsible for the supply of electricity, the connection and the back-up power supply, which is a significant reduction in the scope of the Group's responsibilities and thereby its costs compared to its other markets.
Through the Group's joint venture with Vulatel, the Group is also considering entering into fibre and small cells. Vulatel's management team, which comprises former directors of Vodacom and Dark Fibre Africa, will assist in the development of the strategy for Helios Towers South Africa. This team will also provide construction and maintenance services to the Group on preferential terms through their separate telecommunications services business. Vulatel has a Level 2 Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment rating.
Since its inception, the Group has grown its site portfolio through acquiring site portfolios of MNOs and constructing strategic build-to-suit sites. The Group's overall site portfolio has grown from 2,974 total online sites as of 31 December 2013 to 6,882 total online sites as of 30 June 2019, consisting of acquired sites and build-to-suit sites, as detailed below.
The following table shows a breakdown of the growth of the Group's site portfolio through a mixture of acquisitions and build-to-suit as of and for the periods indicated:
| Year ended 31 December | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2010 | 2011 | 2012 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | |
| Online Sites Year-end site asset |
|||||||||
| acquisitions | 831 | 2,517 | 2,451 | 2,418 | 3,604 | 4,128 | 4,942 | 4,858 | 4,923 |
| Year-end build-to-suit | — | — | 259 | 556 | 1,052 | 1,296 | 1,535 | 1,661 | 1,822 |
| Total online sites(1) | 831 | 2,517 | 2,710 | 2,974 | 4,656 | 5,424 | 6,477 | 6,519 | 6,745 |
| Year ended 31 December | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2010 | 2011 | 2012 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | |
| Site purchases during period(2) Consolidations during |
831 | 1,721 | 13 | 14 | 1,186 | 535 | 961 | 22 | 196 |
| period | — | (35) | (79) | (47) | — | (11) | (147) | (106) | (131) |
| Total change in acquired sites for the |
|||||||||
| period(3) Built-to-suit sites added |
831 | 1,686 | (66) | (33) | 1,186 | 524 | 814 | (84) | 65 |
| during period | — | — | 259 | 297 | 496 | 244 | 239 | 111 | 161 |
Notes:
—————
(1) Refers to total live towers, IBS sites or sites with customer equipment installed on third-party infrastructure that are owned and/or managed by the Group with each reported site having at least one active customer tenancy as of a given date.
(2) Site portfolio purchases and other site asset purchases made by the Group following the signing of sale and purchase and/or management agreements including sites that the Group currently manages but does not own due to either: (i) certain conditions for transfer under the relevant acquisition documentation, ground lease and/or law not yet being satisfied; (ii) the site being subject to an agreement with the relevant MNO under which the MNO retains ownership and outsources management and marketing to it; or (iii) sites that are maintained by the Group on behalf of a telecommunications operator but which are not marketed by the Group to other telecommunications operators for colocation (and in respect of which the Group has no right to market).
(3) Includes the consolidation and/or decommissioning of previously acquired sites.
| Six months ended 30 June 2019 |
|
|---|---|
| Online Sites | |
| Period-end site asset acquisitions | 4,937 |
| Period-end build-to-suit | 1,945 |
| Total online sites(1) | 6,882 |
| Site purchases during period(2) | 101 |
| Consolidations during period | (87) |
| Total change in acquired sites for the period(3) | 14 |
| Built-to-suit sites added during period | 123 |
Notes:
—————
(1) Refers to total live towers, IBS sites or sites with customer equipment installed on third-party infrastructure that are owned and/or managed by the Group with each reported site having at least one active customer tenancy as of a given date.
(2) Site portfolio purchases and other site asset purchases made by the Group following the signing of sale and purchase and/or management agreements including sites that the Group currently manages but does not own due to either: (i) certain conditions for transfer under the relevant acquisition documentation, ground lease and/or law not yet being satisfied; (ii) the site being subject to an agreement with the relevant MNO under which the MNO retains ownership and outsources management and marketing to it; or (iii) sites that are maintained by the Group on behalf of a telecommunications operator but which are not marketed by the Group to other telecommunications operators for colocation (and in respect of which the Group has no right to market).
(3) Includes the consolidation and/or decommissioning of previously acquired sites.
The following table shows a more detailed breakdown of the Group's site portfolio by country as of 30 June 2019:
| As of 30 June 2019 | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tanzania | DRC | Ghana | Congo Brazzaville |
South Africa | Total | |||
| Site Asset Purchases | 2,309 | 1,402 | 748 | 377 | 101 | 4,937 | ||
| Build-to-suit | 1,341 | 415 | 185 | 4 | − | 1,945 | ||
| Total online sites | 3,650 | 1,817 | 933 | 381 | 101 | 6,882 | ||
| Offline | 134 | 72 | — | 18 | — | 224 | ||
| Total sites | 3,784 | 1,889 | 933 | 399 | 101 | 7,106 |
The Group's site portfolio is weighted towards what it believes to be higher-growth urban areas, with 60 per cent. of the Group's site sites per country located in urban areas as of 30 June 2019. MNOs in the countries in which the Group operates face increasing regulatory pressure to extend network coverage to rural areas in addition to consumer demands for improving quality of service, particularly in urban and suburban areas, by increasing existing capacity.
The following table shows a more detailed breakdown of the Group's site portfolio in urban and rural areas by country as of 30 June 2019:
| Urban/ | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Country | Rural | Suburban | |
| Tanzania | 46% | 54% | |
| DRC | 34% | 66% | |
| Congo Brazzaville | 45% | 55% | |
| Ghana | 26% | 74% | |
| South Africa | 24% | 76% |
From time to time, the Group consolidates or decommissions previously acquired sites after evaluating each site's profitability. The cost of decommissioning a site may vary from US\$3,000 to up to US\$21,000 if the decommissioning involves full depth site restoration and active equipment removal, both of which increase logistical complications and transportation costs.
The Group markets colocation space on its sites to telecommunications providers and drives its revenue and margins by adding additional colocations tenancies to its sites or undertaking contract amendments. Additional colocations are highly accretive, typically adding significant incremental revenue while incurring limited incremental operating expense and requiring minimal capital expenditure. The Group calculates ALU as the number of colocations added to the Group's portfolio in a defined period of time divided by the average number of total sites for the same period of time, excluding colocations acquired as part of site asset acquisitions reported as of a certain date.
The following tables show the Group's total number of sites, tenancies, colocation tenancies, tenancy ratio and ALU as of and for the periods indicated:
| As of 31 December | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2010 | 2011 | 2012 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | |
| Total online sites(1) | 831 | 2,517 | 2,710 | 2,974 | 4,656 | 5,424 | 6,477 | 6,519 | 6,745 |
| Acquired site anchor tenants . | 831 | 2,517 | 2,451 | 2,418 | 3,604 | 4,128 | 4,942 | 4,858 | 4,923 |
| Build-to-suit anchor tenants | — | — | 259 | 556 | 1,052 | 1,296 | 1,535 | 1,661 | 1,822 |
| Total anchor tenancies | 831 | 2,517 | 2,710 | 2,974 | 4,656 | 5,424 | 6,477 | 6,519 | 6,745 |
| Acquired colocation tenants | — | — | — | — | 520 | 633 | 1,051 | 1,051 | 1,051 |
| Organic colocation tenants | 170 | 543 | 1,149 | 1,681 | 2,323 | 3,951 | 4,981 | 5,417 | 5,753 |
| Total colocations(2) | 170 | 543 | 1,149 | 1,681 | 2,843 | 4,584 | 6,032 | 6,468 | 6,804 |
| Total tenancies(3) | 1,001 | 3,060 | 3,859 | 4,655 | 7,499 | 10,008 | 12,509 | 12,987 | 13,549 |
| Tenancy ratio | 1.20x | 1.22x | 1.42x | 1.57x | 1.61x | 1.85x | 1.93x | 1.99x | 2.01x |
| ALU for year(4) | — | 0.29x | 0.24x | 0.19x | 0.15x | 0.32x | 0.17x | 0.07x(5) | 0.05x |
| Build-to-suit ALU for year(4) | — | — | 0.21x | 0.24x | 0.22x | 0.14x | 0.15x | 0.44x | 0.41x |
Notes:
—————
(1) Refers to total live towers, IBS sites or sites with customer equipment installed on third-party infrastructure that are owned and/or managed by the Group with each reported site having at least one active customer tenancy as of a given date.
(2) Refers to the sharing of site space by multiple customers or technologies on the same site.
(3) Refers to individual site occupancies by each customer as of a given date.
(4) Refers to the number of colocations added to the Group's portfolio in a defined period of time divided by the average number of total sites for the same period of time, excluding colocations acquired as part of site acquisitions reported as of a certain date.
(5) Excludes 218 site removals of the small configuration/lease rate colocations of a small data operator and a government-controlled operator.
| As of 30 June 2019 |
|
|---|---|
| Total online sites(1) | 6,882 |
| Acquired site anchor tenants | 4,937 |
| Build-to-suit anchor tenants | 1,945 |
| Total anchor tenancies | 6,882 |
| Acquired colocation tenants | 1,107 |
| Organic colocation tenants | 6,111 |
| Total colocations(2) | 7,218 |
| Total tenancies(3) | 14,100 |
| Tenancy ratio | 2.05x |
Notes:
—————
(1) Refers to total live towers, IBS sites or sites with customer equipment installed on third-party infrastructure that are owned and/or managed by the Group with
each reported site having at least one active customer tenancy as of a given date.
(2) Refers to the sharing of site space by multiple customers or technologies on the same tower.
(3) Refers to the individual site occupancies by each customer as of a given date.
The following tables show the Group's total sites net of consolidations, tenancies and tenancy ratio by country as of and for the periods indicated:
| Year ended 31 December | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2011 | 2012 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | |
| Sites at beginning of year | — | 1,200 | 1,352 | 1,535 | 3,114 | 3,428 | 3,465 | 3,491 |
| Sites at end of year | 1,200 | 1,352 | 1,535 | 3,114 | 3,428 | 3,456 | 3,491 | 3,701 |
| Tenancies at beginning of year | — | 1,213 | 1,685 | 2,166 | 4,700 | 6,389 | 7,163 | 7,392 |
| Tenancies at end of year | 1,213 | 1,685 | 2,166 | 4,700 | 6,389 | 7,163 | 7,392 | 7,848 |
| Tenancy ratio at year end | 1.01x | 1.25x | 1.41x | 1.51x | 1.86x | 2.07x | 2.12x | 2.12x |
| Six months ended 30 June 2019 |
|
|---|---|
| Sites at beginning of period | 3,701 |
| Sites at end of period | 3,650 |
| Tenancies at beginning of period | 7,848 |
| Tenancies at end of period | 7,950 |
| Tenancy ratio at period end | 2.18x |
| Year ended 31 December | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2011 | 2012 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | |
| Sites at beginning of year | — | 521 | 582 | 656 | 743 | 814 | 1,832 | 1,819 |
| Sites at end of year | 521 | 582 | 656 | 743 | 814 | 1,832 | 1,819 | 1,773 |
| Tenancies at beginning of year | — | 548 | 837 | 1,075 | 1,349 | 1,643 | 3,179 | 3,347 |
| Tenancies at end of year | 548 | 837 | 1,075 | 1,349 | 1,643 | 3,179 | 3,347 | 3,492 |
| Tenancy ratio at year end | 1.05x | 1.44x | 1.64x | 1.82x | 2.02x | 1.74x | 1.84x | 1.97x |
| Six months ended 30 June 2019 |
|
|---|---|
| Sites at beginning of period | 1,773 |
| Sites at end of period | 1,817 |
| Tenancies at beginning of period | 3,492 |
| Tenancies at end of period | 3,705 |
| Tenancy ratio at period end | 2.04x |
| Year ended 31 December | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2010 | 2011 | 2012 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | |
| Sites at beginning of | |||||||||
| year | — | 831 | 796 | 776 | 783 | 799 | 789 | 786 | 825 |
| Sites at end of year | 831 | 796 | 776 | 783 | 799 | 789 | 786 | 825 | 891 |
| Tenancies at beginning | |||||||||
| of year | — | 1,001 | 1,299 | 1,337 | 1,414 | 1,450 | 1,464 | 1,638 | 1,723 |
| Tenancies at end of year | 1,001 | 1,299 | 1,337 | 1,414 | 1,450 | 1,464 | 1,638 | 1,723 | 1,680 |
| Tenancy ratio at year | |||||||||
| end | 1.20x | 1.63x | 1.72x | 1.81x | 1.81x | 1.86x | 1.94x | 2.09x | 1.89x |
ended 30 June 2019 Sites at beginning of period......................................................................................................................................................... 891 Sites at end of period................................................................................................................................................................... 933 Tenancies at beginning of period ................................................................................................................................................ 1,680 Tenancies at end of period........................................................................................................................................................... 1,744 Tenancy ratio at period end ......................................................................................................................................................... 1.87x
| Year ended 31 December | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | ||
| Sites at beginning of year | 393 | 394 | 384 | |
| Sites at end of year | 394 | 384 | 380 | |
| Tenancies at beginning of year | 512 | 529 | 525 | |
| Tenancies at end of year | 529 | 525 | 529 | |
| Tenancy ratio at year end | 1.34x | 1.37x | 1.39x |
| Six months | |
|---|---|
| ended | |
| 30 June 2019 |
Six months
| Sites at beginning of period | 380 |
|---|---|
| Sites at end of period | 381 |
| Tenancies at beginning of period | 529 |
| Tenancies at end of period | 533 |
| Tenancy ratio at period end | 1.40x |
| Six months ended 30 June 2019 |
|
|---|---|
| Sites at beginning of period | — |
| Sites at end of period | 101 |
| Tenancies at beginning of period | — |
| Tenancies at end of period | 168 |
| Tenancy ratio at period end | 1.66x |
The Group's build-to-suit sites tend to have a higher ALU compared to acquired sites, primarily due to the Group's strategic selection of site locations that are designed at the outset to address the needs of multiple operators and because its acquired sites are typically acquired with a single existing anchor tenancy. The table below displays the number of build-to-suit sites deployed and the incremental colocations achieved during the periods presented:
| Year ended 31 December | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 | 2013 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | Total | |
| Build-to-suit sites constructed Number of colocations added in |
259 | 297 | 496 | 244 | 239 | 111 | 161 | 1,807 |
| the year | 347 | 389 | 498 | 119 | 89 | 84 | 33 | 1,559 |
| Average ALU | 0.21x | 0.24x | 0.22x | 0.14x | 0.15x | 0.44x | 0.41x | 0.23x |
The Group's sites host a variety of customers that utilise different technologies, although Global Systems for Mobile Communication ("GSM") and increasingly 3G technologies for the Group's large MNO customers comprise the most prevalent types of technology on the Group's sites. The Group expects to see continued deployment of advanced telecommunications technologies, such as the additional roll-out of 4G. Such 4G services started in Tanzania in 2013, in Ghana in 2014, in Congo Brazzaville in 2016, and in DRC in 2018. The Group expects that high demand for telecommunications services in its markets will lead to site network expansion and the densification of sites as well as demand for additional or different space for newer equipment as the introduction of new technologies requires both additional PoS and Network PoS.
The main method by which the Group has grown its site portfolio to date is the acquisition of site portfolios from MNOs. In 2010, the Group acquired Millicom's portfolio of sites in Ghana, which was the first instance of an independent tower company acquiring an MNO's sites and entering into long-term servicing contracts with that MNO in Africa. Following initial site portfolio acquisitions in both countries, the Group has also made follow-on site asset acquisitions in Tanzania and DRC to complement its existing portfolios. Following the acquisition of site portfolios, the Group typically invests heavily in upgrading sites to strengthen sites for lease-up and prepare them for use with anticipated future technologies, deliver efficient and reliable power and comply with the Group's health and safety standards. The following table summarises each of the Group's major site portfolio acquisitions:
| Millicom (Ghana) |
Millicom (DRC) |
Millicom (Tanzania) |
Vodacom (Tanzania) |
Airtel (Congo Brazzaville) |
Airtel (DRC) | Zantel (Tanzania) |
Viettel (Tanzania) |
SA Towers (South Africa) |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Date of transaction | 2010 | 2011 | 2011 | 2014 | 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 |
| Portfolio type | Urban weighted portfolio |
Urban weighted portfolio |
Urban weighted portfolio |
Distributed across country with strong presence in Lakes zone |
Largest portfolio distributed across country |
Rural weighted portfolio |
Unique mainland sites |
Distributed across country |
Urban weighted portfolio |
| Number of sites | 831 | 521 | 1,200 | 1,149 | 393 | 961 | 22(1) | 196 | 88 |
| Build-to-suit agreement | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | n.a. |
| Contract length (years) | 12 | 12 | 12 | 12 | 10 | 10 | 12 | 14 | n.a. |
| Strategic rationale | First ever site asset purchase in Africa |
Enter new virgin market through purchase of significant portfolio and |
Enter new virgin market through purchase of significant portfolio and |
Complement Tigo portfolio in Tanzania |
Enter new virgin market through purchase of largest portfolio |
Expand coverage in DRC, especially in rural areas |
Add unique sites to site portfolio. Decommission duplicate sites to reduce |
Expand tower network by adding unique sites to the existing portfolio |
Diversify business by entering one of the largest telecom and tower markets |
| build agreement |
build agreement |
environmental impact |
in Africa |
————— Note:
(1) Acquisition included the purchase of 79 offline sites not included in the total.
Under the terms of these transactions, the sites are typically transferred to the Group in tranches once they have satisfied certain closing conditions, including conditions relating to the ground leases and permits. There is typically a minimum number of sites that must satisfy the site-specific conditions before any sites are transferred and the Group may not ultimately acquire the total number of sites set out in the relevant sale and purchase agreement.
The seller will typically enter into an MLA with the Group under which the Group makes space available on the site for use by the seller. The site-specific terms (for example, the location of the site and the initial standard configuration) are set forth in an ISA in the form set out in the relevant MLA. Typically, there is a transitional period during which the service levels set out in the SLA (which forms part of the MLA) are relaxed or the remedies are otherwise limited. The parties also typically enter into temporary managed services arrangements in respect of any sites that are not part of the first tranche (sometimes with full marketing rights to synthesise transfer of ownership). If any sites are not transferred by an agreed long-stop date (for example, due to a failure to satisfy certain critical contractual conditions), the temporary managed services arrangements may be made permanent. The parties also typically enter into a build-to-suit agreement to construct new sites in unique locations.
The Group seeks to ensure that there is no disruption to the operation of a site when it is transferred by agreeing a detailed transition plan with the seller. This plan includes a handover period, which typically commences two months prior to the date of transfer of the site. During this period, the Group's employees shadow the seller's site maintenance operations (which includes access to the seller's NOC) to obtain a clear understanding of the particular requirements for operating and managing the site portfolio. In most cases, the Group looks to employ certain key members of the seller's passive network personnel to further ensure continuity of service and retain expertise in a particular region. Once the Group has taken over the sites, it initiates a 100-day plan to fully integrate the sites into its existing portfolio. In a few instances, the Group may be required to perform remedial work at a site it has purchased but the Group's own pre-acquisition due diligence and the shadowing during the transition plan mean that, in the majority of cases, the Group is aware of the need for any remedial work well in advance of taking over a site. The Group undertakes upgrade capital expenditure to ensure that sites built by an MNO meet the prevailing network needs of that MNO, and are suitable for marketing to other telecommunications customers as soon as possible after the Group takes over control of such sites.
As of 30 June 2019, the Group had 224 offline sites, being sites on which no customers are present. Of these, 134, 72 and 18 were located in Tanzania, DRC and Congo Brazzaville, respectively. The Group plans to re-activate several of these dormant sites in the future as customers request the locations. Following the acquisition of a portfolio of site assets, the Group may migrate tenants to new sites as part of its portfolio rationalisation strategy in order to remove duplicate costs and thereby increase customer margins. A site may also be dismantled as a result of a regulatory ruling or because the ground lease agreement is not renewed by the landlord, although such instances are rare. If a site is dismantled, the process is completed in compliance with the Group's health and safety policies and the steel and other equipment is removed and used on another site or recycled.
The Group uses the proprietary GIS that combines site location and topographical data, demographic information and network design principles to better inform strategic decisions regarding site location using a user application which is employed by the Group's sales and commercial teams. GIS enables the Group to evaluate (i) the colocation potential of a portfolio of sites when making site portfolio asset acquisitions, (ii) the network fit and colocation potential of build-to-suit sites and (iii) existing sites as candidates for proactive marketing initiatives. The benefits of GIS to the Group are better forecasting of colocation demand, more informed analysis of site asset portfolio acquisitions, better capital investments through choosing the right locations to build new sites and higher colocation ratios on existing sites through proactive marketing. Together these benefits provide a strategic advantage to the Group and enable it to develop better relationships with its customers. The Group believes that GIS has resulted in better decisions with respect to the location of build-to-suit sites leading to faster lease-up rates for build-to-suit sites than for acquired sites.
The Group uses a zonal analysis to assess the colocation and rationalisation potential of its site portfolio by classifying the Group's sites into three categories based on distance to other site infrastructure: unique sites, overlap sites and consolidation sites.
Unique sites are the only sites in a given area. In urban areas, the Group considers a site unique if it is located more than 300 metres from an alternative infrastructure solution, and in rural areas, the Group considers a site unique if it is located more than 2,500 metres from an alternative infrastructure solution. The Group considers a site to be an overlap site if there is the potential that the coverage it provides could be covered by other infrastructure owned by an MNO, which in urban areas means there is an alternative infrastructure solution within a range of 100 metres to 300 metres and for rural sites a range of 500 metres to 2,500 metres. Overlap sites are too close together to be considered unique sites but too far apart to justify consolidation onto one site without substantially affecting existing coverage. The Group's consolidation sites are those it believes are close enough to another Group site (within 100 metres in urban areas and within 500 metres in rural areas) that the Group could potentially combine the customer equipment onto one site, thereby increasing the tenancy ratio and removing the fixed costs applicable to the consolidated site, resulting in an increase in Adjusted EBITDA. As of 30 June 2019, 66 per cent. of the Group's sites were unique sites while 17 per cent. were overlap sites and 17 per cent. were consolidation sites. Of the Group's urban sites, 73 per cent., 17 per cent. and 10 per cent. were unique, overlap and consolidation sites, respectively, as of 30 June 2019. Of the Group's rural sites 55 per cent., 16 per cent. and 29 per cent. were unique, overlap and consolidation sites, respectively, as of 30 June 2019.
The following table provides a breakdown of the zonal analysis of the Group's sites by urban and rural market and country as a percentage of total urban and rural sites, respectively, as of 30 June 2019:
| As of 30 June 2019 | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tanzania | DRC | Ghana | Congo Brazzaville |
South Africa | ||
| (%) | ||||||
| Urban unique sites | 81 | 69 | 58 | 79 | 47 | |
| Urban overlap sites | 12 | 22 | 25 | 17 | 27 | |
| Urban consolidation sites | 7 | 9 | 17 | 5 | 26 | |
| Rural unique sites | 53 | 61 | 43 | 70 | 50 | |
| Rural overlap sites | 17 | 13 | 19 | 20 | 38 | |
| Rural consolidation sites | 31 | 26 | 38 | 10 | 13 |
The Group's site portfolio comprises two main types of sites: rooftop sites, in which a tower is built on the rooftop of an existing structure, and greenfield sites, where the tower is freestanding. The portfolio consists principally of four-legged, heavy duty, ground-based towers typically ranging in height from 35 to 70 metres. The Group builds higher towers when circumstances require, including when towers are built in valleys or require greater range for transmission. The Group's build-to-suit ground-based towers with a height of 40 metres or more are designed to accommodate three or more tenants (based on a standard configuration). The following diagram illustrates the standard facilities typically located on the Group's sites:
The radio frequency and microwave antennae in the diagram above and the telecoms electronics are owned and maintained by the Group's customers, while in four of its five jurisdictions the Group owns and maintains the passive infrastructure, including the perimeter fence and security, the telecommunications site diesel generator, battery backup system, site monitoring system and, if applicable, the hybrid and solar technology. In South Africa, the Group's customers own, manage, operate and secure the equipment they place on the site while the Group provides and is responsible for the tower, electricity distribution boards and site services (such as access, site cleaning and maintenance of the tower structure). The landlord or municipal authority is responsible for the supply of electricity and for the connection and the back-up power supply, which is a significant reduction in the scope of the Group's responsibilities compared to its other markets.
The number of antennae that a site can accommodate varies depending on the design of the tower (selfsupporting monopole, guyed or self-supporting lattice), the height of the tower and the wind load, weight and positioning of such antennae. The substantial majority of the Group's sites are self-supporting lattice towers that can sustain a large number of antennae and therefore enable the Group to market its tower space to a diverse group of wireless communications providers, including private, mobile, radio and fixed wireless companies, as well as broadcast/government agencies. A tenancy is subject to defined limits, including (i) vertical space occupied on the site, (ii) wind load and (iii) power consumption. Key criteria in determining how many tenancies a site can support are the wind load capacity of the tower and the specifics of the tenant's equipment, including the number, size and type of cellular radio and microwave antennae, as well as the number, size and type of RRUs. The capacity of a single tower can be increased by tower strengthening and height extensions and by adding further antenna mounting poles. The structure of the tower can be reinforced and the foundation strengthened to accommodate additional tenants.
Typically, the Group's costs to construct a tower range from US\$100,000 to US\$150,000. For the three months ended 30 June 2019, the Group's annualised operating expenses per site were approximately US\$20,000.
Many of the Group's sites have the capacity to accommodate additional tenants. In Tanzania, the Group's sites have available capacity to accommodate up to a 4.3x tenancy ratio and the Group believes the sites can accommodate 80 per cent. of anticipated colocation demand with no upgrade capital expenditure investment. In Ghana, the Group's sites have available capacity to accommodate up to a 4.3x tenancy ratio and the Group believes the sites can accommodate 97 per cent. of anticipated colocation demand with no upgrade capital expenditure investment. In DRC, the Group's sites have available capacity to accommodate up to a 4.0x tenancy ratio and the Group believes the sites can accommodate 80 per cent. of anticipated colocation demand with no upgrade capital expenditure investment. In Congo Brazzaville, the Group's sites have available capacity to accommodate up to a 3.8x tenancy ratio and the Group believes the sites can accommodate 93 per cent. of anticipated colocation demand with no upgrade capital expenditure investment. Overall, the Group's sites have available capacity to accommodate up to a 4.2x tenancy ratio and the Group estimates that the portfolio can accommodate 84 per cent. of anticipated colocation demand with no upgrade capital expenditure investment.
The following table sets out a breakdown of the Group's site portfolio by number of tenants by country as of 30 June 2019:
| Country | One tenant | Two tenants | Three or more tenants |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
| (%) | ||||
| Tanzania | 36 | 35 | 29 | |
| DRC | 38 | 33 | 28 | |
| Ghana | 48 | 38 | 14 | |
| Congo Brazzaville | 64 | 34 | 2 | |
| South Africa | 47 | 42 | 12 | |
| Total | 40 | 35 | 25 |
The following table illustrates the Group's estimate of the lease-up capacity of its sites by country as of 30 June 2019:
| Country | At capacity | +1 tenancy | +2 tenancies | +3 tenancies |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| (%) | ||||
| Tanzania | 29 | 20 | 6 | 45 |
| DRC | 28 | 24 | 11 | 37 |
| Ghana | 10 | 38 | 16 | 36 |
| Congo Brazzaville | 22 | 22 | 5 | 51 |
| Total(1) | 27 | 23 | 8 | 41 |
————— Note:
(1) Based on a structural audit of 6,412 online sites. Sites in South Africa were not audited.
The Group's principal business is owning, operating and maintaining telecommunications sites in order to provide site space and related services to MNOs and other telecommunications providers that in turn provide wireless, voice and data services to end-users. The Group also offers comprehensive site-related operational services, including site selection, site preparation, construction, maintenance, security and power management. The Group provides space on its sites under a combination of MLAs, which set out the principal commercial terms that govern the provision of site space, and an ISA, which acts as an appendix to the relevant MLA and includes site-specific information (for example, location and equipment details). ISAs are drafted to address the effective panel area that the tenant occupies on a given tower as well as the vertical positioning of the equipment located on the tower, since some spaces on a given tower will be more suitable for certain applications (for example, transmission backhaul is best located higher on a tower and GSM antennae are often located at the highest point on a tower to ensure maximum coverage) which allows the Group to capture amendment revenue. The pricing of amendment revenue is based on the opportunity cost of the space utilised for the new equipment. To ensure that the Group has long-term visibility over the availability of its sites, it enters into long-term ground lease agreements with property owners to lease the land for the Group's sites. See "— Real Property".
As of 30 June 2019, the Group had entered into MLAs with all of its MNO customers. These overriding agreements between the Group and the MNOs determine the commercial terms governing the Group's provision of site space. The material commercial terms of these contracts include contractual provisions setting out, amongst other things, scope of supply, duration, termination and price escalations. The Group seeks to negotiate stable long-term contracts that include certain contractual parameters, which the Group believes are fundamental to its sustainable below total cost of ownership offering. The Group is willing to withdraw from certain site asset acquisition negotiations if it does not achieve these terms. However, the resulting MLAs safeguard the Group's long-term strategy and enable it to provide customers with the desired quality of service with suitable protections at a cost to the tenant that is lower than the cost of selfprovision. Among the important features that are common to the Group's MLAs are: (i) a typical duration of 10-15 years; (ii) minimal cancellation rights; (iii) inflation and power price escalators; (iv) menu pricing for amendment revenue; (v) automatic renewal clauses; and (vi) take-or-pay commitments. The following table illustrates certain features of the Group's most significant customer site contracts on a country-bycountry basis as of 30 June 2019:
| DRC | Tanzania | Congo Brazzaville |
Ghana | South Africa | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tenor | 8-12 years | 10-15 years | 10 years | 10-15 years | 10-15 years |
| Ranges of average remaining contract length | 6-10 years | 5-12 years | 6 years U.S. dollars(2)/ |
3-14 years | 7-13 years |
| U.S. dollars(2) | Central | ||||
| Contractual currencies | U.S. dollars(1) | /Tanzanian Shillings |
African francs(3) |
U.S. dollars(2) /Ghanaian cedi |
South African Rand(2) |
Notes:
—————
The Group believes that its customer site contracts provide it with a highly visible recurring revenue stream. As of 30 June 2019, the weighted average remaining life for the Group's customer site contracts was approximately 7.8 years and the total value of these contracts was approximately US\$3.0 billion, without taking into account any extension options, while only 2.7 per cent. of its customer site contracts were due to expire by the end of 2020. Except for certain events of default such as breach and insolvency, the Group's MLAs may only be terminated prior to the agreed termination date in limited circumstances.
The Group includes contractual escalators in a majority of its customer site contracts to mitigate against inflation risk as well as increases in diesel prices and electricity prices. The service fees payable by the Group's customers under its MLAs are typically split between power and non-power service rates. Although the Group remains exposed to inflation and diesel and electricity price volatility in certain instances, this approach has significantly reduced the Group's exposure to the volatility inherent to these critical costs, which helps it better predict future cash flows and plan for capital expenditures.
A majority of the Group's MLAs include contracted increases to the non-power portion of the service rates to mitigate against inflation risk or local currency devaluations. In most cases, the MLAs are also linked to the CPI of the country of operation and/or the United States, depending on the underlying denomination of the fee. These increases allow for increased contracted revenue year-on-year as a hedge against inflation and are typically applied once per year for a subsequent 12-month period. In some cases, the increases are subject to a cap and/or a floor. As a result of the Group's CPI escalator provisions, the escalation of contracted rates is likely to increase the Group's revenue on an annual basis to offset its increased costs, but
(1) DRC's economy is largely dollarised, and payments under the Group's customer site contracts are generally made in U.S. dollars; however, pursuant to certain agreements, the Group can elect to receive small payment amounts in local currency.
(2) Each of the U.S. dollar-based contracts in Tanzania, Congo Brazzaville and Ghana provide the customer with the ability to settle in local currency in amounts that are translated from U.S. dollars.
(3) Central African francs are guaranteed by the French treasury and pegged at a fixed exchange rate to the Euro.
because rate escalations are made annually, the Group may be subject to periods within a financial year when its underlying costs increase in price but its contract rates do not adjust upwards. As of 30 June 2019, approximately 99 per cent. of the Group's customer site contracts contained inflation escalation provisions.
The power portion of the service rates in a few of the Group's MLAs follows a similar escalation formula used for the non-power service rates but in most cases the Group benefits from power indexation clauses that provide unit cost pass-through provisions in relation to changes in fuel and electricity prices. These provisions help the Group mitigate its exposure to volatility in fuel and electricity prices. For example, under the provisions of certain of the Group's MLAs if there is a specific percentage increase or decrease in the per litre price of fuel above or below an agreed base price at the end of a period (such as the price in a fuel cost index produced by a government authority in the relevant country), such percentage increase or decrease is also applied to the relevant power element either annually or, in the case of most MLAs, quarterly (depending on the payment terms). In some cases, the increases are subject to a cap. As of 30 June 2019, approximately 96 per cent. of the Group's customer site contracts contained power escalation provisions, with 45 per cent. escalated on an annual basis and 55 per cent. escalated on a quarterly basis.
Another feature of the Group's MLAs is the right to retain the benefit of power conservation initiatives. In 2016, the Group initiated a programme of power saving initiatives at selected sites across its portfolio. As of 30 June 2019, the Group had:
Virtually all of the Group's MLAs have adjustments linked to diesel unit price movements, with adjustments being made periodically (quarterly or annually) to the fuel portion of the lease rates. The variations of the volume of fuel consumed on site are not passed through to the customer and therefore reductions in the quantum of fuel used will result in cost savings contributing directly to the Group's Adjusted EBITDA.
The Group believes that its customer site contracts will generally enjoy a high renewal rate because (i) the locations of many of the Group's sites are critical to the efficient and cost-effective operation of its tenants' telecommunications networks, (ii) there are cost and time implications associated with reconfiguring customer equipment across multiple sites when relocating a base transmission site, (iii) there is often a lack of suitable alternative sites within a required proximity and (iv) there are site acquisition, regulatory compliance issues and other barriers associated with the construction of new sites and the relocation of antenna equipment. In addition, the Group's contracts typically contain automatic renewal periods consisting of extensions on a five-year basis after the end of the primary term.
The Group's customers typically pay for the space and services the Group provides on a quarterly basis but in Ghana and DRC certain customers pay for space and services on a monthly basis. The initial fee that the Group receives from a new tenant is generally fixed for the initial term of the customer site contract, based on the following factors:
The Group charges incrementally for additional power requirements and additional amounts of space required on towers as telecommunications technology evolves and MNOs install newer equipment with additional or different power and space requirements. In certain circumstances, the Group also provides marginal rate discounts for its customers with a sufficiently high volume of tenancies to encourage retention.
Most of the Group's sites are located on real property that has been leased to the Group by individual landowners under ground lease agreements or building lease agreements with the property owners. The Group's remaining sites are located on real property that it owns. In such cases, the Group has acquired the real property from an MNO that originally bought the land or was granted it by way of government concession. The following table shows the number of sites that the Group owned and the number of sites with ground leases in each of the countries in which the Group operated as of 30 June 2019.
| Country | Number of Sites on land owned by the Group (and Percentage of Total Number of Sites in Country)(1) |
Number of Sites with Ground Leases (and Percentage of Total Number of Sites in Country)(1) |
|||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Number | Percentage | Number | Percentage | ||
| Tanzania | — | — | 3,316 | 100% | |
| DRC | 442 | 25% | 1,306 | 75% | |
| Ghana | 79 | 9% | 810 | 91% | |
| Congo Brazzaville | 220 | 58% | 161 | 42% | |
| South Africa | 3 | 3% | 98 | 97% |
Note:
—————
For ground leases, the Group generally seeks to enter into real-property lease agreements with a term between 20 to 50 years in order to underpin the ISAs with its tenants, which have a typical duration of 10 to 15 years. The fees payable under a majority of the Group's ground leases escalate periodically in line with increases in CPI in the applicable country or at a pre-agreed fixed percentage. In Tanzania and Ghana, the majority of these leases were denominated in local currency while in DRC and Congo Brazzaville almost all of the leases were denominated in U.S. dollars or currencies pegged to the euro. The following table shows, by country, the number of sites with a corresponding ground lease and lease duration from the start of the lease as of 30 June 2019:
| Country | Number of Leases |
Average Remaining Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Tanzania | 3,316 | 20 years |
| DRC | 1,306 | 17 years |
| Ghana | 810 | 14 years |
| Congo Brazzaville | 161 | 7 years |
| South Africa | 98 | 18 years |
| Total | 5,691 | 18 years |
When the Group agrees a ground lease it becomes the lessee; the Group asks the lessor to enter into a form of ground lease that contains a comprehensive set of rights that are required to effectively operate and manage each site and run the Group's business, including (but not limited to) (i) a term of between 20 to 50 years, (ii) express rights to provide space on the tower and ground space at the site to the Group's customers, (iii) the automatic renewal of the term of the ground lease, (iv) a right of the lessee to assign its rights without the consent of the lessor (by way of security or otherwise) and (v) obligations on the lessor to provide any documentation required by the Group to obtain permits or licences to operate the site. Since the Group has adopted a strategy of making advance payments for ground lease fees, which typically represent a substantial rental yield for the landlord, in the Group's experience ground leases are not typically difficult to obtain or renew.
(1) The number and percentage of total sites do not include sites that are offline, managed or build-to-suit sites that are under commission, the sites that are situated on a customer's property and the sites where leases are out of term and due for renegotiation.
The Group attempts to mitigate its ground lease expiration profile so that it is not faced with a disproportionate number of leases expiring in any one year. The table below shows the percentage of ground leases expiring over the next five years, assuming non-renewal, as of 30 June 2019:
| Ground Lease Expiration Date | % Expiring |
|---|---|
| 2019 | 1% |
| 2020 | 3% |
| 2021 | 4% |
| 2022 | 8% |
| 2023 | 4% |
| Total | 19% |
The Group enters into ground leases with a diverse group of lessors that typically lease one or two sites to the Group, and although this increases the administrative burden of ground lease management, it also reduces the Group's key landlord risk.
A number of the Group's Tanzanian sites are situated on village land. By strict interpretation of the relevant law a majority foreign-owned company cannot occupy village land. However, it is not uncommon for majority foreign-owned companies to occupy village land in Tanzania, including for the purposes of providing infrastructure and telecommunication services. In addition, the Group has been active in Tanzania since 2010 and in this time the Group has never had its occupation of village land challenged or questioned by any government department or agency or any landlord with whom the Group has entered into a lease. Furthermore, the Group holds a network facilities licence from the government regulator and a valid Certificate of Incentives from the Tanzanian Investment Centre. As part of the application for this Certificate of Incentives, the Group submitted detailed business plans to the Tanzanian Investment Centre. There is therefore an assumption that the Group was invited to invest in Tanzania as per its business plan and that the Government of Tanzania was on notice as to the Group's investment and development plans. Further, there is doubt as to whether the provisions of the Village Land Act, Cap 114, 2002 relating to the occupation of village land by a majority foreign-owned company apply to tower companies and whether such act was intended to apply to the occupation of village land by tower companies. Finally, the Group is not aware of any litigation or government action in Tanzania against tower companies or telecommunication companies who operate their own towers as a result of their occupation of village land.
Colocations are at the core of the Group's business model, as they allow the Group to grow revenue and improve operating margins without significant additional capital expenditures. Colocations are equal to the sum of standard colocation and amendment colocation tenants. A standard colocation tenant is defined as a customer occupying site space under a standard tenancy lease rate and configuration with defined limits in terms of the vertical space occupied, the wind load and power consumption. Amendment colocation tenants are tenants that add or modify equipment, taking up additional space, wind load capacity and/or power consumption under an existing lease agreement. The Group calculates amendment colocation tenants on a weighted basis as compared to the market average lease rate for a standard tenancy lease in the month the amendment is added.
The following tables show a breakdown of colocations by country in which the Group operates for the periods indicated:
| Year ended 31 December | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | ||
| Tanzania | 3,698 | 3,901 | 4,147 | |
| DRC | 1,347 | 1,528 | 1,719 | |
| Ghana | 852 | 898 | 789 | |
| Congo Brazzaville | 135 | 141 | 149 | |
| Total colocations | 6,032 | 6,468 | 6,804 | |
| Six months ended 30 June | ||
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 2019 | |
| Tanzania | 3,967 | 4,300 |
| DRC | 1,576 | 1,888 |
| Ghana | 772 | 811 |
| Congo Brazzaville | 148 | 152 |
| South Africa | — | 67 |
| Total colocations | 6,463 | 7,218 |
The following table shows a breakdown of colocations for the last four financial quarters:
| Three months ended | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 30 September 2018 |
31 December 2018 |
31 March 2019 | 30 June 2019 |
|||
| Standard colocations | 5,972 | 6,269 | 6,295 | 6,578 | ||
| Amendment colocations | ||||||
| Ghana | 115 | 115 | 115 | 127 | ||
| Tanzania | 385 | 385 | 397 | 435 | ||
| DRC | 26 | 30 | 72 | 72 | ||
| Congo Brazzaville | 5 | 5 | 5 | 6 | ||
| South Africa | — | — | — | — | ||
| Total amendment colocations | 531 | 535 | 589 | 640 | ||
| Total colocations | 6,503 | 6,804 | 6,884 | 7,218 |
The Group believes that its current site portfolio, significant operating expertise and total cost of ownership business model will help it capitalise on expected market growth and colocation opportunities. As a result, the Group believes that MNOs in the countries in which it operates will continue to seek to colocate on the Group's sites, because the Group's sites are strategically located and colocation is the most cost-effective means of improving and expanding their site networks.
The Group aims to continue its success in generating colocations by (i) leveraging its position as an experienced independent tower company that delivers colocation options to a range of MNO and other customers (the Group's existing sites provide customers with a significant time-to-market advantage over build-to-suits or self-provisioning), (ii) actively promoting site sharing by offering specialised network planning skills and solutions to MNOs and (iii) capitalising on the Group's extensive site portfolio and strong operational performance to attract additional customers.
The Group's marketing team is in regular discussions with its customers to identify customer requirements, assess customers' long-term investment plans, determine whether its existing sites can fulfil near-term new tenancy demand, or if customers' needs can be better addressed by build-to-suit construction. Customers will usually prefer colocation as opposed to build-to-suit due to initially lower annual lease costs and faster deployment, as well as the opportunity to avoid the uncertainty and potential delay depending on the ability to secure an appropriately located site. Colocations are processed in accordance with the terms of the Group's existing customer site contracts and new contracts as required.
A typical colocation process involves the following steps:
* Invoicing typically occurs in advance of the ITP but the lease start date depends on the particular tenancy agreement and usually commences within 10 to 30 days of the issuance of the RFI notice.
As of 30 June 2019, the minimum installation time for a colocation was one day.
The Group has entered into contractual commitments with several of its customers which provide for a high degree of visibility on incremental revenues in Tanzania and DRC during the three years ending 2021. These contractual commitments relate to prospective colocations and are in the form of: (i) a "take-or-pay" arrangement, whereby the customer has agreed to increase its colocations pursuant to an agreed schedule or pay the standard service rate on any colocations not added from the applicable agreed date of installation; (ii) a "take-up" arrangement, whereby the customer has agreed to increase its colocations pursuant to an agreed schedule or, if there is a shortfall in added colocations at the end of a given financial year, thereafter pay an increased rate of service across all its then-existing tenancies; or (iii) an instruction to proceed which is a binding order for a colocation issued by a customer under the terms of the relevant customer site contract. Taken together, as of 30 June 2019, these agreements cumulatively represented US\$194.2 million, US\$385.9 million and US\$378.2 million of contractually committed revenue during the years ending 31 December 2019, 2020 and 2021, respectively. The Group has benefited from such contractual commitments historically and expects to continue this programme of adding advance colocation commitments, furthering its success in securing committed future revenue and expected Adjusted EBITDA growth.
The Group believes that its timely deployment of build-to-suit sites, based upon its expertise in site acquisition, site selection, construction, engineering, power management and regulatory compliance, has been a critical component in obtaining and completing build-to-suit orders. The Group generally seeks to construct build-to-suit sites with attractive additional colocation capacity consistent with community and regulatory approvals.
For the majority of the sites that the Group constructs on a build-to-suit basis, the Group retains ownership as well as the exclusive right to colocate additional tenants on the site. On a limited number of build-to-suit sites (as agreed with the relevant MNO), the Group retains ownership but does not have the exclusive right to colocate additional tenancies on the site. The Group strives to realise the operating leverage inherent in the tower business by adding incremental tenancies to its build-to-suit site base. Consequently, the Group builds sites for customers in locations that have the potential to attract other customers (or, in exceptional circumstances, where special premium rate arrangements are made to reflect that the site is unlikely to be shared immediately or is not shareable).
The entire process from the receipt of a work order to the completion of build-to-suit construction typically takes fewer than 120 days. As of 30 June 2019, the average number of days to complete the construction of a build-to-suit site was between 23 to 56 days. The actual time taken and the detailed steps followed can vary depending on the customer, the location of the specific site, the response time of the regulatory authorities and any issues identified during the site acquisition process.
A typical build-to-suit process, including the Group's additional value-added services, involves the following steps:
* The Group's mapping specialists select the most suitable sites based on a number of factors, including (i) proximity to central coordinates provided by the customer, (ii) appropriate terrain most suited to broadcasting uninterrupted radio signals, (iii) proximity to the power grid, (iv) which sites provide the most attractive property lease or purchase terms, (v) which sites have the highest potential to be approved for building, aviation and environmental permits in the shortest time frame and (vi) which sites may be the most viable locations for additional tenants. A list of selected sites is then submitted to the customer or the Group's site acquisition department pursuant to the customer's request.
* Once a site is selected and a work order has been issued by the customer, the Group will negotiate and enter into a long-term ground lease pursuant to which it acquires a leasehold interest in the property (typically a 20- to 50-year lease with subsequent renewal periods thereafter) and appropriate easements. Concurrent with the negotiation of appropriate property rights, the Group takes certain steps in relation to each new site, including obtaining a title report, conducting site and environmental surveys and performing soil analysis. The resultant plan is then submitted to the relevant regulatory authority for approval. The Group also aims to obtain all the building, environmental and aviation permits necessary to commence construction and/or to install equipment on the site and uses contractors to build the site.
The Group manages and maintains its site assets through a combination of in-house personnel and independent contractors. In-house personnel are responsible for the oversight and supervision of all aspects of site maintenance and management, including managing customer relationships (operations-related only), managing structural engineering and site capacity issues, ensuring proper signage and the supervision of independent contractors, including with respect to HSE, the Group's workplace code of conduct ("Code of Conduct") and the Group's supplier code of conduct ("Supplier Code of Conduct") to which independent contractors are bound. In-house personnel include the Group's Site Performance Analysis team, which analyses the performance and configuration of each of the Group's sites on an ongoing basis and identifies efficiency improvements designed to extend site life and reduce operating expenses. Independent contractors provide maintenance services, warehousing management services, build-to-suit construction services, structural design analysis and security personnel, and supply diesel to the Group's sites. These contractors have strict contractual execution targets placed upon them, in relation to both financial and operational performance. If the contractors do not meet these targets, the Group has a contractual right to terminate the contract and complete the process itself. By entering into these agreements the Group is able to ensure its sites perform at or better than the service levels agreed with the customers while fixing the Group's costs by setting maximum costs per site with the contractor providing the services. In addition to the SLAs that need to be maintained, outsourcing to contractors allows the Group to budget more effectively.
The Group utilises NOCs, which are 24-hour fully operational management centres that allow the Group to manage its site networks from a central location and work to provide its customers with high service uptime. The Group's NOCs monitor three key operational performance indicators across its site networks: average weekly downtime, average weekly power uptime per site and full-time employees per 100 sites. Under the terms of its SLAs, the Group has agreed to average weekly power uptime per site targets against which its performance is measured. The activities conducted in the Group's NOCs ensure that the Group continually provides its customers with an improving quality of service and high uptime performance. NOCs also co-ordinate activities with the Group's operations team. The operations team is responsible for all preventative maintenance activities in relation to the power systems. Through the Group's Business Excellence Programme and digitalisation programme, power uptime has increased significantly. For example, average uptime during the three months ended 30 June 2019 exceeded the targets in the Group's SLAs. Since introducing the programme, the Group has improved its productivity by 34 per cent. with employees per 100 towers reducing from 8.6 in December 2015 to 5.7 as of 30 June 2019. Moreover, in the year ended 31 December 2018 and the six months ended 30 June 2019, the Group achieved average uptimes of 99.98 per cent. and 99.99 per cent., respectively, across its sites.
The Group's engineering team focuses on optimising the technical performance of assets through information provided by the NOCs and operations team. The team identifies product and configuration changes that are needed to meet and exceed site performance standards and ensures that site technology is operated and maintained in line with standards.
The Group uses a combination of bespoke remote monitoring systems, customer real time feeds and physical verifications to better regulate site conditions, including, amongst other things, site fuel levels and consumption as well as site outages.
Site maintenance and management activities include:
As part of its Business Excellence Programme, the Group is focused on increasing the number of grid connections across its site networks in order to reduce its monthly power operating expenses. As of 31 December 2018, the Group had achieved 85 per cent., 96 per cent., 52 per cent. and 60 per cent. grid connectivity in Tanzania, Ghana, DRC and Congo Brazzaville, respectively, and had reduced its average monthly power operating expenses per site in each market to an average of US\$703, US\$1,054, US\$1,781, and US\$644, respectively.
Given the lack of a reliable main grid electricity supply in the countries in which the Group operates, the Group currently sources a substantial amount of the power it needs for its daily operations from the use of diesel generators. To improve reliability and extend generator life, as well as to reduce the costs associated with generator use and maintenance, the Group has introduced hybrid power systems, which involve alternating between power storage sources such as batteries (VRLA and lithium ion) and diesel generators using ServiceNow, a system which automates the opening, performance and closing of work orders, fuel deliveries and preventative maintenance, and as of April 2019 was online in all of the Group's markets other than South Africa. The Group is responsible for monitoring the diesel levels of its generators and scheduling diesel deliveries via its NOCs, as well as monitoring the performance of the various power systems. The supply of diesel to the Group's sites is outsourced to oil and logistics companies. The Group is pursuing several strategies for lowering power costs, in addition to deployments of hybrid installations, including solar power technologies at selected sites. Although the diesel escalation provisions in the Group's customer site contracts protect against increases in local diesel prices, the Group's alternative power solutions allow it to decrease its consumption of diesel and related fuel costs, reduce the associated carbon emissions, create a more consistent energy supply to maximise site uptime for the Group's customers, lower maintenance costs and reduce long-term capital expenditure by extending generator life. Through hybrid installations and solar power technologies, the Group aims to increase the life of its diesel generators from 18,000 hours to 35,000 hours and phase out the use of lead acid batteries. The Group uses site analysis to configure each site's power supplies using one, or a combination of, on-grid, off-grid, hybrid or solar power sources to increase site performance and reduce costs.
The protection of the Group's assets is key to ensuring the sustainability of the Group's business. The Group ensures that all of its assets are secured by outsourced security guards, either onsite or as part of roaming patrols checking sites periodically, fencing and security lights. The Group applies rigorous access control policies at its sites, requiring each visitor to pre-approve visits with the Group's customer representatives, and the Group has deployed remote monitoring systems that allow it to track unauthorised access to restricted areas on its sites. The Group also works to integrate the local community into its asset protection plan through the recruitment of local security guards.
The Group combines sales and operations planning, supply chain management and procurement under a single delivery and technology function that reports directly to a member of the Senior Management team. The delivery and technology business function uses three integrated systems, SAP, Red Cube and ServiceNow, and plans to migrate to Siterra following the completion of testing, to support procurement and supply chain operations. The integration of these three teams supports the adoption of business and system processes across multiple functions and the efficient management of sites.
The Group's sales and marketing team is in regular discussions with customers to identify customer requirements, assess customers' long-term investment plans, determine whether the Group's existing sites can fulfil new tenancy demand, or if customers may require new build-to-suit sites. The Group's sales and marketing team utilises GIS analysis, demographic data and the network information of MNOs to proactively call attention to specific network gaps of each MNO. Additionally, the Group focuses on opportunities within its own network by identifying areas of high population that either lack coverage or have sparse coverage. By alerting MNOs to commercially beneficial opportunities for colocation, densification or network expansion, the Group aims to set the foundation for a co-operative partnership to meet both the demands of MNO-specific network gaps and its own dynamic portfolio.
In many cases, customers prefer colocation due to a faster time-to-market advantage. However, the Group's expertise in site acquisition, site selection, construction, and structural and electrical engineering, as well as regulatory compliance, has been a critical component to obtain and complete build-to-suit orders on time and within budget.
The Group's sales and marketing department is tasked with:
The Group maintains a centralised procurement function. As part of the Group's Business Excellence Programme, the procurement team has focused on rationalising the Group's procurement partnerships, reducing suppliers from 60 as of 30 June 2015 to 12 as of 30 June 2019 and producing capital expenditure savings on equipment pricing of approximately US\$48 million over the same period. The Group has a structured supply chain that reduces lead times for equipment delivery. Completed goods for all of the Group's key equipment are held in warehouses in the country of their manufacture before being shipped to strategic consignments held by suppliers in country. This allows equipment to be shipped rapidly when needed with the sales and operational planning team determining where in the country goods will be needed.
The Group has established a project management team in order to further improve its customer service and project execution. The team focuses on risk identification and management, the establishment of clearly defined delegation of authority and escalation paths and the creation of communication plans for customers, suppliers and internal stakeholders. At the end of each project, the project management team also conducts performance reviews in order to further strengthen the Group's proficiency.
The Group's key customers consist of highly rated telecommunications operators, including five of the largest MNO holding companies in Sub-Saharan Africa (Airtel, MTN, Orange, Tigo and Vodacom), each with a long history of operating in multiple Sub-Saharan African jurisdictions and an investment-grade or near-investment-grade credit rating. For the year ended 31 December 2018 and the six months ended 30 June 2019, 86.7 per cent. and 86.5 per cent. of the Group's revenue, respectively, was attributable to these five key customers. An additional 12.0 per cent. of the Group's revenue for the year ended 31 December 2018 and 12.3 per cent. of the Group's revenue for the six months ended 30 June 2019 was attributable to subsidiaries of Viettel and Africell, more recent but fast-growing entrants to the mobile market in Sub-Saharan Africa. The following table sets forth the composition of the Group's tenancies by customer and by country as of 31 December 2018:
| Tanzania | DRC | Ghana | Congo Brazzaville |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
| (%) | ||||
| Airtel | 8 | 33 | — | 72 |
| MTN | — | — | 17 | 23 |
| Orange | — | 33 | — | — |
| Vodacom | 36 | 25 | 22 | — |
| Viettel | 22 | — | — | — |
| Africell | — | 8 | — | — |
| Tigo | 31 | —(2) | 58(1) | — |
| Other | 3 | 1 | 3 | 5 |
| Total | 100 | 100 | 100 | 100 |
————— Notes:
(1) In Ghana, Airtel and Tigo have effectively merged into one entity.
(2) In DRC, Orange acquired Tigo in 2016.
The Group believes that competition in the tower leasing industry in the countries in which it operates is based principally on tower location, quality and height, relationships and track record with telecommunications operators, operational management and the provision of reliable services, and, to a lesser extent, the size of the site portfolio, pricing and additional services offered to tenants. The Group is the sole independent tower company in three of its markets but its customers in these markets could adopt alternative strategies to acquire access to the necessary site space, including:
The Group's MNO customers' in-house colocation operations have historically been limited to barter trade with other MNOs on the basis of an equal (or close to equal) number of site swaps. Additionally, the Group's MNO customers typically would not allow non-GSM operators to efficiently colocate on their sites. Furthermore, while the Group's sites are specified to be able to accommodate numerous (typically three or more) customers on each site, its MNO customers' sites require investment to enable them to accommodate multiple tenants. While MNOs colocate with other MNOs, the Group believes that there are cost and commercial inefficiencies that impact the profitability of MNOs sharing space on their owned sites with other MNOs. However, if MNOs are able to share space with other MNOs more efficiently, or should they sell their site asset portfolio to a competitor or a third-party who then commences site sharing, some of these sites could then become competitive sites.
Build-to-suit sites are rarely located near existing telecommunications sites due to the Group's policy of not deploying near existing structures in normal circumstances, uncertainty in securing the required regulatory permits, planning constraints and capital efficiency limitations. As a result, direct competition for colocation on build-to-suit sites is extremely limited. Additionally, the Group believes that its customers are likely to renew substantially all of their site contracts due to a lack of alternative sites in areas where the Group's sites are located, the unique qualities of the Group's site locations and the Group's pricing strategy in relation to the cost of an MNO constructing a site itself.
Independent tower companies have been active in the Ghanaian market since 2010, when each of Helios Towers, American Tower and Eaton Towers entered the market. The historical presence of three independent tower companies, which will reduce to two following American Tower's acquisition of Eaton Towers that is expected to close by the end of 2019, makes this a competitive market for new sites but competition for existing sites is less intense as each company has its own locations within the market. Despite the competitive aspects of the marketplace, the Ghana market is particularly supportive of the independent tower model, given that all of the main MNOs in Ghana rely on the independent tower companies for new build sites, and emerging wireless ISPs are also potential customers. Local planning guidelines and restrictions limit the number of new towers that can be built, and the duplication of towers is prohibited, which limits the construction of towers in close proximity to each other, which cuts down on competitive site pressures.
Independent tower companies are also active in South Africa, where the Group commenced operations in South Africa in March 2019. The South African telecommunications tower industry is a largely fragmented market in which only approximately 15 per cent. of the towers are owned and operated by independent tower companies (Hardiman Report, August 2019). The main independent tower companies in South Africa are American Tower and Atlas Towers.
For a description of the permits and licences the Group must obtain to operate its business in the countries in which the Group operates, please see Part V: "Regulatory Information".
The Group currently does not have any patents, registered trademarks or trade names.
As the owner and operator of its sites, the Group's operations are subject to national and local laws and regulations relating to the management, use, storage, disposal, emission, and remediation of, and exposure to, hazardous and non-hazardous substances, materials and wastes. In general, the Group's customer site contracts prohibit its customers from using or storing any hazardous substances on the Group's sites in violation of applicable environmental laws and require its customers to provide notice of certain environmental conditions caused by them.
The Group has compliance programmes and monitoring projects to help ensure that it is in substantial compliance with applicable environmental laws. Nevertheless, the Group faces certain risks in connection with compliance with existing or future environmental laws. See Part I: "Risk Factors — Risks Related to the Group and its Business — The Group could have liability under environmental, occupational safety and health laws" and Part I: "Risk Factors — Risks Related to the Group and its Business — The Group's costs could increase and the growth of its revenue could decrease due to perceived health risks from radio emissions".
The following table provides a breakdown of the Group's employees by entity as of the dates indicated:
| 31 December | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 30 June 2019 | |
| Helios Towers Africa LLP/Helios Towers, Ltd | 87 | 78 | 83 | 92 |
| Helios Towers Congo Brazzaville SASU | 29 | 27 | 27 | 30 |
| HT Infraco DRC SARL | 131 | 115 | 101 | 97 |
| HTG Managed Services Limited | 67 | 55 | 56 | 54 |
| HTT Infraco Limited | 124 | 95 | 89 | 91 |
| HTSA Towers (Pty) Ltd | — | — | — | 29 |
| Total | 438 | 370 | 356 | 393 |
The Group's operations in DRC are the only ones where a union is present. The Group is currently in negotiations with the union in relation to defining and implementing a collective bargaining agreement but to date nothing has been agreed. The Group considers its relationship with the union to be good and to date there have been no instances of strikes or work being curtailed.
The Group also works with a number of maintenance and security contractors to operate its site portfolio. As of 30 June 2019, the Group had a total of 10 maintenance and 11 security partners, which provided 671 maintenance technicians and 6,596 security guards.
The Group maintains all-risk property insurance, including for earthquakes, and business interruption insurance against losses that might arise from damage to the Group's site infrastructure. As of 30 June 2019, the Group's site portfolio had a total coverage of approximately US\$1 billion, including coverage for business interruption. Some of the Group's insurance policies have exclusions, including in relation to losses resulting from war and terrorism.
The Group carries a comprehensive general liability insurance policy covering public liability, workers' compensation and employer's liability. The Group carries additional motor vehicle and motorcycle insurance covering damages to the Group's vehicles and third-party claims. The Group also has group medical insurance for its employees, covering accidents, permanent disablement, medical expenses and death. Each of the Group's insurance policies is subject to deductibles and has exclusions that may prevent the Group from recovering in full for any loss it may suffer.
As of 30 June 2019, the Group leased real property relating to all of its headquarters in the countries in which it operates, as well as office space for its offices in London, United Kingdom, and Dubai, United Arab Emirates, and its five regional offices. As of 30 June 2019, the Group leased four warehouses in Tanzania (located in Arusha, Dar Es Salaam, Mwanza and Mbeya), three warehouses in DRC (located in Kinshasa, Goma and Lubumbashi), two warehouses in Ghana (both located in Accra) and two warehouses in Congo Brazzaville (located in Brazzaville and Nyogo). As of 30 June 2019, the Group also had six RNOCs in Tanzania (two located in Dar Es Salaam, and one in each of Arusha, Mwanza, Zanzibar and Mbeya and a CNOC in HTT Infraco's offices in Dar Es Salaam), five RNOCs in DRC (located in Kinshasa, Matadi, Goma and Lumbumbashi – and a CNOC in HTD's offices in Kinshasa), one NOCs in Ghana (located in Accra) and one NOC in Congo Brazzaville (located in Brazzaville). For more information regarding the Group's sites, see "— Real Property".
Helios Towers has formulated a corporate health, safety and environment ("HSE") manual that focuses on the education, health and safety of its staff and contractors. The Group's HSE initiatives are overseen by its Director of Sustainability and Business Organisation with day-to-day responsibility sitting with the Group Head of HSE and Quality. Each operational company in the Group has a dedicated HSE team and these teams have direct relationships with teams in partner organisations. This is a newly created role that was filled in June 2019. The Group undergoes annual audits based on the standards of the International Finance Corporation ("IFC"), which are conducted by UK-based HSE consultants on behalf of one of the Group's principal investors. The British Standards Institution have certified the Group's integrated management systems of the operations in Africa for ISO 9001, (Quality Management), ISO 14001 (Environmental Management) and OSHAS 18001 (Occupational Health and Safety Management). The London office is also certified for ISO 9001 and OSHAS 18001 (excluding HTSA). The Group experienced two fatalities and six lost time injuries, inclusive of such fatalities, during the six months ended 30 June 2019. The Group experienced three fatalities and 19 lost time injuries during the year ended 31 December 2018, compared to 10 fatalities and 26 lost time injuries during the year ended 31 December 2017 and three fatalities and 18 lost time injuries during the year ended 31 December 2016. All fatalities were incurred or caused by contractors working on the Group's behalf and some impacted members of the public. The majority of nonfatal injuries related to motorbike or vehicle accidents.
The Group has well-established policies and procedures relating to HSE management in each of its operational companies and is subject to both internal and external audits and review on an ad hoc and annual basis. Previous reviews identified several areas of the Group's HSE function where improvement would be beneficial and programmes were put in place to address these, including the HSE Excellence Programme, which was rolled out in parallel to the implementation of the Operational Excellence Programme.
Focusing on the three key areas of HSE risk: driving, working at height and working with electricity, the Group revised and reinforced communication and governance. For driving, the Group has compulsory journey management plans for any exceptional journey or for those over 150 km, mandatory vehicle inspections with data collection, monitoring of driver behaviour and enhanced training of drivers. Specific training, certification and equipment requirements are in place for those who climb towers or work with electricity. The Group has striven to implement a greater degree of "visual management" with daily meetings based around white boards, the sharing and discussion of information, and stronger individual accountability.
More recently, with the success of the HSE Excellence programme in reducing vehicle related incidents more focus has been applied to reducing the risks associated with the use of motorcycles (prevalent in DRC) and security guards. Motorcycle safety initiatives including further training, the installation of GPS tracking systems, the provision of personal protective equipment (in addition to helmets), increased governance of motorcycle conditions and rider behaviours have been introduced. From a security perspective, in Tanzania, with the oversight of the HTT Security Manager, the "Safe-Catch" programme has seen approximately 400 guards and supervisors trained in measures to avoid putting themselves in danger when faced with intruders and challengers at sites. The policy is to avoid conflict, to retreat and seek assistance.
When launched, the HSE Excellence Programme introduced new maintenance partners and new regionalised offices, which resulted in a more efficient deployment of SHEQ resources in each key region or zone. Zonal managers are accountable for all HSE matters within their respective zones and the zonal SHEQ coordinators are responsible for HSE-related matters on a day-to-day basis. The central office sets the rules and applies the governance and reporting standards. In each zone, the SHEQ coordinators work with shared and standardised documentation and procedures.
The Group also has an HSE Champion Programme, which was established through a three-day intensive HSE training course not only on the foundations of HSE, but also on how to conduct investigations. The HSE training course has been attended by individuals from across the Group and its partner network. As of 30 June 2019, 261 individuals have completed the HSE Champion Programme and those individuals receive ongoing support and additional responsibilities to help develop the culture of the Group.
Reporting to the current Director of Sustainability and Organisational Development, the newly created role of Group Head of HSE and Quality will be responsible for the continuous improvement of all health, safety, security, environmental and quality programmes across the company. This position was filled in June 2019.
The Group is party to various legal proceedings from time to time arising in the ordinary course of business. There are no governmental, legal or arbitration proceedings (including any such proceedings which are pending or threatened of which the Company is aware) during the 12 months preceding the date of this Registration Document which may have, or have had in the recent past, a significant effect on the Company and/or the Group's financial position or profitability. As of 30 June 2019, the Group had not provisioned any amounts for pending litigation and claims, which may have a significant effect on the Company's and/or the Group's financial position or profitability.
The Group has detailed policies and procedures in place designed to assist compliance with applicable antibribery, corruption and sanctions laws and regulations, including the FCPA and the Bribery Act and any sanctions administered or enforced by the United States (including those administered by the Office of Foreign Assets Control of the U.S. Department of the Treasury), the United Kingdom, the European Union and the United Nations.
Anti-bribery laws prohibit providing, offering, promising or authorising, directly or indirectly, anything of value to government officials, political parties or political candidates for the purposes of obtaining or retaining business or securing any improper business advantage. The provisions of the Bribery Act extend beyond the bribery of government officials and do not exempt facilitation payments and penalties. See Part I: "Risk Factors — Risks Related to the Group and its Business — The Group is exposed to the risk of violations of anti-corruption laws, sanctions or other similar regulations".
Both the Group's Code of Business Conduct and its Integrity Policy include provisions on anti-bribery and corruption. These policies apply to all employees, officers and directors who work for the Group, their subsidiaries and affiliates. The Group expects anyone acting on its behalf to comply with its Third Party Code of Conduct, including business partners, contractors and third-party representatives. In addition, the Group provides training for its internal personnel and external third parties to address the risk of bribery and corruption. An anti-bribery and corruption e-learning module is required to be completed by all new employees soon after joining the Group. The compliance training programme also covers whistle-blowing, fraud and related white-collar crime subjects. The Group seeks to ensure that all of its third-party contractual arrangements include an undertaking that third parties shall refrain from activities that are, among other things, illegal or unethical. The Group obtained the ISO 37001: Anti-Bribery Management System certification in June 2019.
The Group's Code of Business Conduct and Integrity Policy also include provisions designed to ensure compliance with all applicable sanctions laws. In addition, the Group's International Trade Sanctions and Export Controls Policy restricts all dealings in connection with targeted persons and activities, and with or in comprehensibly sanctioned jurisdictions, identified by the sanctions authorities of the United States, United Kingdom, European Union, and United Nations.
The Group's Ethics Point helpline (hosted by Navex Global), was launched in 2012 and is an online and telephone whistle-blower hotline available in English, French and Swahili. The Group has provided details about the hotline (including its non-retaliation policy for any concerns raised in good faith) in its Codes of Conduct and Integrity, in related policies and in multiple locations in the various offices in the countries in which the Group operates. The Group receives concerns raised relating to compliance matters through whistle-blowers from time to time which the Group investigates. The Group's Director of Sustainability and Organisational Development and Group Head of Compliance receive details of all incidents reported via the hotline. Concerns raised via the hotline have included matters such as: improper management style, conduct of management, conflicts of interest, allegations of kickbacks, fraud and fuel theft. Any whistle-blower reports are investigated thoroughly using internal and external resources.
The Group undertakes periodic monitoring reviews to assess the effectiveness of its internal compliance policies. Enhanced policies, including an Integrity, Risk Management and Third Party Engagement and Due Diligence Policy, were introduced and effective from 1 January 2018. These policies were refreshed and updated in January 2019. All compliance policies are communicated to employees and are available on the Group's intranet portal. Initial compliance training is provided to all new employees at periodic intervals. Tailored refresher training on high risk areas is provided to key Group functions and employees in all operating countries at regular intervals or as the need arises. The Group's training and policies also extend to its suppliers. The Group Head of Compliance provides regular communications to all employees via newsletters, risk alerts and other educational materials made available on the compliance intranet portal.
The following table lists the names, ages and positions of the Directors:
| Name | Date of birth | Age | Position |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kash Pandya | 9 January 1963 | 56 | Director & Chief Executive Officer |
| David Wassong | 21 December 1970 | 48 | Non-Executive Director |
| Temitope Lawani | 24 May 1970 | 49 | Non-Executive Director |
| Richard Byrne | 21 May 1957 | 62 | Non-Executive Director |
| Simon Poole | 26 July 1966 | 53 | Non-Executive Director |
| Vishma Dharshini Boyjonauth | 23 November 1979 | 39 | Non-Executive Director |
| Simon Pitcher | 2 October 1972 | 46 | Non-Executive Director |
| Anja Blumert | 24 March 1977 | 42 | Non-Executive Director |
| Xavier Rocoplan | 1 March 1974 | 45 | Non-Executive Director |
| Joshua Ho-Walker | 23 April 1984 | 35 | Non-Executive Director |
| Umberto Pisoni | 26 July 1965 | 53 | Non-Executive Director |
| Nelson Oliveira | 31 May 1962 | 57 | Non-Executive Director |
| Carlos Reyes | 11 October 1971 | 47 | Non-Executive Director |
The business address of each of the Directors is DIC, Unit 102, 1st Floor, Building 05, Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
Kash Pandya has been a Director since August 2015. Previously, Kash spent eight years with Aggreko plc, the world's largest temporary power generation company. He sat on the board of directors for eight years and led the European business for three years, after which he served as Managing Director for five years overseeing a doubling of Aggreko's international business. Kash began his career through an engineering apprenticeship. He then went on to complete a bachelor's degree in technology engineering and a master's degree in Manufacturing. Kash began his progression through engineering and manufacturing companies in 1989, starting at Jaguar before moving to roles with General Electric Company, Ford Motor Company and Novar PLC (then Caradon PLC). In 1999, Kash joined APW Ltd., a global technically enabled manufacturing services company, to lead all operations outside the United States. In 2004, Kash became the CEO of Johnston Group, a publicly quoted company, and left the business on its sale to Ennstone plc.
David Wassong has been a Director since January 2010. David is Managing Partner of Newlight Partners LP (formerly known as Strategic Capital Investment Partners, LP), which commenced operations as an independent investment manager effective October 2018 when part of the Strategic Investments Group of Soros Fund Management LLC ("SFM") spun out of SFM. Prior to the spin-out, David was co-head of the Strategic Investments Group and jointly responsible for overseeing its investments in private equity, real estate, infrastructure, growth equity, venture capital, and private equity and venture capital funds. David and his team currently manage a global portfolio of direct private equity investments. Prior to joining SFM, David was Vice President at Lauder Gaspar Ventures, LLC. He started his career in finance as an analyst and then an associate in the investment banking group of Schroder Wertheim & Co., Inc. David received an MBA from the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania and his bachelor's degree from the University of Pennsylvania.
Temitope Lawani has been a Director since February 2010. Temitope, a Nigerian national, is a cofounder and Managing Partner of Helios Investment Partners ("Helios") and has more than 20 years of principal investment experience. Prior to forming Helios, Temitope was a principal in the San Francisco and London offices of TPG Capital, a global private equity firm. At TPG, Temitope had a lead role in the execution of over US\$10 billion in closed venture capital and leveraged buyout investments, including the acquisitions of Burger King Corp., Debenhams plc., J. Crew Group and Scottish & Newcastle plc Retail. Temitope began his career as a mergers and acquisitions and corporate development analyst at the Walt Disney Company. Temitope received a Bachelor of Science in chemical engineering from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, a Juris Doctorate (cum laude) from Harvard Law School and an MBA from Harvard Business School. He is fluent in Yoruba, a West African language.
Richard Byrne has been a Director since December 2010. Richard co-founded TowerCo in 2004, has served as the company's President and Chief Executive Officer and was a member of the board of directors from its beginning until his retirement in December 2018. Prior to that, he served as president of the tower division of SpectraSite Communications, LLC, which grew from 125 towers to more than 8,000 during his tenure. Richard served as national director of business development at Nextel Communications Inc. and was responsible for bringing the industry's first major portfolio of wireless carrier towers to market. Richard started his wireless career performing site acquisitions for AT&T Mobility LLC (then McCaw Cellular) in the New York metropolitan trading area. From 2008 to 2018, he served on the board of directors of the Wireless Infrastructure Trade Association in the United States.
Simon Poole has been a Director since February 2012. Since 2011, Simon has also served as an Operating Partner with Helios. From 2009 to 2011, Simon acted as Group Chief Financial Officer for Intela Global Ltd, where his responsibilities included managing investor relations and the development of group strategy. Prior to this, Simon held various roles at Celtel International B.V. including as Interim Group Financial Controller, Chief Financial Officer of Celtel DRC and Finance Director of Celtel Burkina Faso. Simon holds a Bachelor of Science in geography from Exeter University and is a qualified chartered accountant.
Vishma Dharshini Boyjonauth has been a Director since August 2013. Vishma joined Intercontinental Trust Limited ("ITL") in 2004 and she is currently a senior manager in the Corporate Services Department, leading a team and overseeing operations, including the incorporation of companies and advice on company structures, regulatory matters and the corporate administration of companies for both domestic and global business companies in Mauritius. The extensive experience she acquired in the global business sector by managing a portfolio of clients ranging from international banks to private clients for 15 years has provided Vishma with the skills and abilities to sit on the board of various global business companies under the management of ITL. Her opinion is valued by the other board members. She is also actively involved in various innovative projects which are geared towards increasing the efficiency drive within ITL. She has acquired a full set of technical skills to manage people and service clients and attended several trainings, workshops and conferences in company secretarial matters, anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist financing laws as well as leadership. Vishma graduated from the University of Mauritius with a Bachelor of Science (Hons) in economics. She also holds an MBA in Innovation & Leadership (with Merit) awarded jointly by the University of Mauritius and Ducere Global Business School.
Simon Pitcher has been a Director since December 2013. Simon is responsible for Private Investments at J. Rothschild Capital Management Limited ("JRCM"). JRCM is the principal subsidiary of RIT Capital Partners plc. Previously, Simon was a director at Standard Bank Private Equity, a director at Blackwood Capital Partners in Sydney and an investment director at Hermes Private Equity. He qualified as a chartered accountant with PricewaterhouseCoopers.
Anja Blumert has been a Director since October 2015. Anja is an independent Senior Advisor to Millicom International Cellular SA ("Millicom") and was Head of M&A and Portfolio Management at Millicom from 2013 until July 2019. From 2009 to 2013, Anja was an independent strategy and M&A Consultant at Montagu Partners. Prior to this, she was an investment professional at Warburg Pincus International covering the Central and Eastern Europe region across all sectors and Western Europe for the TMT sector. At Warburg Pincus International, Anja was responsible for the assessment of investment opportunities in private and public companies. She holds a master's degree in business studies from Humboldt University of Berlin.
Xavier Rocoplan has been a Director since October 2015. Xavier has been Executive Vice President and Chief Technology and Information Officer ("CTIO") at Millicom since 2012, where he is leading all network, information technology, procurement and supply chain activities for the Millicom group. Prior to this, Xavier was Head of Corporate Business Development, a role in which he led various infrastructure deals, in particular the monetisation of towers in Ghana, Tanzania, DRC and Colombia for Millicom. Between 2004 and 2007, he served as Chief Executive Officer of Paktel GSM in Pakistan and led the successful disposal of the business in 2007. Xavier was the CTIO of Millicom operations in Southeast Asia (Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos and Sri Lanka) until 2004. Xavier holds masters degrees from the Ecole Nationale Supérieure des Télécommunications de Paris and from the Université Paris IX Dauphine.
Joshua Ho-Walker has been a Director since January 2019. Joshua is a Principal at Newlight Partners LP, which commenced operations as an independent investment manager effective October 2018 when part of the Strategic Investments Group of SFM was spun out. Prior to the spin out, Joshua was a principal at SFM where he joined in August 2008 and previously worked at Merrill Lynch. He graduated magna cum laude from the Leonard N. Stern School of Business at New York University with a Bachelor of Science in finance and economics.
Nelson Oliveira has been a Director since May 2016. Nelson has been Managing Director, General Counsel and Chief Compliance Officer at Albright Capital Management LLC ("Albright") since March 2007. During this time, he has been responsible for legal aspects of Albright's activities in emerging markets, including legal structuring and risk management of all private investment transactions. Prior to this, Nelson was Deputy General Counsel at Darby Overseas, Ltd. (a subsidiary of Franklin Resources, Inc.) from March 2002 until March 2007 where he was responsible for overseeing legal aspects of mezzanine debt and quasi-equity investment transactions in Latin America, Asia and Eastern Europe. Nelson holds a Juris Doctorate (cum laude) from Boston College Law School.
Umberto Pisoni has been a Director since July 2018. Umberto has been Global Portfolio Head of the TMT group at IFC since 2015. Previously, he covered the same function in IFC's private equity funds group. Umberto joined IFC in 1993 as an investment officer, and previously also worked in the M&A department at Cookson Group Plc in London. Umberto holds a Bachelor of Science in financial and monetary economics from Bocconi University and an MBA from the MIT Sloan School of Management.
Carlos Reyes has been a Director since May 2018. Carlos has held the role of principal at IFC African, Latin American & Caribbean Fund ("ALAC") since 2011, and is now the Head of IFC/AMC Africa Funds. He is also a member of the ALAC and China Mexico Fund investment committees at IFC Asset Management Company. Prior to joining AMC in 2011, Carlos held several senior roles over the course of a seven-year career at BP plc, including Director of BP Energy Financial Services, Strategy Advisor CEO's Office and Director for the M&A Group. He has previously worked as an analyst at the World Bank and also served as a consultant to several Spanish energy multinationals as a business developer and project finance specialist. Carlos holds a Bachelor of Arts in economics from the University of Barcelona, a master's degree in international public policy from George Mason University and an MBA from the Yale University School of Management.
The Group's current Senior Management is as follows:
| Name | Age | Position |
|---|---|---|
| Kash Pandya | 56 | Chief Executive Officer |
| Tom Greenwood | 38 | Chief Financial Officer |
| Alexander Leigh | 33 | Chief Commercial Officer |
| Helen Ebert | 43 | Chief Legal Officer |
| Colin Gaston | 67 | Director of Special Projects |
| Nicholas Summers | 42 | Director of Sustainability and Organisational Development |
| Roy Cursley | 38 | Director of Delivery and Technology |
| Philippe Loridon | 55 | Chief Executive Officer — Helios Towers Tanzania, Helios Towers DRC and |
| Helios Towers Congo Brazzaville | ||
| Leon-Paul Manya Okitanyenda | 53 | Chief Executive Officer — Helios Towers DRC |
| Jeffrey Schumacher | 34 | Chief Executive Officer — HTSA and Helios Towers Ghana |
| Patrick ("Rico") Marx | 39 | Head of Towers Division — HTSA |
| Belgacem Chriti | 46 | Managing Director — Helios Towers Congo Brazzaville |
| Fritz Dzeklo | 35 | Managing Director — Helios Towers Ghana |
| Ramsey Koola | 46 | Managing Director — Helios Towers Tanzania |
The management experience and expertise of each of the members of Senior Management are set out below.
Kash Pandya has been Chief Executive Officer since August 2015. See "—The Company—Board of Directors" for a description of Kash's management experience.
Tom Greenwood joined the Group in 2010, was made Finance Director in 2012, and has been Chief Financial Officer since September 2015. Tom is responsible for all finance and IT activities at the Group. He has been instrumental in raising and managing debt and equity for the Group, raising a total of US\$1.6 billion gross capital. He also oversees tower asset portfolio acquisitions and the establishment of new operating companies. Under Tom's direction, the Group has established a single SAP group-wide accounting and financial reporting system, and a centralised financial control function based in London to which all of the Group's operating companies report. Prior to joining the Group in 2010, Tom was at PricewaterhouseCoopers in the TMT Transaction Services team, focusing on M&A and refinancings, mainly in the telecommunications sector. Tom is a qualified chartered accountant of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of England and Wales.
Alex Leigh has been Chief Commercial Officer of the Group since August 2017. Alex was appointed to the Group Executive Team in October 2015 and is responsible for commercial, business development, M&A and the Sales Excellence Programme. Prior to joining the Group Executive Team, he served as Business Development Director covering M&A, equity raises and business development. Alex has negotiated most of the Company's major customer agreements, led the Group's entry into South Africa and has been a key team member in the capital raising activities of the Group. Before joining Helios Towers in 2012, Alex worked at both UBS Group AG and Rothschild & Co, primarily advising telecommunications, media and technology companies in an M&A capacity. During this time, he was involved in numerous M&A transactions and leverage financed deals and provided strategic advice to large telecommunications, media and technology companies across Europe.
Helen Ebert joined the Group as Chief Legal Officer in January 2018. Helen trained at Linklaters LLP, qualifying as a solicitor in 2000, before moving to Slaughter and May (Singapore) and then Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer LLP (London) to work in their corporate departments. Helen brings a wealth of experience to the role. She has significant international M&A, general commercial and compliance experience in Europe, the Middle East and Africa, Asia-Pacific, the United States and Russia. She has held senior legal roles at the Vita Group and World Fuel Services. Immediately prior to joining the Group, Helen was General Counsel at Exterion Media (formerly CBS Outdoor International) where she provided general legal advice as well as advising on M&A and refinancing transactions across Europe. Helen is a qualified solicitor and holds a law degree from Cambridge University.
Colin Gaston joined the Group in October 2015 and has been Director of Special Projects since January 2019. Previously, he held several senior positions at Aggreko plc from 2000 to 2013, including Operations Director for the International Business, Regional Director for West and Central Africa and Head of Logistics. He later worked as an independent consultant in Dubai from 2013 to 2015. Colin has 20 years of international experience in senior management roles with Schlumberger Limited and is an accredited Lean Six Sigma Black Belt.
Nicholas Summers has been Director of Sustainability and Organisational Development since January 2019 and a member of the Group Executive Team since 2015, when he was appointed Director of Corporate Services. Nicholas joined the Group in 2010 after spending nine years with Vodafone both in the United Kingdom and abroad. His final role at Vodafone Group Plc was National Head of RAN Deployment for Vodafone Ghana (previously state-owned Ghana Telecom). Nicholas is the head of the London office. Within the Group, Nicholas is responsible for the definition, implementation and governance of the Company's HSE policies in addition to implementing and monitoring the Group's ethics and compliance systems and overseeing human resources.
Roy Cursley has been Director of Delivery and Technology since February 2019 and a member of the Group Executive Team since joining the Group in October 2015. Prior to joining the Group, he was Head of Projects, Planning & Continuous Improvement at Aggreko plc, where he was responsible for the execution of temporary power projects, primarily in emerging markets. He delivered projects in 14 countries in Africa. Roy has a wealth of experience in South Africa and the East Africa region and is an accredited Lean Six Sigma Black Belt.
Philippe Loridon has been the Chief Executive Officer of Helios Towers Tanzania since January 2015 and the Chief Executive Officer of Helios Towers Congo Brazzaville and Helios Towers DRC since May 2019. He was previously Chief Executive Officer of Helios Towers DRC between December 2011 and December 2014. Philippe previously served as Chief Executive Officer at Equateur Telecom Congo, where he re-launched Equateur Telecom Congo in the Republic of Congo. Prior to this, Philippe accumulated 20 years' experience in the telecommunications industry with MNOs based in San Marino, Israel and Papua New Guinea. This included 13 years at Hutchison Whampoa, fulfilling senior roles in sales, marketing and business development before first becoming Chief Executive Officer of Hutchison Sri Lanka in 1998, and then head of Hutchison Telecommunications' Latin American operations between 2000 and 2002. He also previously held a position at Be-Mobile.
Leon-Paul Manya Okitanyenda has been the Chief Executive Officer of Helios Towers DRC since January 2015. Leon-Paul was appointed Network Operations Director in February 2011. He has over 18 years of experience in the telecommunications industry. Prior to joining the Group in 2011, Leon-Paul worked as a sales supervisor for Oasis SA (now Tigo), contract execution manager at Telefonaktiebolaget LM Ericsson and project supervisor for MER Group. Before MER Group, he was operations manager for Venture and Logistics Manager at Plessey Company plc. Leon-Paul holds a master's degree in economics and mathematics and is a citizen of DRC.
Jeffrey Schumacher has been the Chief Executive Officer of Helios Towers Ghana since 2015 and the Chief Executive Officer of Helios Tower South Africa since 2019. He joined in 2011 and has held senior positions during the set-up, launch and growth phases of the Group, including as Chief Executive Officer of Helios Towers Congo Brazzaville, Managing Director of Chad and Chief Commercial Officer of Helios Towers DRC. Prior to joining the Group, Jeffrey was an investment professional at SFM where he was actively involved with the Helios Towers since its formation in 2009. Jeffrey holds a Bachelor of Science in mechanical engineering (magna cum laude) from Northwestern University in the United States.
Patrick ("Rico") Marx has been the Head of Towers at Helios Towers South Africa since Helios Towers South Africa acquired HTSA Towers (Pty) Ltd in April 2019. He co-founded and became director of SA Towers in 2014 after having founded several companies in the construction and telecommunications sectors since 2007. Prior to this, Rico began his career in banking before moving into financial services, where he worked as an investment specialist at both ABSA Group Limited, which was later acquired by Barclays Bank plc, and Old Mutual Limited. During his first year at Old Mutual Limited, Rico had the fastest growing assets under management investment portfolio and was the number one broker for Old Mutual South Africa's banking division. He holds a C.A.I.B degree in banking and also had several marketing diplomas from Randse Afrikanse University (R.A.U) Johannesburg. He is a citizen of South Africa.
Belgacem Chriti has been Managing Director of Helios Towers Congo Brazzaville since February 2018. Prior to Helios Towers, he held various senior positions with different MNOs in charge of infrastructure development and sales, including Millicom International Cellular SA (Tigo) and Dimension Data. While working with Millicom International Cellular, he was in charge of the towers sales transaction (in DRC, Ghana and Tanzania) to Helios Towers. He has more than 15 years of experience in managing telecommunications projects in international environments. He holds a civil engineering diploma and a MBA in entrepreneurship and innovation from Vienna University of Business and Economics (WU). He is a Tunisian citizen.
Fritz Dzeklo has been Managing Director of Helios Towers Ghana since July 2019. He has worked at the Group since October 2012 and has held various other senior roles within the Group, including Project Director for HTT and Head of Projects for Helios Towers Ghana. In these roles, Fritz was responsible for key structural and revenue projects deliveries across Tanzania and Ghana. Prior to Helios Towers Ghana, he was at Vodafone Ghana. He has experience in East Africa and West Africa, is a citizen of Ghana and is a certified Lean Six Sigma professional.
Ramsey Koola has been the Managing Director of Helios Towers Tanzania since May 2019. He joined Helios Towers in 2015 as head of NOC, later taking on the role of Group Head of NOC, in which he delivered technology upgrades and process improvements across the business. Prior to Helios Towers, Ramsey was a technical support manager with Siemens Telecommunication (Pty) Ltd and CELLC (Pty) in South Africa and has over 20 years' experience in the African telecommunications industry. Ramsey is a certified Lean Six Sigma Black Belt and a citizen of Tanzania.
As a Mauritian-incorporated private company, the Company is not subject to the UK Corporate Governance Code. The Board is, however, committed to high standards of corporate governance and, as such, the Company has established an Audit and Ethics Committee and a Compensation Committee.
Helios Towers is considering seeking admission of the shares of a new holding company incorporated in England and Wales to listing on the premium segment of the Official List of the FCA and to trading on the main market for listed securities of the London Stock Exchange. Should Helios Towers proceed with such public listing of its proposed new holding company in the United Kingdom, its intention would be to comply with the UK Corporate Governance Code over time.
The Audit and Ethics Committee is appointed by the Board and consists of a minimum of three members. The current members of the Audit and Ethics Committee are Simon Poole, Nelson Oliveira, Simon Pitcher and Mohsin Sohani. The chairman of the Audit and Ethics Committee is appointed by the Board for a period of one year. The Audit and Ethics Committee meets on a quarterly basis and holds a meeting with the external auditors at least once a year without the presence of any executive members.
The members of the Audit and Ethics Committee are: (i) responsible to the Board for (a) the oversight of financial accounting and reporting, internal controls, risk assessment and management, and ethics and compliance, including the integrity of the Group's procurement process; and (b) the appointment, compensation and oversight of the independent auditor, including the resolution of any disagreements with management; and (ii) endeavour to work with management and the independent auditor in a spirit of mutual respect and cooperation. Some of the specific duties of the Audit and Ethics Committee include the following:
The Compensation Committee is appointed by the Board and consists of a minimum of three members. The current members of the Compensation Committee are Nelson Oliveira, David Wassong and Richard Byrne. The chairman of the Compensation Committee is appointed by the Board for a period of one year.
The Compensation Committee is responsible for approving key performance indicators for the Group's business and evaluating senior executive compensation plans, policies and programs. Some of the specific duties of the Compensation Committee include the following:
Save for their capacities as persons legally and beneficially interested in shares as set out in paragraph 8 of Part XI: "Additional Information — Interests of the Directors and Senior Management", and save for:
3.3 the appointment of Simon Pitcher as a representative of RIT Capital Partners plc;
3.4 the appointment of Umberto Pisoni as a representative of International Finance Corporation;
in each case pursuant to the terms of the Shareholders' Agreement (see paragraph 5 of Part XI: "Additional Information — Shareholders' Agreement"), there are no potential conflicts of interest between any duties owed by the Directors or the Senior Managers to the Company and their private interests or other duties.
The selected financial information relating to the Group set out below has been extracted, without material adjustment, from Part B of Part X: "Historical Financial Information". The selected Non-IFRS measures and operating information relating to the Group set out below has been calculated on the basis set out in Part II: "Presentation of Information on the Group". The selected financial and operating information presented below should be read in conjunction with Part IX: "Operating and Financial Review and Prospects".
| Six months ended 30 June |
|---|
| 2019 |
| 190,681 |
| (132,715) |
| 57,966 |
| (39,945) (5,367) |
| 12,654 |
| 713 24,276 (56,351) |
| (18,708) |
| (3,783) |
| (22,491) |
| 1,224 |
| (21,267) |
| As at 31 December | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | As at 30 June 2019 |
|
| (US\$ thousands) | ||||
| Non-current assets | ||||
| Intangible assets | 35,556 | 17,961 | 12,406 | 40,110 |
| Property, plant and equipment | 655,140 | 705,700 | 676,643 | 653,502 |
| Right of use assets Investments |
102,406 132 |
104,983 132 |
103,786 132 |
108,502 — |
| Derivative financial assets | 1,393 | 23,917 | 7,086 | 31,362 |
| 794,627 | 852,693 | 800,053 | 833,476 | |
| Current assets | ||||
| Inventories | 19,503 | 9,538 | 10,265 | 9,979 |
| Trade and other receivables | 126,929 | 108,491 | 102,250 | 125,620 |
| Prepayments | 20,466 | 23,403 | 16,225 | 26,891 |
| Cash and cash equivalents | 133,737 | 119,700 | 88,987 | 89,765 |
| 300,635 | 261,132 | 217,727 | 252,255 | |
| Total assets | 1,095,262 | 1,113,825 | 1,017,780 | 1,085,731 |
| Equity Issued capital and reserves |
||||
| Share capital | 909,134 | 909,154 | 909,154 | 909,154 |
| Share premium | 186,795 | 186,951 | 186,951 | 186,951 |
| Stated capital | 1,095,929 | 1,096,105 | 1,096,105 | 1,096,105 |
| Other reserves | (11,693) | (12,778) | (12,778) | (12,778) |
| Non-controlling interest buy-out reserve | (54,429) | — | — | — |
| Translation reserve | (77,282) | (79,449) | (81,663) | (80,427) |
| Accumulated losses | (554,878) | (752,280) | (879,959) | (902,266) |
| Equity attributable to owners of the Company | 397,647 | 251,598 | 121,705 | 100,634 |
| Non-controlling interest | (36,322) | — | — | (196) |
| Total equity | 361,325 | 251,598 | 121,705 | 100,438 |
| Non-current liabilities | ||||
| Long-term lease liabilities | 90,111 | 96,097 | 98,720 | 103,009 |
| Loans | 340,633 | 581,100 | 610,790 | 662,622 |
| Contingent consideration | — | — | — | 16,526 |
| Deferred tax liabilities | — | — | — | 6,348 |
| 430,744 | 677,197 | 709,510 | 788,505 | |
| Current liabilities | ||||
| Non-controlling interest buy-out liability | 57,886 | — | — | — |
| Trade and other payables | 163,857 | 147,324 | 149,752 | 151,099 |
| Contingent consideration | — | — | — | 5,837 |
| Short-term lease liabilities | 20,934 | 20,452 | 19,559 | 20,947 |
| Loans | 60,516 | 17,254 | 17,254 | 18,905 |
| 303,193 | 185,030 | 186,565 | 196,788 | |
| Total liabilities | 733,937 | 862,227 | 896,075 | 985,293 |
| Total equity and liabilities | 1,095,262 | 1,113,825 | 1,017,780 | 1,085,731 |
| Year ended 31 December | Six months ended 30 June | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2018 | 2019 | |
| (US\$ in thousands) | (unaudited) | ||||
| Cash Flows from Operating Activities | |||||
| Loss before tax | (114,596) | (104,227) | (119,578) | (81,237) | (18,708) |
| Adjustments for: | |||||
| Other gains and losses | 6,682 | (21,797) | 16,831 | 24,097 | (24,276) |
| Finance costs | 73,268 | 102,757 | 107,005 | 55,516 | 56,351 |
| Interest receivable | (216) | (706) | (951) | (464) | (713) |
| Depreciation and amortisation | 129,455 | 148,926 | 141,328 | 68,860 | 73,788 |
| Loss on disposal of property, plant and equipment | 3,761 | 2,018 | 5,835 | 6 | 5,367 |
| Movement in working capital: | |||||
| (Increase)/decrease in inventories | 387 | (2,548) | (1,004) | 22 | 514 |
| (Increase)/decrease in trade and other receivables | (46,534) | 7,632 | 9,332 | (19,986) | (25,676) |
| (Increase)/decrease in prepayments | (5,422) | 5,968 | (3,841) | (2,821) | (13,070) |
| (Increase)/decrease in trade and other payables | 20,780 | (27,567) | (21,198) | 9,577 | (9,950) |
| Cash generated by operations | 67,565 | 110,456 | 133,759 | 53,570 | 43,627 |
| Interest paid | (41,626) | (51,633) | (69,875) | (37,371) | (36,291) |
| Tax paid | (635) | (1,251) | (2,941) | — | (1,226) |
| Net cash generated by operating activities | 25,304 | 57,572 | 60,943 | 16,199 | 6,110 |
| Cash flows from investing activities | |||||
| Payments to acquire property, plant and equipment | (273,766) | (166,711) | (103,000) | (56,407) | (42,045) |
| Payment to acquire intangible assets | (22,411) | (3,857) | (3,158) | (1,922) | (512) |
| Acquisition of business net of cash acquired | — | — | — | — | (10,581) |
| Proceeds on disposal on assets | 114 | 249 | 138 | — | 106 |
| Interest received | 216 | 704 | 951 | 464 | 713 |
| Net cash used in investing activities | (295,847) | (169,615) | (105,069) | (57,865) | (52,319) |
| Cash flows from financing activities | |||||
| Gross proceeds from issue of equity share capital | 184,297 | 163 | — | — | — |
| Loan financing costs | (8,922) | (24,079) | — | — | — |
| Equity issuance costs | (410) | — | — | — | — |
| Payments for buy-back of shares | — | (58,556) | — | — | — |
| Repayment of lease liabilities | (8,353) | (11,675) | (10,422) | (3,673) | (2,616) |
| Loan drawdowns | 173,612 | 600,000 | 25,000 | — | 50,000 |
| Loan repayments | (23,485) | (407,983) | — | — | — |
| Net cash generated from/(used in) financing activities | 316,739 | 97,870 | 14,578 | (3,673) | 47,384 |
| Net increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents | 46,196 | (14,173) | (29,548) | (45,339) | 1,175 |
| Foreign exchange on translation movement | (749) | 136 | (1,165) | (404) | (397) |
| Cash and cash equivalents, at beginning of period | 88,290 | 133,737 | 119,700 | 119,700 | 88,987 |
| Cash and cash equivalents, at end of period | 133,737 | 119,700 | 88,987 | 73,957 | 89,765 |
| Year ended/As of 31 December | Six months ended/As of 30 June | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2018 | 2019 | |
| (unaudited) | |||||
| (US\$ in thousands) | |||||
| Adjusted EBITDA(1) | 105,161 | 145,962 | 177,603 | 85,939 | 98,974 |
| Adjusted EBITDA margin(2) | 37.2% | 42.3% | 49.9% | 48.0% | 52.0% |
| Portfolio Free Cash Flow(3) | 50,654 | 96,782 | 132,716 | 61,476 | 79,760 |
| Leveraged Portfolio Free Cash Flow (4) | 21,964 | 59,953 | 78,918 | 34,565 | 51,745 |
| Adjusted Free Cash Flow(5) | (278,493) | (88,619) | (23,706) | (25,092) | 4,278 |
| Free Cash Flow(6) | (278,898) | (182,297) | (54,547) | (45,339) | (48,825) |
| Gross debt(7) | 512,194 | 714,903 | 746,323 | 717,680 | 805,483 |
| Net debt(8) | 378,457 | 595,203 | 657,336 | 643,723 | 715,718 |
| Gross leverage(9) | 4.9x | 4.9x | 4.2x | 4.1x | 4.0 x |
| Net leverage(10) | 3.6x | 4.1x | 3.7x | 3.7 x | 3.6 x |
Note:
—————
(1) The Group defines "Adjusted EBITDA" as loss for the period, adjusted for tax expenses, finance costs, other gains and losses, interest receivable, loss on disposal of property, plant and equipment, amortisation of intangible assets, depreciation and impairment of property, plant and equipment, depreciation of right-of-use assets, recharged depreciation, deal costs for aborted acquisitions, deal costs not capitalised, share-based payments and long-term incentive plan charges, and exceptional items. Exceptional items are material items that are considered exceptional in nature by management by virtue of their size and/or incidence.
The following table reconciles Adjusted EBITDA to loss for the period for each of the periods presented:
| Year ended 31 December | Six months ended 30 June | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2018 | 2019 | |
| (unaudited) | |||||
| (US\$ in thousands) | |||||
| Loss for the period | (116,110) | (107,434) | (123,947) | (83,350) | (22,491) |
| Adjustments applied: | |||||
| Exceptional items: | |||||
| Restructuring costs(a) | 4,318 | 2,298 | — | — | — |
| Tanzanian IPO(b) | — | 1,481 | — | — | — |
| Litigation costs(c) | — | 917 | 10,180 | 3,950 | — |
| Exceptional project costs(d) | — | 9,780 | 14,655 | 14,655 | 3,121 |
| Loss on disposal of property, plant and equipment | 3,761 | 2,018 | 5,835 | 6 | 5,367 |
| Other gains and losses(e) | 6,682 | (21,797) | 16,831 | 24,097 | (24,276) |
| Recharged depreciation(f) | 975 | 1,209 | 805 | 556 | — |
| Share-based payments and long-term incentive plans | — | — | — | — | 1,646 |
| Deal costs for aborted acquisitions(g) | 1,414 | 3,306 | — | — | — |
| Deal costs not capitalised(h) | — | — | 1,493 | — | 2,398 |
| Depreciation of right-of-use assets | 10,661 | 11,224 | 8,761 | 5,062 | 3,877 |
| Depreciation of property, plant and equipment | 96,829 | 115,924 | 124,194 | 59,651 | 65,169 |
| Amortisation of intangibles | 22,065 | 21,778 | 8,373 | 4,147 | 4,742 |
| Interest receivable | (216) | (706) | (951) | (464) | (713) |
| Finance costs | 73,268 | 102,757 | 107,005 | 55,516 | 56,351 |
| Tax expense | 1,514 | 3,207 | 4,369 | 2,113 | 3,783 |
| Adjusted EBITDA | 105,161 | 145,962 | 177,603 | 85,939 | 98,974 |
Notes:
—————
(a) Restructuring costs reflect specific actions taken by management to improve the Group's future profitability and mainly comprise the costs of an operational excellence program where management worked to optimise operational headcount to gain efficiencies and adopt robust internal compliance best practices, and have therefore incurred certain severance and office closure costs in 2016 amd 2017. Management considers such costs to be exceptional as they are not representative of the trading performance of the Group's operations.
(b) Advisory and other costs relating to the Group's preparation for the IPO of HTT Infraco, the Group's primary operating subsidiary in Tanzania.
(c) Litigation costs relate to legal and settlement costs incurred in connection with a previously terminated equity transaction.
(d) Exceptional project costs are in relation to the exploration of strategic options for the Group, including, but not limited to, a potential London Stock Exchange listing.
(e) Other gains and losses include fair value movements of derivative financial instruments and non-controlling interests, the impairment of related party receivables and the fair value cost of shares issued to Millicom. For an explanation of other gains and losses, see Note 23 to the Historical Financial Information.
(f) Prior to the period ended 30 June 2019, the Group incurred costs charged to it through a service contract from Helios Towers Africa LLP. Management considers that the depreciation element of the charge should be removed from Adjusted EBITDA as it is depreciation in nature.
The following table reconciles Free Cash Flow to cash generated by operating activities for each of the periods presented:
| Year ended 31 December | Six months ended 30 June | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2018 | 2019 | |
| (unaudited) | |||||
| 98,974 | |||||
| (7,808) | |||||
| (10,180) | |||||
| (1,226) | |||||
| 79,760 | |||||
| (28,690) | (36,829) | (53,799) | (26,911) | (28,014) | |
| 51,745 | |||||
| (300,457) | (148,572) | (102,623) | (59,657) | (47,468) | |
| 4,278 | |||||
| (40,037) | |||||
| (13,171) | |||||
| — | |||||
| — | |||||
| 114 | 249 | 139 | — | 106 | |
| (278,898) | (182,297) | (54,547) | (45,339) | (48,825) | |
| 105,161 (32,800) (21,071) (635) 50,654 21,964 (278,493) 6,074 (5,179) (1,414) — |
145,962 (22,153) (25,776) (1,251) 96,782 59,953 (88,619) (27,841) (7,530) — (58,556) |
(US\$ in thousands) 177,603 (16,400) (25,546) (2,941) 132,716 78,918 (23,706) 1,192 (31,779) (393) — |
85,939 (10,794) (13,669) — 61,476 34,565 (25,092) (4,100) (16,147) — — |
Notes:
—————
(a) Defined as payment of lease liabilities including interest and principal repayment.
(b) Defined as the net of interest paid and interest received included in the condensed consolidated statement of cash flows excluding interest payments on lease liabilities.
(7) Defined as the Group's non-current and current loans and long-term and short-term lease liabilities.
(8) Defined as gross debt less cash and cash equivalents.
(9) Defined as gross debt divided by Adjusted EBITDA as of 31 December 2016, 31 December 2017, 31 December 2018, and gross debt divided by Last Quarter Annualised Adjusted EBITDA as of 30 June 2018 and 30 June 2019.
(10) Defined as net debt divided by Adjusted EBITDA as of 31 December 2016, 31 December 2017, 31 December 2018, and net debt divided by Last Quarter Annualised Adjusted EBITDA as of 30 June 2018 and 30 June 2019.
The following table presents the calculation of gross debt and net debt as of each of the dates indicated:
| As of 31 December | As of 30 June | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2018 | 2019 | |
| Long-term lease liabilities | 90,111 | 96,097 | 98,720 | 97,106 | 103,009 |
| Short-term lease liabilities | 20,934 | 20,452 | 19,559 | 19,963 | 20,947 |
| Non-current and current loans | 401,149 | 598,354 | 628,044 | 600,611 | 681,527 |
| Gross debt | 512,194 | 714,903 | 746,323 | 717,680 | 805,483 |
| Cash and cash equivalents | (133,737) | (119,700) | (88,987) | (73,957) | (89,765) |
| Net debt | 378,457 | 595,203 | 657,336 | 643,723 | 715,718 |
The following table sets forth a breakdown of the Group's revenue by country for each of the periods presented:
| Year ended 31 December | Six months ended 30 June | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2018 | 2019 | |
| (unaudited) | ||||||
| (US\$ in thousands) | ||||||
| Tanzania | 96,744 | 122,301 | 141,230 | 149,909 | 74,296 | 80,500 |
| DRC | 61,120 | 102,171 | 140,156 | 140,881 | 70,130 | 77,753 |
| Ghana | 26,363 | 34,393 | 40,144 | 40,967 | 21,521 | 19,668 |
| Congo Brazzaville | 12,419 | 23,642 | 23,427 | 24,292 | 12,181 | 12,334 |
| South Africa | — | — | — | — | — | 426 |
| Corporate | — | — | — | — | — | — |
| Total | 196,646 | 282,507 | 344,957 | 356,049 | 178,128 | 190,681 |
The following table sets forth a breakdown of the Group's Adjusted EBITDA by country for each of the periods presented:
| Year ended 31 December | Six months ended 30 June | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2018 | 2019 |
| (unaudited) | |||||
| 29,197 | 51,308 | 66,839 | 86,153 | 41,367 | 46,906 |
| 27,952 | 46,671 | 66,530 | 72,466 | 35,428 | 42,420 |
| 5,201 | 11,072 | 17,821 | 22,835 | 11,299 | 11,383 |
| 3,163 | 10,944 | 9,783 | 12,107 | 5,891 | 6,467 |
| — | — | — | — | — | (11) |
| (11,739) | (14,834) | (15,011) | (15,958) | (8,046) | (8,191) |
| 53,774 | 105,161 | 145,962 | 177,603 | 85,939 | 98,974 |
| (US\$ in thousands) |
The following table sets forth a breakdown of the Group's revenue and Adjusted EBITDA by country for the three months ended 30 June 2019:
| Three months ended 30 June 2019 | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| South Africa | Tanzania | DRC | Ghana | Congo Brazzaville |
Total | |
| 426 | 41,204 | 39,291 | 9,913 | 6,136 | 96,970 50,175 |
|
| (11) | 23,999 | 21,540 | (US\$ in thousands) | 5,761 3,051 |
The Group monitors a number of key operational measures, as indicators of its operating performance. These measures are set out in the following table:
| Year ended 31 December | Six months ended 30 June |
||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2015 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | |
| Total online sites at beginning of period(1) | 4,656 | 5,424 | (US\$ in thousands) 6,477 |
6,519 | 6,745 |
| Total online sites at end of period(1) | 5,424 | 6,477 | 6,519 | 6,745 | 6,882 |
| Tenancies at beginning of period(2) | 7,499 | 10,008 | 12,509 | 12,987 | 13,549 |
| Tenancies at end of period(2) | 10,008 | 12,509 | 12,987 | 13,549 | 14,100 |
| Tenancy ratio at end of period(3) | 1.85x | 1.93x | 1.99x | 2.01x | 2.05x |
| Colocations(4) | 4,584 | 6,032 | 6,468 | 6,804 | 7,218 |
| Standard colocations(5) | 4,584 | 5,798 | 5,965 | 6,269 | 6,578 |
| Amendment colocations(6) | — | 234 | 503 | 535 | 640 |
————— Notes:
The following table sets forth revenue, Adjusted EBITDA, Last Quarter Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA margin for the three months ended 30 June 2018 and 2019. The Group presents last quarter annualised Adjusted EBITDA because it is used for calculating the consolidated leverage ratio under the terms of its Senior Notes. Last Quarter Annualised Adjusted EBITDA is not intended to be a profit forecast, projection or prediction.
| 2018 | 2019 | |
|---|---|---|
| (unaudited) | ||
| (US\$ in thousands, except percentages) | ||
| Revenue | 89,183 | 96,970 |
| Adjusted EBITDA(1) | 43,944 | 50,175 |
| Last Quarter Annualised Adjusted EBITDA(2) | 175,776 | 200,700 |
| Adjusted EBITDA margin (%)(3) | 49.0% | 51.7% |
Notes:
—————
(1) The Group defines "Adjusted EBITDA" as loss for the period, adjusted for tax expenses, finance costs, other gains and losses, interest receivable, loss on disposal of property, plant and equipment, amortisation of intangible assets, depreciation and impairment of property, plant and equipment, depreciation of right-of-use assets, recharged depreciation, deal costs for aborted acquisitions, deal costs not capitalised, share-based payments and long-term incentive plan charges, and exceptional items. Exceptional items are material items that are considered exceptional in nature by management by virtue of their size and/or incidence.
(2) Last Quarter Annualised Adjusted EBITDA is Adjusted EBITDA for a three-month period of a respective year multiplied by four.
(3) The Group defines "Adjusted EBITDA margin" as Adjusted EBITDA divided by revenue.
The following discussion and analysis is intended to assist in the understanding and assessment of the trends and significant changes in the Group's results of operations and financial condition. Historical results may not indicate future performance. Some of the information in this section, including information in respect of the Group's plans and strategies for the business and expected sources of financing, contains forward-looking statements that involve risk and uncertainties and is based on assumptions about the Group's future business. Actual results could differ materially from those contained in such forward-looking statements as a result of a variety of factors, including the risks discussed in Part I: "Risk Factors" included elsewhere in this Registration Document.
The following discussion should be read in conjunction with the Historical Financial Information, including accompanying notes, included in Part X: "Historical Financial Information" and the other financial information contained elsewhere in this Registration Document, including under Part II: "Presentation of Information on the Group" and Part VIII: "Selected Financial Information".
The Group is a leading Sub-Saharan independent tower company with operations across five countries in Sub-Saharan Africa. The Group is the sole independent operator and owns and operates more sites than any other operator in each of Tanzania, DRC and Congo Brazzaville. The Group is also a leading operator in Ghana where it has a strong urban presence and it commenced operations in South Africa in March 2019. The Group's principal business is operating owned telecommunications sites and related passive infrastructure in order to provide site space and related services to large MNOs and other telecommunications providers, which in turn provide wireless voice and data services to end-user subscribers. The Group provides its customers with opportunities to use space on existing sites alongside other telecommunications providers, known as colocation, or commission new sites in unique locations where the customers and the Group do not have existing infrastructure, known as build-to-suit. The Group also offers comprehensive-site related operational services, including site selection, site preparation, construction, maintenance, security and power management. As of 30 June 2019, the Group operated 6,882 total online sites with 14,100 tenancies, reflecting a tenancy ratio of 2.05x.
The Group is a service infrastructure business that generates revenue from building, acquiring and operating sites that hold one or multiple tenants, as well as from providing site related operational services. MNOs may place their own active equipment on the Group's sites, for which the Group charges a fee. Customers occupying site space have standard tenancy lease rates and a configuration with defined limits in terms of the vertical space occupied, the wind load (effective plate area) and power consumption. Existing sites provide the potential for colocation revenue, where additional MNOs occupy space on the Group's existing sites. Further, existing tenants may add equipment to sites, which can generate amendment revenue for the Group. The Group estimates that it receives an approximate 80 per cent. to 90 per cent. Adjusted EBITDA margin on incremental revenue from colocations to tenants' existing contracts with the Group. The Group also generates revenue from constructing build-to-suit, strategically located sites, which also create opportunities for additional colocation. The Group had revenue of US\$282.5 million, US\$345.0 million, and US\$356.0 million and Adjusted EBITDA of US\$105.2 million, US\$146.0 million and US177.6 million for the years ended 31 December 2016, 2017 and 2018, respectively. The Group had revenue of US\$178.1 million and US\$190.7 million, and Adjusted EBITDA of US\$85.9 million and US\$99.0 million, for the six months ended 30 June 2018 and 2019, respectively.
The Group's financial condition, results of operations and liquidity have been influenced in the periods discussed in this Registration Document by the following events, facts, developments and market characteristics. The Group believes that these factors are likely to continue to influence its operations in the future.
The Group's customers' demand for additional tenancies on the Group's sites is necessarily dependent on the changes and development of network coverage and new technologies in the countries in which the Group operates. Due to substantial population growth, urbanisation and the growing dependency on mobile communications in these countries, there has been significant growth in mobile penetration with the Group anticipating significant further growth. This growth is evidenced by an increase in the Group's tenancies, which grew from 12,509 as of 31 December 2016 to 14,100 as of 30 June 2019.
For an MNO to expand its network and improve quality as subscribers, data usage and MoU increase, it must maintain effective capacity to ensure network stability and a lack of congestion. This in turn requires that MNOs increase their PoS, either by locating additional antennae equipment on existing sites or by building new sites to ensure greater network coverage and density. In addition, as MNOs seek to augment their services with more recent mobile telecommunications technologies (e.g. 4G), it creates additional opportunities for colocation revenues for the Group's existing and new build-to-suit sites.
The Group expects an increasing need for further PoS to accommodate new areas of 2G coverage where coverage was previously unavailable and also to meet the range and capacity requirements of certain wireless technologies in more densely populated urban areas. Further, the Group expects the roll-out and densification of 3G and 4G services to provide the majority of medium-term demand for PoS in the Group's markets, and the Group intends to grow its revenues by servicing its customers' long-term needs, including the future infrastructure roll-out requirements of the Group's customers for upcoming 4G/LTE, enterprise and other data technologies. The Group also expects the increasing penetration of smartphones and other internet-enabled devices will support growth in demand for data services as consumers stream music and videos, download content-rich applications and use social media on their phones. Consequently, data usage in the Group's markets is expected to increase significantly to be more in line with global data usage trends.
The Hardiman Report estimates that approximately 19,000 new PoS will be required by 2024 in the Group's markets to accommodate increased mobile subscriber levels, increased data demand, the adoption of new technologies and to maintain network quality (Hardiman Report, August 2019). For additional information regarding the industry and markets in which the Group operates, see Part IV: "Industry Overview".
The Group provides its customers with opportunities to use space on existing sites alongside other telecommunications providers, known as colocation. Colocations are at the centre of the Group's business model since they allow the Group to grow its revenue and improve operating margins without significant additional capital expenditures.
The following table shows the total incremental colocations, organic incremental colocations and ALU during the three years ended 31 December 2016, 2017 and 2018:
| Year ended 31 December | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | |
| (US\$ in thousands) | |||
| Total incremental colocations | 1,448 | 436 | 336 |
| Organic incremental colocations | 1,030 | 436 | 336 |
| ALU | 0.17x | 0.07x | 0.05x |
As of 30 June 2019, these agreements, together with existing contracted revenues, represented US\$194.2 million of total contractually committed revenue for the period beginning 1 July 2019 until 31 December 2019 and US\$385.9 million and US\$378.2 million of total contractually committed revenue during the years ending 31 December 2020 and 2021, respectively.
While additional colocations are accretive to the Group's revenue, certain of the Group's contractual arrangements provide discounts to anchor tenants as additional colocations occur on the respective sites, particularly on build-to-suit sites where a single anchor tenant typically pays an above average lease rate until colocation tenants are added to the site, which may result in an incremental decrease in the Group's average service rate per tenancy. Service rates for colocation tenancies vary depending on the number of colocations, the location of the relevant sites and various other factors regarding the services to be provided. See Part VI: "Information on the Group — Site Contracts — Service Fees".
The Group provides its customers with opportunities to commission new sites in unique locations where the customers and the Group do not have existing infrastructure, known as build-to-suit. The Group capitalises on its existing relationships with MNOs in order to drive organic growth through build-to-suit site construction. The Group pursues build-to-suit construction only where such construction provides an attractive return derived from an anchor tenant of good credit strength, which allows the Group to manage the timing and amount of associated capital expenditures. The Group completes an extensive site analysis prior to agreeing to the construction of a new site to ensure that the site is attractive for additional colocation tenancies. Build-to-suit sites have a higher lease up rate due to the strategic selection of site locations designed to address needs of multiple operators.
The Group deployed 239, 126 and 161 built-to-suit sites during the years ended 31 December 2016, 2017 and 2018, respectively, and 117 and 123 built-to-suit sites during the six months ended 30 June 2018 and 2019, respectively. As of 30 June 2019, build-to-suit sites represented 28 per cent. of the Group's online sites.
The Group also earns revenues from amendments to existing leases when tenants add or modify equipment, taking up space, wind load capacity and/or power consumption in addition to the limits set under their existing lease agreement, known as amendment revenue. Demand for amendment revenue is driven by underlying demand among MNOs for telecommunications services, particularly data services, resulting from the adoption of new technologies. It is also driven by MNOs' demand for high levels of service. The Group adds amendment revenue to existing sites for minimal incremental fixed cost as it is able to leverage its investments in colocation and build-to-suit sites to generate colocation amendments. As a result, the Group estimates that it receives an approximate 80 per cent. to 90 per cent. Adjusted EBITDA margin on incremental revenue from colocations and amendments to tenants' existing contracts with the Group. The Group began earning amendment revenue during 2016 and had 234, 503 and 535 amendment colocations for the years ended 31 December 2016, 2017 and 2018, respectively, and 640 amendment colocations for the six months ended 30 June 2019. There were 113 amendment colocations in Ghana for each of the years ended 31 December 2016 and 2017, 115 amendment colocation tenants for the year ended 31 December 2018, and 127 amendment colocations for the six months ended 30 June 2019. In Tanzania, there were 121, 380 and 385 amendment colocations for each of the years ended 31 December 2016, 2017 and 2018, respectively, and 435 amendment colocations for the six months ended 30 June 2019. The Group had 10 and 30 amendment colocations in DRC for the years ended 31 December 2017 and 2018 respectively, with none in 2016, and 72 amendment colocations in DRC for the six months ended 30 June 2019. The Group had five and six amendment colocations in Congo Brazzaville for the year ended 31 December 2018 and the six months ended 30 June 2019, respectively.
Historically, the Group has increased the size of its site portfolio through the purchase of site portfolios, which generate additional fees and, in most instances, the ability to add colocations. For example, in 2016, the Group acquired 961 sites, primarily from a subsidiary of Airtel in DRC. In 2017, the Group acquired approximately 101 sites from Zantel in Tanzania. In March 2019, the Group entered into a majority-owned joint venture with Vulatel pursuant to which it acquired 13 edge data centres and related customer contracts. In April 2019, the Group acquired SA Towers through the acquisition of a majority interest in HTSA Towers (Pty) Ltd by Helios Towers South Africa, through which the Group acquired 88 sites and a pipeline of more than 500 potential sites (which are sites that the Group has identified as being of potential interest to MNOs and which are ready to build or sites for which the Group is in the process of obtaining relevant permits). In addition, at the end of 2018, the Group entered into a letter of intent and managed services and marketing agreement with Viettel and subsequently a sale and purchase agreement in July 2019 where, subject to various conditions being satisfied, it may acquire up to 196 sites in Tanzania for up to approximately US\$9 million (exclusive of VAT).
The Group acquires existing site portfolios only when they meet the Group's internal criteria, which include, amongst others, return on investment, the potential for future colocations, ease of ground leasing or purchasing land for sites, ease of community approvals, and the credit strength of the potential anchor tenant. Generally, the extent to which the Group can increase revenue and add colocations on its acquired sites depends on the fees payable for, and the existing tenancy ratio of, each acquired site.
The Group's acquired site portfolios are often composed primarily of towers with a single anchor tenancy, which may deliver lower immediate margins compared to site portfolios with a higher tenancy ratio. The Group believes that such site portfolios are often available for purchase at more compelling valuations and include the potential for the Group to leverage its other customer relationships and operational expertise to attract incremental colocation tenancies. Furthermore, the Group's strategy of seeking site portfolios that are available at relatively lower purchase prices affords it the flexibility to set service rates at market levels that are attractive to its customers, which the Group believes reduces the risk of renegotiation upon contract expiration.
The addition of tenancies through the acquisition of sites, the construction of the Group's build-to-suit sites and the addition of colocations on these sites increases the Group's revenue. The Group's average tenants per period increased from 11,259 to 12,748 and 13,268 for the years ended 31 December 2016, 2017 and 2018, respectively, and increased from 12,992 to 13,825 for the six months ended 30 June 2018 and 2019, respectively. However, tenancies and their associated revenue may be affected by cancellations of existing customer site contracts. Some of the Group's customer site contracts do not provide any cancellation rights, others have minimal cancellation rights. This can result in small declines in tenancy numbers if not offset by the addition of new tenancies. The maximum impact of cancellation rights equates to approximately one per cent. of tenancies annually. The Group believes that the impact of such cancellations or other similar cancellations on its revenue in the future will be more than offset by the additional contractually committed revenue from the Group's committed colocations. For more information regarding the Group's committed colocations, see Part VI: "Information on the Group — Committed Colocations".
Fluctuations in the price of oil and changes in foreign exchange rates affect the price of diesel, which is the Group's largest single direct operating expense. The direct effect of falling oil prices is lower input costs, with the degree of reduction dependent on both foreign exchange movements between the U.S. dollar and the currencies of the countries in which the Group operates given the Group pays for diesel in the currencies of these countries and oil is priced in U.S. dollars, and the Group's diesel requirements. Unpredictable or rising oil costs are likely to affect (positively or negatively) the Group's operating expenses and financial condition. However, as discussed below, the Group utilises power escalation provisions in many of its customer site contracts to mitigate its exposure to fluctuations in oil prices.
In addition to changes in the price of diesel and the Group's use of the electricity grid, the Group's results of operations are affected by the Group's efforts to reduce its overall diesel consumption through targeted investment in alternative power system solutions to more efficiently provide power to its sites, including the use of hybrid and AC/DC generators and low-power solar systems. The majority of the Group's MLAs have adjustments linked to diesel unit price movements, with adjustments being made periodically (quarterly or annually) to the fuel portion of the lease rates. Variations in the volume of fuel consumed onsite are not passed through to the customer and therefore reductions in fuel consumption result in cost savings contributing directly to the Group's Adjusted EBITDA. For the year ended 31 December 2018, 39 per cent. of the Group's revenue was linked to power, comprising approximately 46 per cent., 36 per cent., 16 per cent. and 41 per cent. of revenue in Tanzania, DRC, Congo Brazzaville and Ghana, respectively. During the same period, approximately 46 per cent. of the Group's expenses were linked to power. Consequently, revenues and expenses which the Group considers are linked to power contributed approximately 33 per cent. of the Group's Adjusted EBITDA for the year ended 31 December 2018.
The Group's development of alternative power system solutions is relatively advanced in Tanzania, Ghana and DRC and the Group will continue its efforts to reduce diesel consumption and utilise electricity as a less expensive source of power in addition to continuing to develop alternative power system solutions in Congo Brazzaville.
Many of the Group's long-term customer site contracts contain liquidated damages provisions in the event that it fails to meet the performance standards under its SLA. The Group's liquidated damages provisions generally require it to make a payment to the customer, most often by means of set-off against service fees payable by the customer, if the Group fails to uphold a specified level of uptime and service quality. For example, pursuant to site contracts with Tanzanian telecommunications operators, the Group paid US\$9.9 million in net liquidated damages (i.e. payments to customers net of amounts recouped from suppliers) as a result of the Group's failure to meet required levels of uptime in 2015.
Beginning in the third quarter of 2015, the Group implemented a Business Excellence Program focused on process improvements to avoid a recurrence of liquidated damage payments. As a result, the operational difficulties that led to the incurrence of liquidated damages prior to 2015 have been largely corrected, and, consequently, the Group has been able to reduce the amount of liquidated damages it incurs. The Group had US\$2.3 million, US\$0.8 million and US\$0.6 million in gross liquidated damages and US\$0.6 million, US\$0.5 million and US\$0.4 million in net liquidated damages for the years ended 31 December 2016, 2017 and 2018, respectively. The Group had US\$0.1 million in gross liquidated damages for the six months ended 30 June 2018 and less than US\$0.1 million for the six months ended 30 June 2019.
The Group typically includes contractual escalators in a majority its customer site contracts to mitigate against inflation risk and volatility in diesel prices and electricity prices. The service fees payable by the Group's customers under its MLAs are typically split into power and non-power service rate components. Although the Group remains exposed to inflation as well as diesel and electricity price volatility in certain instances, the Group has significantly reduced its exposure to the inherent volatility of these critical costs, which helps it better predict future cash flows.
The contractual escalators related to inflation are typically linked to the CPI in the countries in which the Group operates or that of the United States, depending on the underlying currency denomination of the fee, and typically are applied once per year based on the preceding 12-month period for the succeeding 12 months. In some cases, the increases are subject to a cap and/or a floor. As a result, the escalation of contracted rates is likely to increase the Group's revenue on an annual basis, but because rate escalations are made annually, the Group may be subject to shorter periods within a fiscal year when its underlying costs have increased in price but its contract rates have not adjusted upwards. As of 30 June 2019, 100 per cent. of the Group's MLAs contained CPI escalation provisions. For the year ended 31 December 2018, 61 per cent. of the Group's revenue was linked to CPI, comprising approximately 55 per cent., 64 per cent., 84 per cent. and 60 per cent. of revenue in Tanzania, DRC, Congo Brazzaville and Ghana, respectively. During the same period, approximately 54 per cent. of the Group's contractual expenses were linked to CPI. Consequently, revenues and expenses which the Group considers are linked to CPI contributed approximately 67 per cent. of the Group's Adjusted EBITDA for the year ended 31 December 2018.
The table below shows the average inflation rates for the periods indicated:
| Year ended 31 December | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 Estimates |
|||||
| U.S. CPI | 1.3 | 2.1 | 2.4 | 2.0 | ||||
| Tanzania CPI | 5.2 | 5.3 | 3.5 | 3.5 | ||||
| DRC CPI | 18.2 | 41.5 | 29.3 | 8.4 | ||||
| Congo Brazzaville CPI | 3.1 | 0.4 | 1.2 | 1.5 | ||||
| Ghana CPI | 17.5 | 12.4 | 9.8 | 9.1 | ||||
| South Africa | 6.3 | 5.3 | 4.6 | 5.0 |
Source: World Economic Outlook Database,2019
Additionally, the Group utilises power escalation clauses in its customer site contracts to hedge increases in diesel and electricity prices by passing the costs associated with such increases through to customers. The contractual escalators related to diesel and electricity provide for quarterly or annual increases for the succeeding equivalent period in a corresponding amount to increases in the local unit prices for fuel and usage of the electrical grid. In some cases, the increases are subject to a cap. Because a significant portion of the Group's power escalation clauses adjust quarterly, the Group is less exposed to periods during which its diesel and electricity costs have increased locally without comparable contract rate increases. As of 30 June 2019, approximately 96 per cent. of the Group's site contracts contained power escalation provisions, with 55 per cent. and 45 per cent. escalated on a quarterly and annual basis, respectively.
Between 2016 and 2019, the Group's tenancy lease rate increased as a result of escalation provisions in the Group's MLAs as well as changes in country mix. Average tenancy lease rates increased from US\$25,100 for the year ended 31 December 2016 to US\$27,100 for the year ended 31 December 2017 and US\$26,800 for the year ended 31 December 2018. The last quarter annualised lease rate for the three months ended 30 June 2019 was US\$28,000, which the Group expects to decrease slightly to US\$27,500 for the year ending 31 December 2019. The average tenancy lease rates increased from US\$27,400 for the six months ended 30 June 2018 to US\$27,600 for the six months ended 30 June 2019.
The Group's indebtedness has been a significant source of its funding for the acquisition of site portfolios and for build-to-suit construction. The Group's interest cost has therefore been a significant component of its finance costs in each of the years ended 31 December 2016, 2017 and 2018, and for the six months ended 30 June 2018 and 2019, at US\$44.6 million, US\$71.6 million, US\$73.9 million, US\$36.9 million and US\$40.6 million, respectively, in relation to loans. In addition, interest costs on lease liabilities in each of the years ended 31 December 2016, 2017 and 2018, and for the six months ended 30 June 2018 and 2019, were US\$13.8 million, US\$15.0 million, US\$15.1 million, US\$6.5 million and US\$7.8 million. Prior to March 2017, much of the Group's indebtedness was subject to floating interest rates, which, together with increased outstanding principal indebtedness, caused the Group's interest expense to fluctuate with changes in interest rates. On 8 March 2017, HTA Group, Ltd, a wholly owned subsidiary of the Company, issued the Senior Notes, the proceeds of which were used, in part, to settle outstanding local secured term loan facilities, which reduced the Group's exposure to floating interest rates.
The Group considers revenue to be U.S. dollar-based where (i) revenue is both denominated and paid in U.S. dollars or (ii) although revenue is denominated in U.S. dollars in the relevant contract, the amount of local currency due is determined by reference to the U.S. dollar amount invoiced and paid at the spot rate for the purchase of U.S. dollars with the applicable currency at the time of the invoice.
The Group's customer contracts in DRC are U.S. dollar-based and revenues in Tanzania, Congo Brazzaville and Ghana are partly U.S. dollar-based. However, especially in Ghana, the Group has contracts denominated and settled in local currency, exposing it to local currency exchange rate fluctuations. See Part I: "Risk Factors — Risks Related to the Group and its Business — The currencies in the Relevant Jurisdictions are subject to volatility".
For the year ended 31 December 2018, approximately 57 per cent. of the Group's revenue, 50 per cent. of the Group's expenses and 65 per cent. of the Group's Adjusted EBITDA were U.S. dollar-based or in currencies pegged to the euro, comprising 100 per cent. of the Group's revenues in DRC and 23 per cent., 26 per cent. and 19 per cent. in Tanzania, Congo Brazzaville and Ghana, respectively. The contractual escalators relating to inflation and diesel and electricity costs contained in most of the Group's customer site contracts largely offset local currency and fuel or electricity costs. Consequently, revenues and expenses which the Group considers to be U.S. dollar-based or in currencies pegged to the euro contributed approximately 65 per cent. of the Group's Adjusted EBITDA for the year ended 31 December 2018. For the six months ended 30 June 2019, 57 per cent. of the Group's revenue were U.S. dollar-based or in currencies pegged to the euro.
The factors listed below and their impact on the Group's financial condition, results of operations and liquidity may affect the comparability of the periods presented in this Registration Document and may also impact the comparability of the Group's results of operations in future periods with historical results of operations.
As part of its strategy, the Group seeks strategic purchases of existing site portfolios that meet the Group's internal criteria as they come to market. The Group has completed a number of these purchases during the periods discussed in this Registration Document. See "— Factors Affecting the Group's Financial Condition and Results of Operations — Purchase of Site Portfolios". The site portfolios that the Group purchases generally have at least one existing anchor tenant and thus provide the Group with immediate revenue and the opportunity to increase revenue and margins by generating colocations following the date of completion. Similarly, the Group's acquired portfolios result in increased cost of sales attributable to diesel costs, fuel costs, maintenance and security costs, and the increase to the Group's overall asset base results in larger depreciation charges in future periods. The Group's past and continued pursuit of site asset portfolio purchases may affect the comparability of results on a period-to-period basis for the historical results of operations included in this Registration Document and future periods with historical results of operations.
During the year ended 31 December 2016, the Group, through certain subsidiaries, executed two ancillary agreements with subsidiaries of Airtel related to the Group's site portfolio acquisition in DRC. First, the Company's DRC operating subsidiary entered into an agreement whereby Airtel DRC provided the Company a right of first refusal to construct all of its build-to-suit site requirements in DRC over the next five years in exchange for a US\$20 million payment. Second, the Group entered into a non-compete agreement with the Airtel Group in DRC and Congo Brazzaville, whereby Airtel agreed not to compete with the Group in DRC or Congo Brazzaville for one year from the date of first closing of the Group's portfolio acquisition (7 July 2016) in consideration for which the Group issued shares with a fair value of US\$30 million. The Group recognised the right of first refusal and the non-compete agreement as intangible assets to be amortised on a straight-line basis over their useful lives, with such amortisation recorded as a component of administrative expenses.
Vodacom Tanzania Ltd., previously an NCI holder in Helios Towers Tanzania Ltd., had a right to exchange its shares in Helios Towers Tanzania Ltd. from 19 February 2014 to 31 December 2017 for shares in Helios Towers, Ltd. During the year ended 31 December 2017, Helios Towers, Ltd. purchased Vodacom Tanzania Plc's 24.06 per cent. shareholding in Helios Towers Tanzania Ltd. for US\$58.5 million. The Group recorded the fair value movements of the option within "other gains and losses" on the Group's consolidated statement of profit or loss and other comprehensive income, recording a loss of US\$6.7 million for the year ended 31 December 2016 and nil for the year ended 31 December 2017. Since the option expired in October 2017, it had no further impact for the year ended 31 December 2018 or the six months ended 30 June 2019.
The Historical Financial Information included elsewhere in this Registration Document was prepared in accordance with IFRS. The preparation of the Historical Financial Information is in conformity with IFRS, which requires management to make judgments, estimates and assumptions that affect the application of accounting policies and the reported amounts of assets, liabilities, income and expenses. Actual results may differ from these estimates. Estimates and underlying assumptions are reviewed on an ongoing basis. Revisions to accounting estimates are recognised in the period in which the estimates are revised, and in any future periods affected. For more details, see Notes 1 and 2 to the Historical Financial Information included in this Registration Document.
The following are the critical judgements that the Group has made in the process of applying its accounting policies and that have the most significant effect on the amounts recognised in the Historical Financial Information. The following also details certain changes in accounting policies. See also Note 2 to the Historical Financial Information included in this Registration Document.
Revenue is recognised as service revenue in accordance with "IFRS 15: Revenue from contracts with customers". In arriving at this assessment, the Group concluded that there is not an embedded lease because its contracts permit it, subject to certain conditions, to relocate customer's equipment on its sites in order to accommodate other tenants and therefore, the contract does not provide the customers with the right to a specific location on the site.
From time to time, the Group acquires a portfolio of sites, comprising the site infrastructure and other associated assets. The Group assesses each acquisition on the basis of its purchase agreement and the substance of the transaction to determine if it is considered to be a business combination in accordance with IFRS 3. To date, such portfolio acquisitions do not meet the definition of a business under IFRS 3 since they do not represent integrated sets of activities and assets that are capable of being conducted and managed independently, and consequently have been accounted for as an asset acquisition under IAS 16. Accordingly, no goodwill is recognised, and the costs incurred are capitalised as part of the costs of acquisition of the sites.
The key assumptions concerning the future, and other key sources of estimation uncertainty that have a significant risk of causing a material adjustment to the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities within the next financial year are discussed below.
Determining whether goodwill is impaired requires an estimation of the recoverable amount being the value in use or fair value less costs of disposal of the cash-generating units to which goodwill has been allocated. The value in use calculation requires the entity to estimate the future cash flows expected to arise from the cash-generating unit and a suitable discount rate in order to calculate present value. See Note 10 to Historical Financial Information.
The recoverable amount of each cash generating unit has been determined based on a value in use calculation using cash flow projections for the next ten years from financial budgets approved by senior management as this period matches the typical customer contract period for tower management.
Derivative financial instruments are held at fair value through profit and loss. In estimating the fair value of an asset or a liability, the Group uses market-observable data to the extent it is available. Where Level 1 inputs are not available, the Group engages a third-party qualified valuer to perform the valuation. The Group works closely with the qualified external valuer to establish the appropriate valuation techniques and inputs to the model. See Note 25 to the Historical Financial Information included in this Registration Document for information about the valuation techniques and inputs used in determining the fair value of the derivative financial instrument.
The Group provides services to business customers on credit terms. Certain debts may not be recovered due to default of the Group's customers. The Group uses the IFRS 9 expected credit loss ("ECL") model to measure loss allowances at an amount equal to their lifetime expected credit loss. See Note 25 to the Historical Financial Information included in this Registration Document for further detail of the loss allowance calculation.
Contingent consideration arises when settlement of all or part of the cost of a business combination is dependent on an unknown future outcome. It is stated at the fair value. The estimated value of contingent consideration has been treated as part of the cost of investment. At each balance sheet date, contingent consideration comprises the fair value of the expected contingent consideration valued at acquisition.
Depreciation is charged to profit or loss in proportion to the timing of the benefits derived from the related asset from the date that the fixed assets are available for use over their estimated useful lives.
In 2018, the Group transitioned to "IFRS 9: Financial Instruments". The transition provisions of IFRS 9 allow an entity not to restate comparatives. The Group adopted this modified retrospective approach on 1 January 2018. IFRS 9 introduced new requirements for (i) the classification and measurement of financial assets and financial liabilities; and (ii) impairment of financial assets. In relation to the impairment of financial assets, IFRS 9 requires an ECL model as opposed to an incurred credit loss model under IAS 39. The ECL model requires the Group to account for expected credit losses and changes in those expected credit losses at each reporting date to reflect changes in credit risk since initial recognition of the financial assets. In other words, it is no longer necessary for a credit event to have occurred before credit losses are recognised. Under IFRS 9, the Group is required to recognise a loss allowance for expected credit losses on (i) debt investments measured subsequently at amortised cost; and (ii) trade receivables. The adoption of IFRS 9 as of 1 January 2018 resulted in an increase in accumulated losses from US\$752.2 million to US\$756.0 million, which resulted from a change in the measurement attribute of the loss allowance relating to trade receivables. None of the reclassifications of financial assets have had any impact on the Group's financial position, profit or loss, other comprehensive income or total comprehensive income.
The Group's revenue accrues substantially from fees received for the provision of space on its telecommunications sites and the provision of services to third parties.
The Group's cost of sales comprises electricity costs, diesel costs, insurance, maintenance and security costs, site and warehouse depreciation and other operating expenses.
Gross profit comprises total revenue less cost of sales.
Administrative expenses are costs not directly related to the provision of services to customers but which support the business as a whole. They consist of professional fees (including for audits), depreciation and amortisation (other than site and warehouse depreciation, which is a component of cost of sales), exceptional items, administrative staff costs (including wages and salaries) and other sundry costs.
Other gains and losses include insurance claims, other agreements with affiliates and losses resulting from changes in fair market values of the exchange rights held by Vodacom.
Loss on disposal of property, plant and equipment consists of the sale, exchange, abandonment and involuntary termination of the Group's property, plant and equipment.
Finance cost consists of interest expense and amortisation of deferred loan facility fees on loans, interest expense on lease liabilities and unrealised net foreign exchange losses arising from financing.
| Six months ended 30 June | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 2019 | ||
| (unaudited) (US\$ in thousands) |
|||
| Revenue | 178,128 | 190,681 | |
| Cost of sales | (130,890) | (132,715) | |
| Gross profit | 47,238 | 57,966 | |
| Administrative expenses | (49,320) | (39,945) | |
| Loss on disposal of property, plant and equipment | (6) | (5,367) | |
| Operating loss | (2,088) | 12,654 | |
| Interest receivable | 464 | 713 | |
| Other gains and losses | (24,097) | 24,276 | |
| Finance costs | (55,516) | (56,351) | |
| Loss before tax | (81,237) | (18,708) | |
| Tax expense | (2,113) | (3,783) | |
| Loss for the period | (83,350) | (22,491) | |
| Exchange differences on translation of foreign operations | (391) | 1,224 | |
| Total comprehensive loss for the period | (83,741) | (21,267) | |
| Adjusted EBITDA(1) | 85,939 | 98,974 | |
| Adjusted EBITDA margin | 48.0% | 52.0% |
Note:
(1) Adjusted EBITDA is a Non-IFRS measure as defined in Part II: "Presentation of Information in the Group — Statistical and Non-IFRS measures".
—————
Revenue increased by 7.0 per cent. to US\$190.7 million for the six months ended 30 June 2019 from US\$178.1 million for the six months ended 30 June 2018. The increase in revenue during the six months ended 30 June 2019 reflected an increase in total tenancies from 12,996 as of 30 June 2018 to 14,100 as of 30 June 2019.
The table below shows the Group's revenue, sites and tenancies by country during the six months ended 30 June 2018 and 2019:
| South Africa | ||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Six months ended 30 June | ||||||||||||
| 2018 | 2019 | 2018 | 2019 | 2018 | 2019 | 2018 | 2019 | 2018 | 2019 | |||
| — | 426 | |||||||||||
| — | — | |||||||||||
| 3,508 | 3,650 | 1,771 | 1,817 | 384 | 381 | 870 | 933 | — | 101 | |||
| — | ||||||||||||
| 7,475 | 7,950 | 3,347 | 3,705 | 532 | 533 | 1,642 | 1,744 | — | 168 | |||
| 74,296 3,491 7,392 |
Tanzania 80,500 3,701 7,848 |
70,130 1,819 3,347 |
DRC 77,753 1,773 3,492 |
12,181 384 525 |
Congo Brazzaville (US\$ in thousands) 12,334 380 529 |
21,521 825 1,723 |
Ghana 19,668 891 1,680 |
— |
Revenue increased by US\$6.2 million, US\$7.6 million and US\$0.2 million in Tanzania, DRC and Congo Brazzaville, respectively, and decreased by US\$1.9 million in Ghana, for the six months ended 30 June 2019 compared to the six months ended 30 June 2018.
For the six months ended 30 June 2019, increased revenue in Tanzania was primarily attributable to an increase in total tenancies from 7,475 at 30 June 2018 to 7,950 at 30 June 2019.
For the six months ended 30 June 2019, increased revenue in DRC was primarily attributable to an increase in total tenancies from 3,347 at 30 June 2018 to 3,705 at 30 June 2019.
The increase in revenue in Congo Brazzaville for the six months ended 30 June 2019 compared to the six months ended 30 June 2018 was primarily attributable to the higher average number of tenancies for the six months ended 30 June 2019 compared to the six months ended 30 June 2018.
The decrease in revenue in Ghana for the six months ended 30 June 2019 compared to the six months ended 30 June 2018 was a result of lower lease rates following a reduction in electricity costs, which was passed on to customers in accordance with the contractual escalation provisions. This was offset by an increase in total tenancies from 1,642 at 30 June 2018 to 1,744 at 30 June 2019.
Cost of sales increased by 1.4 per cent. to US\$132.7 million for the six months ended 30 June 2019 from US\$130.9 million for the six months ended 30 June 2018.
The table below shows an analysis of the Group's cost of sales and the Group's cost of sales as a percentage of revenue for the six months ended 30 June 2018 and 2019:
| Six months ended 30 June | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 2019 | 2018 | 2019 | |||||
| (US\$ in thousands) | (%) | |||||||
| Power costs | 42,843 | 41,415 | 24.1% | 21.7% | ||||
| Non-power costs(1) | 26,214 | 26,765 | 14.7% | 14.0% | ||||
| Total site operating expense | 69,057 | 68,180 | 38.8% | 35.7% | ||||
| Site and warehouse depreciation | 61,833 | 64,535 | 34.7% | 33.9% | ||||
| Total cost of sales | 130,890 | 132,715 | 73.5% | 69.6% |
—————
(1) Non-power costs are related to maintenance, security and other costs.
The table below shows an analysis of cost of sales on a country-by-country for the six months ended 30 June 2018 and 2019:
| Tanzania | DRC | Congo Brazzaville | Ghana | South Africa | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Six months ended 30 June | |||||||||||||
| 2018 | 2019 | 2018 | 2019 | 2018 | 2019 | 2018 | 2019 | 2018 | 2019 | ||||
| (US\$ in thousands) | |||||||||||||
| Power costs | 15,522 | 14,920 | 19,959 | 20,744 | 1,481 | 1,570 | 5,881 | 4,129 | — | 52 | |||
| Non-power costs | 12,316 | 13,465 | 9,182 | 8,628 | 2,665 | 2,396 | 2,050 | 2,229 | — | 47 | |||
| Total site operating | |||||||||||||
| expenses | 27,838 | 28,385 | 29,141 | 29,372 | 4,146 | 3,966 | 7,931 | 6,358 | — | 99 | |||
| Site and warehouse | |||||||||||||
| depreciation | 26,775 | 27,354 | 25,643 | 28,019 | 5,756 | 5,235 | 3,660 | 3,825 | — | 102 | |||
| Total cost of sales | 54,613 | 55,739 | 54,784 | 57,391 | 9,902 | 9,201 | 11,591 | 10,183 | — | 201 |
As reflected in the table above, the overall increase in cost of sales for the six months ended 30 June 2019 compared to the six months ended 30 June 2018 was primarily due to higher site and warehouse depreciation costs due to site additions in Tanzania, partially offset by lower power costs following operational improvements.
Power costs mostly comprise diesel and electricity costs. The Group's power costs decreased by 3.3 per cent. for the six months ended 30 June 2019 compared to the six months ended 30 June 2018 primarily due to operational improvements.
Non-power costs relate to maintenance and security costs, insurance and other costs. Non-power costs increased by 2.1 per cent. for the six months ended 30 June 2019 compared to the six months ended 30 June 2018.
The increase in non-power costs over the six months ended 30 June 2019 compared to the six months 30 June 2018 was primarily driven by an increase in the number of sites.
Administrative expenses decreased by 19.0 per cent. to US\$39.9 million for the six months ended 30 June 2019 compared to US\$49.3 million for the six months ended 30 June 2018.
The table below shows an analysis of the Group's administrative expenses and the Group's administrative expenses as a percentage of revenue for the six months ended 30 June 2019 and 2018:
| Six months ended 30 June | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 2019 | 2018 | 2019 | ||||||
| (US\$ in thousands) | (%) | ||||||||
| Other administrative costs | 24,609 | 23,501 | 13.8% | 12.2% | |||||
| Depreciation and amortisation | 6,106 | 9,279 | 3.4% | 4.9% | |||||
| Exceptional items | 18,605 | 7,165 | 10.4% | 3.8% | |||||
| Total administrative expenses | 49,320 | 39,945 | 27.6% | 20.8% |
As reflected in the table above, the largest component of administrative expenses throughout the periods under review was other administrative costs, which primarily comprises costs relating to the Group's selling, marketing, finance and corporate functions, as well as costs associated with supporting the Group's property and IT infrastructure, and other general overheads.
For the six months ended 30 June 2019, other administrative costs decreased by 4.5 per cent. compared to the six months ended 30 June 2018 due to lower staff costs and office expenses.
Loss on disposal of property, plant and equipment increased by 893.5 per cent. to US\$5.4 million for the six months ended 30 June 2019. The loss on disposal of property, plant and equipment increased during this period primarily as a result of the disposal of assets in the six months ended 30 June 2019, mainly due to site consolidations in DRC and Tanzania.
The Group recognised a gain of US\$24.3 million for the six months ended 30 June 2019 and a loss of US\$24.1 million for the six months ended 30 June 2018. The primary reason for the gain in the six months ended 30 June 2019 was the positive fair value movement of the embedded derivative valuation of the Senior Notes. The primary reason for the loss in the six months ended 30 June 2018 was a loss on embedded derivative valuation of the Senior Notes.
Finance costs increased by 1.4 per cent. to US\$56.3 million in the six months ended 30 June 2019.
The table below shows an analysis of finance costs for the six months ended 30 June 2019 and 2018:
| Six months ended 30 June | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 2019 | ||
| (US\$ in thousands) | |||
| Foreign exchange difference | 12,182 | 7,955 | |
| Interest costs | 36,884 | 40,617 | |
| Interest cost on lease liabilities | 6,450 | 7,779 | |
| Deferred loan cost amortisation | — | — | |
| Total finance costs | 55,516 | 56,351 |
As reflected in the table above, the increase in finance costs between the six months ended 30 June 2019 compared to the six months ended 30 June 2018 was primarily the result of an increase in overall interest costs, offset by foreign exchange differences related to the Ghanaian cedi and Tanzanian shilling.
The Group's tax expense was US\$2.1 million and US\$3.8 million for the six months ended 30 June 2018 and 2019, respectively. The Group's tax expense during each period was primarily due to revenue based minimum corporation tax payments required in Tanzania, DRC and Congo Brazzaville where companies are in a tax loss position.
The Group had a loss for the period of US\$83.4 million and US\$22.5 million for the six months ended 30 June 2018 and 2019, respectively.
Adjusted EBITDA was US\$99.0 million for the six months ended 30 June 2019 compared to US\$85.9 million for the six months ended 30 June 2018 for the reasons discussed above. Adjusted EBITDA margin was 48 per cent. and 52 per cent. for the six months ended 30 June 2018 and 2019, respectively.
| For the years ended 31 December 2016, 2017 and 2018 | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ----------------------------------------------------- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- | -- |
| Year ended 31 December | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | |||||
| (US\$ in thousands) | |||||||
| Revenue | 282,507 | 344,957 | 356,049 | ||||
| Cost of sales | (235,867) | (275,651) | (255,848) | ||||
| Gross profit | 46,640 | 69,306 | 100,201 | ||||
| Administrative expenses | (77,741) | (91,261) | (91,059) | ||||
| Loss on disposal of property, plant and equipment | (3,761) | (2,018) | (5,835) | ||||
| Operating loss | (34,862) | (23,973) | 3,307 | ||||
| Interest receivable | 216 | 706 | 951 | ||||
| Other gains and losses | (6,682) | 21,797 | (16,831) | ||||
| Finance costs | (73,268) | (102,757) | (107,005) | ||||
| Loss before tax | (114,596) | (104,227) | (119,578) | ||||
| Tax expense | (1,514) | (3,207) | (4,369) | ||||
| Loss for the period | (116,110) | (107,434) | (123,947) | ||||
| Exchange differences on translation of foreign operations | (3,603) | (1,384) | (2,214) | ||||
| Total comprehensive loss for the period | (119,713) | (108,818) | (126,161) | ||||
| Adjusted EBITDA | 105,161 | 145,962 | 177,603 | ||||
| Adjusted EBITDA margin | 37.2% | 42.3% | 49.9% | ||||
Revenue increased by 3.2 per cent. to US\$356.0 million for the year ended 31 December 2018 from US\$345.0 million for the year ended 31 December 2017, and increased 22.1 per cent. in 2017 from US\$282.5 million for the year ended 31 December 2016.
The increase in revenue during the year ended 31 December 2018 reflected the increase in total online sites from 6,519 sites at 31 December 2017 to 6,745 sites at 31 December 2018. The Group generated US\$4 million of additional revenue from new colocations and colocation amendments and US\$4 million of revenue from build-to-suit sites for the year ended 31 December 2018. Price changes contributed a further US\$4 million for an aggregate organic revenue growth during the period of US\$12 million; however, these gains were slightly offset by a US\$1 million reduction in revenue from the consolidation of Airtel and Tigo. The increase in revenue during the year ended 31 December 2017 reflected the increase in total online sites from 6,477 sites at 31 December 2016 to 6,519 sites at 31 December 2017 and an increase in total tenancies from 12,509 tenancies at 31 December 2016 to 12,987 tenancies at 31 December 2017, together with an increase in the tenancy ratio from 1.93x to 1.99x. Additional revenue from new colocations and colocation amendments amounted to US\$23.0 million for the year ended 31 December 2017 while revenue from build-to-suit sites amounted to US\$7 million, equating to organic revenue growth of US\$34 million over the period. The increase in revenue was also attributable to the full year contribution to revenue of US\$28.5 million from the portfolio purchases made from subsidiaries of Airtel in Congo Brazzaville and DRC, which initially closed in July 2016 and were fully integrated into the Group's site portfolio by the beginning of 2017.
The table below shows the Group's revenue, sites and tenancies by country during the years ended 31 December 2016, 2017 and 2018:
| Tanzania | DRC | Congo Brazzaville | Ghana | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Year ended 31 December | ||||||||||||
| 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | |
| (US\$ in thousands) | ||||||||||||
| Revenue 122,301 141,230 149,909 102,171 140,156 140,881 | 23,642 | 23,427 | 24,292 | 34,393 | 40,144 | 40,967 | ||||||
| Sites at beginning of | ||||||||||||
| period | 3,428 | 3,465 | 3,491 | 814 | 1,832 | 1,819 | 393 | 394 | 384 | 789 | 786 | 825 |
| Sites at period end | 3,465 | 3,491 | 3,701 | 1,832 | 1,819 | 1,773 | 394 | 384 | 380 | 786 | 825 | 891 |
| Tenancies at beginning of | ||||||||||||
| period | 6,389 | 7,163 | 7,392 | 1,643 | 3,179 | 3,347 | 512 | 529 | 525 | 1,464 | 1,638 | 1,723 |
| Tenancies at period end | 7,163 | 7,392 | 7,848 | 3,179 | 3,347 | 3,492 | 529 | 525 | 529 | 1,638 | 1,723 | 1,680 |
Revenue increased by US\$8.7 million, US\$0.73 million, US\$0.82 million and US\$0.87 million in Tanzania, DRC, Ghana and Congo Brazzaville, respectively, for the year ended 31 December 2018 compared to the year ended 31 December 2017. Revenue increased by US\$18.9 million, US\$38.0 million and US\$5.8 million in Tanzania, DRC and Ghana, respectively, and decreased by US\$0.2 million in Congo Brazzaville for the year ended 31 December 2017 compared to the year ended 31 December 2016.
For the year ended 31 December 2018, increased revenue in Tanzania was primarily attributable to an increase in total tenancies from 7,392 at 31 December 2017 to 7,848 at 31 December 2018. For the year ended 31 December 2017, increased revenue in Tanzania was primarily attributable to an increase in total tenancies from 7,163 at 31 December 2016 to 7,392 at 31 December 2017, a small increase in the number of sites from 3,465 at 31 December 2016 to 3,491 at 31 December 2017, and an increasing number of colocations.
For the year ended 31 December 2018, increased revenue in DRC was primarily attributable to an increase in total tenancies from 3,347 at 31 December 2017 to 3,492 at 31 December 2018. The increase was offset in part by a decrease in the number of online sites from 1,819 at 31 December 2017 to 1,773 at 31 December 2018. For the year ended 31 December 2017, increased revenue in DRC resulted primarily from the full-year contribution to revenue of the site portfolio purchases made from subsidiaries of Airtel in DRC, which contributed additional rent and power charges for equipment. The acquisition initially closed in July 2016 and was fully integrated into the Group's site portfolio by the beginning of 2017.
Revenue in Congo Brazzaville for the year ended 31 December 2018 increased marginally compared to the year ended 31 December 2017 as a result of an increase in total tenancies from 525 at 31 December 2017 to 529 at 31 December 2018 being offset by a decrease in number of sites from 384 at 31 December 2017 to 380 at 31 December 2018. Revenue in Congo Brazzaville for the year ended 31 December 2017 decreased marginally compared to the year ended 31 December 2016 as a result of an increase in bonuses the Group received for exceeding its target service levels under the terms of its SLAs for the year ended 31 December 2016.
The slight increase in revenue in Ghana for the year ended 31 December 2018 over the year ended 31 December 2017 was a result of an increase in total online sites from 825 at 31 December 2017 to 891 at 31 December 2018. This was offset in part by a decrease in total tenancies from 1,723 at 31 December 2017 to 1,680 at 31 December 2018. The increase in revenue in Ghana for the year ended 31 December 2017 over the year ended 31 December 2016 was a result of an increase in total tenancies from 1,638 at 31 December 2016 to 1,723 at 31 December 2017 and an increase in the tenancy ratio from 2.08x at 31 December 2016 to 2.09x at 31 December 2017.
Cost of sales decreased by 7.2 per cent. to US\$255.8 million for the year ended 31 December 2018 and increased by 16.9 per cent. to US\$275.7 million for the year ended 31 December 2017 from US\$235.9 million for the year ended 31 December 2016.
The table below shows an analysis of the Group's cost of sales and the Group's cost of sales as a percentage of revenue for the years ended 31 December 2016, 2017, 2018:
| Year ended 31 December | Year ended 31 December | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 2017 2018 |
2016 | 2017 | 2018 | |||
| (US\$ in thousands) | (%) | |||||
| Power costs | 81,802 | 93,756 | 81,886 | 29.0% | 27.2% | 23.0% |
| Non-power costs(1) | 50,289 | 58,679 | 49,870 | 17.8% | 17.0% | 14.0% |
| Total site operating expense | 132,091 | 152,435 | 131,756 | 46.8% | 44.2% | 37.0% |
| Site and warehouse depreciation | 103,776 | 123,216 | 124,092 | 36.7% | 35.7% | 34.9% |
| Total cost of sales | 235,867 | 275,651 | 255,848 | 83.5% | 79.9% | 71.9% |
————— Note:
(1) Non-power costs are related to maintenance, security and other costs.
The table below shows an analysis of the Group's cost of sales on a country-by-country basis for the years ended 31 December 2016, 2017 and 2018:
| Tanzania | DRC | Congo Brazzaville | Ghana | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Year ended 31 December | ||||||||||||
| 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | |
| (US\$ in thousands) | ||||||||||||
| Power costs | 33,551 | 35,413 | 29,128 | 30,818 | 42,330 | 39,315 | 3,229 | 2,722 | 2,998 | 14,204 | 13,291 | 10,445 |
| Non-power costs | 24,628 | 27,415 | 23,491 | 15,702 | 20,459 | 17,658 | 5,755 | 6,365 | 5,083 | 4,204 | 4,440 | 3,638 |
| Total site operating expenses Site and warehouse |
58,179 | 62,828 | 52,619 | 46,520 | 62,789 | 56,973 | 8,984 | 9,087 | 8,081 | 18,408 | 17,731 | 14,083 |
| depreciation | 48,933 | 55,681 | 54,788 | 38,593 | 48,634 | 50,156 | 9,936 | 11,301 | 11,332 | 6,314 | 7,600 | 7,816 |
| Total cost of sales 107,112 118,509 107,407 | 85,113 111,423 107,129 | 18,920 | 20,388 | 19,413 | 24,722 | 25,331 | 21,899 |
The decrease of US\$19.8 million in cost of sales for the year ended 31 December 2018 compared to the year ended 31 December 2017 was primarily due to the decreased power and non-power costs discussed below. The overall increase in cost of sales for the year ended 31 December 2017 compared to the year ended 31 December 2016 was primarily due to the increased costs associated with operating an increased number of sites each year, most prominently an increase in power costs and increased costs related to depreciation of the Group's sites, mainly in DRC due to the purchase of approximately 961 sites from a subsidiary of Airtel in DRC in July 2016. Operating expenses per site increased because sites in DRC generally have higher operating expenses that are primarily driven by higher fuel consumption due to lower grid availability and higher logistics and transportation costs. Site and warehouse depreciation increased by 18.9 per cent. for the year ended 31 December 2017, and 43.7 per cent. for the year ended 31 December 2016, primarily as a result of the expansion of the Group's asset base as a result of the Airtel transaction.
Power costs for the three years ended 31 December 2018, 2017 and 2016 have made up over half of the Group's operating expenses. The Group's power costs decreased by 12.7 per cent. for the year ended 31 December 2018 compared to the year ended 31 December 2017.
The decrease in diesel costs for the year ended 31 December 2018 primarily reflected the Group's operational improvements, as shown by lower power expenses in Tanzania, DRC and Ghana, partly offset by power expenses that slightly increased in Congo Brazzaville from 2017.
The increase in diesel costs of US\$10.6 million for the year ended 31 December 2017 was in line with the increase in the Group's total site numbers during the periods under review, increasing by 14.6 per cent. for the year ended 31 December 2017 compared to the year ended 31 December 2016.
The increases in diesel costs for the year ended 31 December 2016 primarily consisted of increases of US\$15.0 million in DRC reflecting increased consumption as a result of the expansion of the site portfolio after the Airtel transaction and decreased reliance on the electrical grid. The decrease in diesel costs in Ghana between the years ended 31 December 2016 and 2017 was attributable to better grid availability and increased deployment of power management solutions by the Group there. Electricity costs remained relatively flat between the years despite an increase in the number of sites across the Group, with a significant portion of the increase in cost attributable to local electricity price increases mitigated through the Group's power contract escalation provisions.
Non-power costs decreased by 15.0 per cent. for the year ended 31 December 2018 compared to the year ended 31 December 2017 and increased by 16.7 per cent. for the year ended 31 December 2017 compared to the year ended 31 December 2016. The decrease in non-power costs for the year ended 31 December 2018 compared to the prior year, was primarily a result of the Group's operational improvements.
Administrative expenses decreased by 0.3 per cent. to US\$91.1 million for the year ended 31 December 2018 and increased by 17.4 per cent. to US\$91.3 million for the year ended 31 December 2017 compared to US\$77.7 million for the year ended 31 December 2016.
The table below shows an analysis of the Group's administrative expenses and the Group's administrative expenses as a percentage of revenue for the years ended 31 December 2016, 2017 and 2018:
| Year ended 31 December | ||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | |||||
| (US\$ in thousands) | (%) | |||||||||
| Other administrative costs | 46,330 | 47,859 | 48,989 | 16.4% | 13.9% | 13.8% | ||||
| Depreciation and amortisation | 25,679 | 25,621 | 17,236 | 9.1% | 7.4% | 4.8% | ||||
| Exceptional items | 5,732 | 17,781 | 24,834 | 2.0% | 5.2% | 7.0% | ||||
| Total administrative expenses | 77,741 | 91,261 | 91,059 | 27.5% | 26.5% | 25.6% |
As reflected in the table above, the largest component of administrative expenses throughout the periods under review was other administrative costs, which comprises administrative staff and other costs relating to the Group's selling, marketing, finance and corporate functions, as well as costs associated with supporting the Group's property and IT infrastructure, and other general overheads.
For the year ended 31 December 2018, other administrative costs increased by US\$1.1 million compared to the prior year, remaining relatively stable as a percentage of revenue. The decrease in depreciation and amortisation to US\$17.2 million is the result of the non-compete agreement intangible right with Airtel, which had a fair value at initial recognition of US\$30 million, and was fully amortised between May 2016 and July 2017. This decrease was offset by an increase in exceptional items, from US\$17.8 million for the year ended 31 December 2017 to US\$24.8 million for the year ended 31 December 2018, which is mainly in relation to the exploration of strategic options for the Group, including, but not limited to, a potential London Stock Exchange listing.
For the year ended 31 December 2017, other administrative costs were broadly in line with those of the year before, representing a favourable decrease as a percentage of revenue from 17.2 per cent. for the year ended 31 December 2016 to 14.3 per cent. for the year ended 31 December 2017. The depreciation and amortisation charge of US\$25.6 million for the year ended 31 December 2017 was US\$0.9 million higher than the previous year and amounted to 7.4 per cent. of revenue compared to 8.7 per cent. previously. The largest increase in administrative expense was due to increases in exceptional items of US\$12.0 million, which mostly comprised exceptional project costs in relation to the exploration of strategic options for the Group including, but not limited to, the listing on the London Stock Exchange.
Loss on disposal of property, plant and equipment increased by 190.0 per cent. to US\$5.8 million for the year ended 31 December 2018 from US\$2.0 million for the year ended 31 December 2017 after decreasing by 46.3 per cent. from US\$3.8 million for the year ended 31 December 2016. The loss on disposal of property, plant and equipment of US\$5.8 million for the year ended 31 December 2018 was primarily a result of site upgrades that necessitated the replacement of older parts and equipment in DRC.
The Group recognised a loss of US\$16.8 million for the year ended 31 December 2018, compared to a gain of US\$21.8 million for the year ended 31 December 2017, and compared to a loss of US\$6.7 million for the year ended 31 December 2016. The primary reason for the loss of US\$16.8 million for the year ended 31 December 2018 was the decrease in the fair value of the embedded derivative valuation related to the Senior Notes. The primary reason for the gain in the year ended 31 December 2017 was a gain on the embedded value of the Senior Notes. The other loss during the year ended 31 December 2016 represented a charge to the Group's consolidated statement of profit or loss and other comprehensive income as a result of Vodacom Tanzania's put option to exchange its shares in Helios Towers Tanzania for shares in the Company, which expired on the closing of the Vodacom Tanzania Plc share repurchase in October 2017.
Finance costs increased by 4.1 per cent. to US\$107.0 million for the year ended 31 December 2018 and increased by 40.2 per cent. to US\$102.8 million for the year ended 31 December 2017 from US\$73.3 million for the year ended 31 December 2016.
The table below shows an analysis of finance costs for the years ended 31 December 2016, 2017 and 2018:
| Year ended 31 December | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | |||
| (US\$ in thousands) | |||||
| Foreign exchange difference | 9,796 | 3,229 | 18,029 | ||
| Interest costs | 44,645 | 71,608 | 73,856 | ||
| Interest cost on lease liabilities | 13,812 | 14,991 | 15,120 | ||
| Deferred loan cost amortisation | 5,015 | 12,929 | — | ||
| Total finance costs | 73,268 | 102,757 | 107,005 |
The increase in finance costs for the year ended 31 December 2018 compared to the year ended 31 December 2017 was primarily the result of interest for the Senior Notes and the foreign exchange differences, driven by the Tanzanian shilling. These increases were partly offset by a decrease in relation to deferred amortisation costs.
The increase in finance costs for the year ended 31 December 2017 over the year ended 31 December 2016 was primarily the result of interest for the Senior Notes, accruing from March 2017. This increase was partially offset by a decrease in foreign exchange difference from US\$9.8 million during the year ended 31 December 2016 to US\$3.2 million during the year ended 31 December 2017. This primarily related to the Tanzanian shilling, which depreciated against the U.S. dollar by 5.0 per cent. during the year ended 31 December 2016 while the Tanzanian shilling was broadly stable depreciating by 2.0 per cent. during the year ended 31 December 2017. The decrease for the year ended 31 December 2017 was also due to the appreciation of the Central African franc, which is pegged to the euro.
The Group's tax expense was US\$4.4 million in the year ended 31 December 2018 as compared to US\$3.2 million in the year ended 31 December 2017 and US\$1.5 million in the year ended 31 December 2016. The Group's tax expense during each period was primarily due to revenue-based minimum corporation tax payments required in Tanzania, DRC and Congo Brazzaville where companies are in a tax loss position.
The Group had a loss for the year of US\$116.1 million, US\$107.4 million, and US\$123.9 million for the years ended 31 December 2016, 2017 and 2018, respectively.
Adjusted EBITDA was US\$177.6 million for the year ended 31 December 2018 compared to US\$146.0 million for the year ended 31 December 2017 and US\$105.6 million for the year ended 31 December 2016. Adjusted EBITDA margin was 37.2 per cent., 42.3 per cent. and 49.9 per cent. for the years ended 31 December 2016, 2017 and 2018, respectively.
The Group attributes all of the US\$32 million in Adjusted EBITDA growth for the year ended 31 December 2018 compared to the year ended 31 December 2017 to organic growth. The Group estimates that US\$31 million of the US\$41 million increase in Adjusted EBITDA for the year ended 31 December 2017 compared to the year ended 31 December 2016 was attributable to organic growth, while the remainder was attributable to site asset purchases.
The following tables provide the Group's total contracted revenue by country under agreements with the Group's customers as of 30 June 2019 for each of the years ending 2020 to 2023, with local currency amounts converted at the applicable average rate for U.S. dollars on 30 June 2019 held constant. The Group's contracted revenue calculation for each period presented assumes: (i) no escalation in fee rates, (ii) no increases in sites or tenancies other than the Group's committed colocations described elsewhere in this Registration Document, (iii) the Group's customers do not utilise any cancellation allowances set forth in their MLAs and (iv) the Group's customers do not terminate MLAs early for any reason. The Group's contracted revenues also do not provide for customers renewing their contracts. As customers renew contracts, the Group accounts for more contracted revenues.
| As of 30 June | Year ending 31 December | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | ||
| (US\$ in thousands) | ||||||
| Tanzania | 81,723 | 161,037 | 160,670 | 157,825 | 151,132 | |
| DRC | 80,016 | 162,701 | 162,649 | 160,811 | 159,858 | |
| Congo Brazzaville | 12,004 | 22,475 | 17,159 | 16,858 | 16,716 | |
| Ghana | 19,541 | 37,842 | 35,844 | 31,609 | 30,172 | |
| South Africa | 916 | 1,833 | 1,833 | 2,251 | 2,399 | |
| Total | 194,200 | 385,888 | 378,155 | 369,354 | 360,277 |
| Total Contracted Revenues |
Percentage of Total Contracted Revenues |
|
|---|---|---|
| (US\$ in | ||
| thousands) | (%) | |
| Five largest MNOs in Sub-Saharan Africa | ||
| Vodacom | 699.5 | 23 |
| Airtel | 616.3 | 21 |
| Tigo | 564.9 | 19 |
| MTN | 84.9 | 3 |
| Orange | 477.1 | 16 |
| Total (including committed colocations) | 2,442.8 | 82 |
| Other(1) | 552.0 | 18 |
| Total | 2,994.8 | 100 |
Notes:
—————
(2) Other includes Viettel, Africell, Smile, Simbanet, Orioncom, TTCL, Zantel and 24 other operators.
The Group manages its financing structure and cash flow requirements based on the Group's overall strategy and objectives, deploying financial and other resources related to those objectives. The Group manages liquidity risk by maintaining adequate reserves and banking facilities and by continuously monitoring
(1) Includes Vodafone contracted revenue in Ghana.
forecast and actual cash flows and matching the maturity profiles of financial assets and liabilities. Funding decisions are made based upon a number of internal and external factors, including required amounts and the timing of outflows, the internal and external availability of funds, the costs of financing and other strategic objectives.
The Group's primary sources of liquidity have historically been cash from operations, loans under its debt facilities and equity issuances. The Group typically seeks to finance the costs of developing and expanding its business mainly at the operating level on a country-by-country basis.
| Year ended 31 December | Six months ended 30 June | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 2017 2018 |
2018 | 2019 | ||||
| (unaudited) | ||||||
| (US\$ in thousands) | ||||||
| Net cash generated by operating activities | 25,304 | 57,572 | 60,943 | 16,199 | 6,110 | |
| Net cash used in investing activities | (295,847) | (169,615) | (105,069) | (57,865) | (52,319) | |
| Net cash generated from financing activities | 316,739 | 97,870 | 14,578 | (3,673) | 47,384 | |
| Net increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents | 46,196 | (14,173) | (29,548) | (45,339) | 1,175 | |
| Cash and cash equivalents, at beginning of period | 88,290 | 133,737 | 119,700 | 119,700 | 88,987 | |
| Foreign exchange on translation | (749) | 136 | (1,165) | (404) | (397) | |
| Cash and cash equivalents, at period end | 133,737 | 119,700 | 88,987 | 73,957 | 89,765 |
Net cash generated from operating activities consists of cash received from the Group's customers, payments to suppliers, payments to employees and cash inflows and outflows that reflect receipts and payments of interest and tax.
Net cash generated by operating activities was US\$6.1 million for the six months ended 30 June 2019 and US\$16.2 million for the six months ended 30 June 2018. Net cash generated by operating activities was US\$60.9 million for the year ended 31 December 2018, US\$57.6 million for the year ended 31 December 2017 and US\$25.3 million for year ended 31 December 2016.
For the six months ended 30 June 2019, net cash generated by operating activities was primarily driven by an improvement in operating profit, partially offset by the movement in net working capital. For the six months ended 30 June 2018, net cash generated by operating activities was primarily driven by an improvement in operating profit. Net cash generated by operating activities for the year ended 31 December 2018 was primarily driven by an improvement in operating profit and lower cash outflows as a result of working capital changes, offset in part by an increase in exceptional costs. Net cash generated from operating activities for the years ended 31 December 2017 and 31 December 2016 was primarily the result of an improvement in operating loss and lower cash outflows as a result of working capital changes, offset by an increase in interest paid, between the years.
Net cash used in investing activities consists primarily of the Group's additions of sites and other site assets including telecommunications sites, the acquisition of and investment in the share capital of the Group's subsidiaries and the Group's acquisition of land.
Net cash used in investing activities was US\$57.9 million and US\$52.3 million for the six months ended 30 June 2018 and 30 June 2019, respectively. Net cash used in investing activities was US\$105.1 million for the year ended 31 December 2018, US\$169.6 million for the year ended 31 December 2017 and US\$295.8 million for the year ended 31 December 2016.
The decrease in net cash used in investing activities for the six months ended 30 June 2019 was primarily the result of a decrease in payments to acquire property, plant and equipment, which was partially offset by increased acquisition payments in respect of the HTSA Towers (Pty) Ltd transaction. The decrease in net cash used in investing activities in the year ended 31 December 2018 was primarily the result of a lower volume property, plant and equipment purchasing during the year. The decrease in net cash used in investing activities in the year ended 31 December 2017 was primarily the result of a lower volume of site portfolio purchase activity as compared to the previous year when the Group acquired sites from Airtel in DRC.
Net cash generated from financing activities consists primarily of the proceeds of equity issuances and loans and the issuance costs related thereto.
Net cash used in financing activities was US\$3.7 million for the six months ended 30 June 2018 and net cash generated in financing activities was US\$47.4 million for the six months ended 30 June 2019. Net cash generated from financing activities was US\$316.7 million, US\$97.9 million and US\$14.6 million for the years ended 31 December 2016, 2017 and 2018, respectively.
Financing activities for the six months ended 30 June 2019 relate to a term loan draw down of US\$50 million in 2019. Financing activities for the six months ended 30 June 2018 relate to the repayment of lease liabilities. Financing activities for the year ended 31 December 2018 related to loan drawdowns of US\$25 million during the year, partly offset by a US\$10.4 million repayment of lease liabilities. Financing activities for the year ended 31 December 2017 related to the cash inflow from the issue of the Senior Notes, which was used to repay existing loans and finance the buy-back Vodacom's interest in a subsidiary entity. For the year ended 31 December 2016, the primary elements of cash generated from financing activities related to proceeds from issue of equity capital of US\$184.3 million and loan drawdowns under the Group's secured term loan facilities of US\$173.6 million.
The Group incurs capital expenditure in connection with its portfolio acquisition activity and build-to-suit construction activity. The cost of constructing a site is principally comprised of steel for the tower, site construction activities (including transportation and labour and, to a lesser extent, licences), community approvals and shelter construction. Growth capital expenditure relates to (i) the construction of build-to-suit sites; (ii) the installation of colocation tenants and (ii) investments in power management solutions. The Group's upgrade capital expenditure comprises structural, refurbishment and consolidation activities carried out on selected acquired sites to make them suitable to take on additional tenants. Acquisition capital expenditure relates to site purchases. Maintenance capital expenditure consists of periodic refurbishments and the replacement of parts and equipment to keep the Group's sites in service. The Group also incurs corporate capital expenditure, primarily for furniture, fixtures and equipment. Historically, the Group has funded its capital expenditure through a combination of cash from operations, debt financing under its secured loan facilities and debt and equity issuances.
The Group's growth capital expenditure for a new build-to-suit site generally ranges from US\$100,000 to US\$150,000 per tower and approximately US\$125,000 on average. The capital expenditure required to colocate a tenant generally ranges from US\$7,000 to US\$11,000 and approximately US\$10,000 on average. The Group's maintenance capital expenditure generally ranges from US\$2,000 to US\$3,000 per tower per year. The Group's total maintenance and corporate capital expenditure per year generally ranges from US\$20 million to US\$25 million.
The following table shows the Group's capital expenditure incurred by category during the periods presented:
| Year ended 31 December | Six months ended 30 June | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 | % of Total Capex |
2017 | % of Total Capex |
2018 | % of Total Capex |
2018 | % of Total Capex |
2019 | % of Total Capex |
|
| (US\$ in millions, except %) | ||||||||||
| Acquisition capital | ||||||||||
| expenditure | 164.5 | 58.6% | 18.7 | 11.0% | 2.2 | 1.9% | 2.0 | 2.8% | 12.8 | 23.1% |
| Growth expenditure | 56.7 | 20.2% | 77.8 | 45% | 78.1 | 65.6% | 36.3 | 51.5% | 27.1 | 49.1% |
| Upgrade capital expenditure | 26.8 | 9.5% | 52.0 | 30.4% | 22.3 | 18.7% | 21.4 | 30.4% | 7.6 | 13.7% |
| Maintenance capital | ||||||||||
| expenditure | 29.6 | 10.6% | 19.8 | 11.6% | 13.0 | 10.9% | 9.6 | 13.6% | 6.9 | 12.5% |
| Corporate capital expenditure | 3.2 | 1.1% | 2.4 | 1.4% | 3.4 | 2.9% | 1.2 | 1.7% | 0.9 | 1.6% |
| Total | 280.8 | 100.0% | 170.7 | 100.0% | 119.0 | 100.0% | 70.5 | 100.0% | 55.3 | 100.0% |
Capital expenditure decreased to US\$55.3 million for the six months ended 30 June 2019, compared to US\$70.5 million for the six months ended 30 June 2018. This decrease primarily reflected a decrease in growth, upgrade and maintenance capital expenditure following advance orders for the rest of the year made in the first half of 2018.
Capital expenditure decreased to US\$119.0 million for the year ended 31 December 2018, compared to US\$170.7 million for the year ended 31 December 2017. This decrease primarily reflected a reduction in the Group's acquisition, upgrade and maintenance capital expenditure, which was primarily due to fewer site acquisitions during the year, lower investment in upgrading acquired sites as well as fewer periodic refurbishments and replacement of parts and equipment. Acquisition capital expenditure for the year ended 31 December 2017 also reflected the Group's acquisition of 101 sites following the announcement of the Zantel transaction in July 2017.
Capital expenditure decreased to US\$170.7 million for the year ended 31 December 2017, compared to US\$280.8 million for the year ended 31 December 2016. This decrease primarily reflected a reduction in the Group's acquisition capital expenditure, which was higher in 2016 as a result of the acquisition of Airtel sites in DRC, followed by a lower level of sites acquired during 2017. This decrease also reflected lower maintenance capital expenditure, which was primarily due to fewer periodic refurbishments and replacement of parts and equipment. The decreased capital expenditure was offset in part by increases in growth and upgrade capital expenditure, reflecting build-to-suit, continued power-saving investment, tower strengthening and upgrade programme and the continued roll-out of colocation tenants.
Following the announcement of the Zantel transaction in July 2017, the Group completed the acquisition of 101 sites that year. Most of the Group's acquisition capital expenditure during the year ended 31 December 2017 related to this transaction. Acquisition capital expenditure during the year ended 31 December 2016 was due to continued investment in the Group's site portfolio, a site strengthening and upgrade programme and the continued rollout of colocation tenants. Maintenance capital expenditure decreased in the year ended 31 December 2017.
The Group currently expects to incur capital expenditure of approximately US\$130 million in the year ending 31 December 2019, which is expected to consist of approximately US\$20 million to US\$25 million of maintenance and corporate capital expenditure, approximately US\$20 million of acquisition capital expenditure and approximately US\$20 million of upgrade capital expenditure. On a geographic basis, the Group expects to incur US\$100 million of capital expenditure in total in its operations in Tanzania, DRC, Ghana and Congo Brazzaville and US\$30 million of capital expenditure in South Africa. The Group expects upgrade capital expenditure to remain at approximately US\$20 million in 2020.
The Group expects to incur capital expenditure of approximately US\$80 million to US\$90 million per year over the medium-term, with maintenance and corporate capital expenditure expected to remain stable, rising to approximately US\$45 million to US\$50 million in the long-term with maintenance and corporate capital expenditure in line with long-term depreciation of US\$45 million plus a small amount of growth capital expenditure, upgrade capital expenditure and acquisition capital expenditure.
The Group continuously evaluates portfolios available for purchase that it finds to be attractive candidates for acquisition. To the extent that the Group finds a suitable opportunity, it has the flexibility to increase its capital expenditure which it would expect to fund with a combination of cash on hand, loans under its existing debt facilities, or debt or equity issuances.
As the Group incurs capital expenditure to acquire, build or upgrade its site portfolios, the Group's depreciation charges have increased during the periods under review as a result of an increased asset base. The Group expects its depreciation levels to decrease following higher levels during the past three years as a result of depreciation relating to past site asset purchases.
The Group does not have any off-balance sheet arrangements.
As of 30 June 2019, the Group's outstanding loans and lease liabilities were US\$805.5 million. For more details, see Note 19 to the Historical Financial Information included in this Registration Document.
As of 30 June 2019, the Group's contractual obligations were as follows:
| Payments due by period | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total | 1 Year | 2-5 Years | 45 Years | ||||
| Contractual Obligations(1) | (US\$ in thousands) | ||||||
| Long-term debt obligations | 681,527 | 18,905 | 662,622 | — | |||
| Lease liability obligations | 562,409 | 20,975 | 75,212 | 466,222 | |||
| Total | 1,243,936 | 39,880 | 737,834 | 466,222 |
————— Note:
The Group's major market risk exposures include credit, liquidity and market risk. For more detail, see Note 24 to the Historical Financial Information included in this Registration Document.
Credit risk refers to the risk that a counterparty will default on the Group's contractual obligations resulting in financial loss to the Group. The Group has adopted a policy of only dealing with creditworthy counterparties and obtaining sufficient collateral where appropriate, as a means of mitigating the risk of financial loss from defaults. The Group uses publicly available financial information and other information provided by the counterparty (where appropriate) to rate the Group's major customers. As of 31 December 2018, the Group had a concentration risk with regards to four of its largest customers and its related parties and the Company had a concentration risk with regards to the receivable balances with related parties. The Group's exposure and the credit ratings of its counterparties and related parties are continuously monitored and the aggregate value of credit risk within the business is spread among a number of approved counterparties. Credit exposure is controlled by counterparty limits that are reviewed and approved by management. The carrying amount of the financial assets recorded in the Historical Financial Information, which is net of impairment losses, represents the Group's exposure to credit risk.
Ultimate responsibility for liquidity risk management rests with the Board of Directors. The Group manages liquidity risk by maintaining adequate reserves and banking facilities and continuously monitoring forecast and actual cash flows including consideration of appropriate sensitivities.
(1) Long-term debt obligations refers to interest and principal payable in respect of the Senior Notes and the Standard Bank Term Facility (defined subsequently) which mature on 8 March 2022 and 22 January 2022, respectively and shareholder loans. Lease liability obligations refers to outstanding undiscounted contractual payments due under lease liabilities. See Notes 19 and 20 to the Historical Financial Information for further details of these contractual obligations.
The Group has long-term debt financing through the Senior Notes. The Group also has a US\$60 million stand-by revolving credit facility (the "Pari Passu RCF") for funding working capital requirements, and a secured term loan facility. As of 30 June 2019, the Pari Passu RCF was undrawn and is available until March 2021, and US\$75.0 million was outstanding under the term loan. The Group has remained compliant with all the covenants contained in the Pari Passu RCF throughout the periods under review.
Market risk is the risk that changes in market prices, such as foreign exchange rates and interest rates, will affect the Group's income or the value of its financial instruments. The objective of market risk management is to manage and control market risk exposures within acceptable parameters, while optimising return. There has been no material change to the Group's exposure to market risks or the manner in which the Group manages and measures such risks during the years ended 31 December 2016, 2017 or 2018.
The Group undertakes transactions denominated in foreign currencies; consequently, exposures to exchange rate fluctuations arise. The Group's main currency exposures are to the Ghanaian cedi, Tanzanian shilling, and the Central African franc through its main operating subsidiaries.
During the years 31 December 2016, 2017 and 2018, the Group did not enter into any foreign currency hedging contracts, as Senior Management considered foreign exchange risk to be at an acceptable level due to the natural hedge existing in the Group as a result of having U.S. dollar, Ghanaian cedi, Tanzanian shilling and Central African franc denominated revenues and costs, and minimal foreign denominated thirdparty debt levels within the business. See Note 24 to the Historical Financial Information for a currency sensitivity analysis.
The carrying amounts of the Group's foreign currency denominated monetary assets and monetary liabilities for the periods under review were as follows:
| Liabilities | Assets | ||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | ||
| (US\$ in thousands) | |||||||||
| New Ghana Cedi | 13,915 | 16,204 | 12,732 | 13,421 | 18,565 | 22,540 | 21,022 | 21,354 | |
| Tanzanian Shilling | 55,220 | 176,874 | 32,785 | 30,494 | 41,464 | 71,887 | 63,919 | 67,400 | |
| South African Rand | — | — | — | 1,446 | — | — | — | 4,641 | |
| Central African Franc | 11,867 | 14,314 | 4,165 | 3,278 | 7,693 | 20,598 | 10,646 | 11,460 | |
| 81,002 | 207,392 | 49,682 | 48,639 | 67,722 | 115,025 | 95,587 | 104,855 |
The Group is exposed to interest rate risk because the Group's entities borrow funds at both fixed and floating interest rates. The risk is managed by the Group by maintaining an appropriate mix between fixed and floating rate borrowings, and by the use of interest rate swap contracts, hedging activities are evaluated regularly to align with interest rate views and defined risk appetite, ensuring the most cost-effective hedging strategies are applied.
This section of the Registration Document includes Historical Financial Information as of and for the three years ended 31 December 2018 and as of and for the six months ended 30 June 2019, as well as an Accountants' Report thereon prepared by Deloitte LLP. This Part X: "Historical Financial Information" is set out in two parts as follows:
Part A: Accountants' Report on the Historical Financial Information
Deloitte LLP 1 New Street Square London United Kingdom EC4A 3HQ
The Board of Directors on behalf of Helios Towers, Ltd. Level 3 35 Cybercity Ebene Mauritius
12 September 2019
Dear Sirs / Mesdames
We report on the financial information for the financial years ended 31 December 2016, 31 December 2017, 31 December 2018 and the six-month period ended 30 June 2019 set out in Part B of the registration document dated 12 September 2019 of Helios Towers, Ltd. (the "Company" and, together with its subsidiaries, the "Group") (the "Registration Document"). This financial information has been prepared for inclusion in the Registration Document on the basis of the accounting policies set out in Note 1 to the financial information. This report is required by Annex 1 item 18.3.1 of Commission delegated regulation (EU) 2019/980 (the "Prospectus Delegated Regulation") and is given for the purpose of complying with that requirement and for no other purpose.
We have not audited the financial information for the six-month period ended 30 June 2018 which has been included for comparative purposes only, and accordingly do not express an opinion thereon.
The Directors of the Company are responsible for preparing the financial information in accordance with the International Financial Reporting Standards as adopted by the European Union.
It is our responsibility to form an opinion on the financial information and to report our opinion to you.
Save for any responsibility arising under Annex 1 item 1.2 of the Prospectus Delegated Regulation to any person as and to the extent there provided, to the fullest extent permitted by law we do not assume any responsibility and will not accept any liability to any other person for any loss suffered by any such other person as a result of, arising out of, or in connection with this report or our statement, required by and given solely for the purposes of complying with Annex 1 item 1.3 of the Prospectus Delegated Regulation, consenting to its inclusion in the Registration Document.
We conducted our work in accordance with Standards for Investment Reporting issued by the Auditing Practices Board in the United Kingdom. Our work included an assessment of evidence relevant to the amounts and disclosures in the financial information. It also included an assessment of significant estimates and judgments made by those responsible for the preparation of the financial information and whether the accounting policies are appropriate to the entity's circumstances, consistently applied and adequately disclosed.
We planned and performed our work so as to obtain all the information and explanations which we considered necessary in order to provide us with sufficient evidence to give reasonable assurance that the financial information is free from material misstatement whether caused by fraud or other irregularity or error.
Our work has not been carried out in accordance with auditing or other standards and practices generally accepted in jurisdictions outside the United Kingdom, including the United States of America, and accordingly should not be relied upon as if it had been carried out in accordance with those standards and practices.
In our opinion, the financial information gives, for the purposes of the Registration Document, a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the Group as at the financial years ended 31 December 2016, 31 December 2017, 31 December 2018 and the six-month period ended 30 June 2019 and of its profits, cash flows and changes in equity for the financial years ended 31 December 2016, 31 December 2017, 31 December 2018 and the six-month period ended 30 June 2019 in accordance with the International Financial Reporting Standards as adopted by the European Union.
For the purposes of item 1.2 of Annex 1 to the Prospectus Delegated Regulation, we are responsible for this report as part of the Registration Document and declare that to the best of our knowledge, the information contained in this report is in accordance with the facts and contains no omission likely to affect its import. This declaration is included in the Registration Document in compliance with Annex 1 item 1.2 of the Prospectus Delegated Regulation and for no other purpose.
Yours faithfully
Deloitte LLP
Deloitte LLP is a limited liability partnership registered in England and Wales with registered number OC303675 and its registered office at 1 New Street Square, London EC4A 3HQ, United Kingdom. Deloitte LLP is the United Kingdom affiliate of Deloitte NSE LLP, a member firm of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited, a UK private company limited by guarantee ("DTTL"). DTTL and each of its member firms are legally separate and independent entities. DTTL and Deloitte NSE LLP do not provide services to clients.
| Year ended 31 December | Six months ended 30 June |
|||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Note | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2018 | 2019 | |||
| (unaudited) | ||||||||
| Revenue Cost of sales |
3 | 282,507 (235,867) |
344,957 (275,651) |
(US\$ in thousands) 356,049 (255,848) |
178,128 (130,890) |
190,681 (132,715) |
||
| Gross profit | 46,640 | 69,306 | 100,201 | 47,238 | 57,966 | |||
| Administrative expenses Loss on disposal of property, plant and |
(77,741) | (91,261) | (91,059) | (49,320) | (39,945) | |||
| equipment | (3,761) | (2,018) | (5,835) | (6) | (5,367) | |||
| Operating (loss)/profit | 5 | (34,862) | (23,973) | 3,307 | (2,088) | 12,654 | ||
| Interest receivable Other gains and losses Finance costs |
23 8 |
216 (6,682) (73,268) |
706 21,797 (102,757) |
951 (16,831) (107,005) |
464 (24,097) (55,516) |
713 24,276 (56,351) |
||
| Loss before tax | (114,596) | (104,227) | (119,578) | (81,237) | (18,708) | |||
| Tax expense | 9 | (1,514) | (3,207) | (4,369) | (2,113) | (3,783) | ||
| Loss for the period | (116,110) | (107,434) | (123,947) | (83,350) | (22,491) | |||
| Loss attributable to: Owners of the Company Non-controlling interest (NCI) |
(97,740) (18,370) |
(92,817) (14,617) |
(123,947) — |
(83,350) — |
(22,307) (184) |
|||
| Loss for the period Other comprehensive loss: Items that may be reclassified subsequently to profit and loss: |
(116,110) | (107,434) | (123,947) | (83,350) | (22,491) | |||
| Exchange differences on translation of foreign operations – (loss)/gain |
(3,603) | (1,384) | (2,214) | (391) | 1,224 | |||
| Total comprehensive loss for the period. | (119,713) | (108,818) | (126,161) | (83,741) | (21,267) | |||
| Total comprehensive loss attributable to: Owners of the Company Non-controlling interest |
(101,457) (18,256) |
(94,984) (13,834) |
(126,161) — |
(83,741) — |
(21,071) (196) |
|||
| Total comprehensive loss for the period |
(119,713) | (108,818) | (126,161) | (83,741) | (21,267) | |||
| Loss per Share Basic and Diluted |
26 | (0.115) | (0.102) | (0.136) | (0.092) | (0.025) |
| As at 31 December | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Note | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | |||
| (US\$ in thousands) | |||||||
| Non-current assets | |||||||
| Intangible assets | 10 | 35,556 | 17,961 | 12,406 | 40,110 | ||
| Property, plant and equipment | 11 | 655,140 | 705,700 | 676,643 | 653,502 | ||
| Right-of-use assets | 11 | 102,406 | 104,983 | 103,786 | 108,502 | ||
| Investments | 12 | 132 | 132 | 132 | — | ||
| Derivative financial assets | 24 | 1,393 | 23,917 | 7,086 | 31,362 | ||
| 794,627 | 852,693 | 800,053 | 833,476 | ||||
| Current assets | |||||||
| Inventories | 13 | 19,503 | 9,538 | 10,265 | 9,979 | ||
| Trade and other receivables | 14 | 126,929 | 108,491 | 102,250 | 125,620 | ||
| Prepayments | 15 | 20,466 | 23,403 | 16,225 | 26,891 | ||
| Cash and cash equivalents | 16 | 133,737 | 119,700 | 88,987 | 89,765 | ||
| 300,635 | 261,132 | 217,727 | 252,255 | ||||
| Total assets | 1,095,262 | 1,113,825 | 1,017,780 | 1,085,731 | |||
| Equity | |||||||
| Issued capital and reserves | |||||||
| Share capital | 17 | 909,134 | 909,154 | 909,154 | 909,154 | ||
| Share premium | 186,795 | 186,951 | 186,951 | 186,951 | |||
| Stated capital | 1,095,929 | 1,096,105 | 1,096,105 | 1,096,105 | |||
| Other reserves | (11,693) | (12,778) | (12,778) | (12,778) | |||
| Non-controlling interest buy-out reserve | (54,429) | — | — | — | |||
| Translation reserve | (77,282) | (79,449) | (81,663) | (80,427) | |||
| Accumulated losses | (554,878) | (752,280) | (879,959) | (902,266) | |||
| Equity attributable to owners of the Company | 397,647 | 251,598 | 121,705 | 100,634 | |||
| Non-controlling interest | (36,322) | — | — | (196) | |||
| Total equity | 361,325 | 251,598 | 121,705 | 100,438 | |||
| Non-current liabilities | |||||||
| Long-term lease liabilities | 20 | 90,111 | 96,097 | 98,720 | 103,009 | ||
| Loans | 19 | 340,633 | 581,100 | 610,790 | 662,622 | ||
| Contingent consideration | 28 | — | — | — | 16,526 | ||
| Deferred tax liabilities | 9 | — | — | — | 6,348 | ||
| 430,744 | 677,197 | 709,510 | 788,505 | ||||
| Current liabilities | |||||||
| Non-controlling interest buy-out liability | 23 | 57,886 | — | — | — | ||
| Trade and other payables | 18 | 163,857 | 147,324 | 149,752 | 151,099 | ||
| Contingent consideration | 28 | — | — | — | 5,837 | ||
| Short-term lease liabilities | 20 | 20,934 | 20,452 | 19,559 | 20,947 | ||
| Loans | 19 | 60,516 | 17,254 | 17,254 | 18,905 | ||
| Total liabilities | 733,937 | 862,227 | 896,075 | 985,293 | |||
| Total equity and liabilities | 1,095,262 | 1,113,825 | 1,017,780 | 1,085,731 |
| (US\$ in thousands) Year ended 31 December 2015 750,394 131,239 881,633 (11,283) (54,063) (75,952) (448,752) 291,583 (18,906) Issue of share capital 158,740 55,556 214,296 — — — — 214,296 — Capital from NCI — — — — — — — — 340 340 Equity issuance costs — — — (410) — — — (410) — — — — — — — — NCI buy-out liability 23 (366) (366) Comprehensive loss: — — — — — — Loss for the period (106,126) (106,126) (17,870) Other comprehensive — — — — — — (loss)/gain (1,330) (1,330) 114 — — — — — Total comprehensive loss (1,330) (106,126) (107,456) (17,756) Year ended 31 December 2016 909,134 186,795 1,095,929 (11,693) (54,429) (77,282) (554,878) 397,647 (36,322) 361,325 — — — — — Issue of share capital 20 156 176 176 — — — — — — — Share issue costs (1,085) (1,085) — — — — — — Acquisition of NCI (36,658) (36,658) 50,156 13,498 Premium on acquisition of — — — — — — — NCI (13,498) (13,498) — — — — — — — NCI buy-out liability 23 (54,429) (54,429) Comprehensive loss: Loss for the period — — — — — — (92,817) (92,817) (14,617) Other comprehensive (loss)/ gain — — — — — (2,167) — (2,167) 783 — — — — — Total comprehensive loss (2,167) (92,817) (94,984) (13,834) Year ended 31 December — — 2017 909,154 186,951 1,096,105 (12,778) (79,449) (752,280) 251,598 Effects of transition to — — — — — — — IFRS 9 (3,732) (3,732) Comprehensive loss: Loss for the period — — — — — — (123,947) (123,947) — Other comprehensive loss — — — — — (2,214) — (2,214) — Total comprehensive loss — — — — — (2,214) (123,947) (126,161) — (126,161) Year ended 31 December 2018 909,154 186,951 1,096,105 (12,778) — (81,663) (879,959) 121,705 — Comprehensive loss: Loss for the period — — — — — — (22,307) (22,307) (184) Other comprehensive (loss)/ — — — — — — gain 1,236 1,236 (12) Total comprehensive loss — — — — — 1,236 (22,307) (21,071) (196) Period ended 30 June |
Note | Share capital |
Share premium |
Stated capital |
Other reserves |
NCI buy-out reserves |
Translation reserves |
Accumulated losses |
Attributable to the owners of the Company |
NCI Total equity | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 272,677 214,296 |
||||||||||||
| (410) (366) |
||||||||||||
| (123,996) (1,216) |
||||||||||||
| (125,212) | ||||||||||||
| 176 (1,085) |
||||||||||||
| (13,498) | ||||||||||||
| — (107,434) |
||||||||||||
| (1,384) | ||||||||||||
| (108,818) | ||||||||||||
| 251,598 | ||||||||||||
| (3,732) | ||||||||||||
| (123,947) (2,214) |
||||||||||||
| 121,705 | ||||||||||||
| (22,491) | ||||||||||||
| 1,224 | ||||||||||||
| 2019 | 909,154 | 186,951 | 1,096,105 | (12,778) | — | (80,427) | (902,266) | 100,634 | (196) | (21,267) 100,438 |
Other reserves relate to the costs incurred in issuing equity. These costs include registration and other regulatory fees, amounts paid to legal, accounting and other professional advisors.
Non-controlling interest ("NCI") buy-out reserves are fair value adjustments which arose when options were granted to Vodacom to exchange shares in Helios Towers Tanzania Limited for shares in Helios Towers, Ltd. The option expired in October 2017 when the Vodacom shares were acquired by Helios Towers Holdings Limited. See Note 23.
Translation reserves relate to the translation of the financial statements of overseas subsidiaries in to the Historical Financial Information.
During 2018, the Group transitioned to IFRS 9: Financial Instruments, with the effect of transition shown as at 1 January 2018. More detail is disclosed in Note 1.
| Year ended 31 December | Six months ended 30 June |
||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Note | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2018 | 2019 | ||
| (unaudited) | |||||||
| Cash flows from operating activities | (US\$ in thousands) | ||||||
| Loss before tax | (114,596) | (104,227) | (119,578) | (81,237) | (18,708) | ||
| Adjustments for: | |||||||
| Other gains and losses | 23 | 6,682 | (21,797) | 16,831 | 24,097 | (24,276) | |
| Finance costs | 8 | 73,268 | 102,757 | 107,005 | 55,516 | 56,351 | |
| Interest receivable | (216) | (706) | (951) | (464) | (713) | ||
| Depreciation and amortisation | 10,11 | 129,455 | 148,926 | 141,328 | 68,860 | 73,788 | |
| Loss on disposal of property, plant and | |||||||
| equipment | 3,761 | 2,018 | 5,835 | 6 | 5,367 | ||
| Movement in working capital: | |||||||
| Decrease/(increase) in inventories | 387 | (2,548) | (1,004) | 22 | 514 | ||
| (Increase)/decrease in trade and other | |||||||
| receivables | (46,534) | 7,632 | 9,332 | (19,986) | (25,676) | ||
| (Increase)/decrease in prepayments | (5,422) | 5,968 | (3,841) | (2,821) | (13,070) | ||
| Increase/(decrease) in trade and other | |||||||
| payables | 20,780 | (27,567) | (21,198) | 9,577 | (9,950) | ||
| Cash generated by operations | 67,565 | 110,456 | 133,759 | 53,570 | 43,627 | ||
| Interest paid | (41,626) | (51,633) | (69,875) | (37,371) | (36,291) | ||
| Tax paid | (635) | (1,251) | (2,941) | — | (1,226) | ||
| Net cash generated by operating activities |
25,304 | 57,572 | 60,943 | 16,199 | 6,110 | ||
| Cash flows from investing activities | |||||||
| Payments to acquire property, plant and | |||||||
| equipment | (273,766) | (166,711) | (103,000) | (56,407) | (42,045) | ||
| Payment to acquire intangible assets | (22,411) | (3,857) | (3,158) | (1,922) | (512) | ||
| Acquisition of business net of cash | |||||||
| acquired | — | — | — | — | (10,581) | ||
| Proceeds on disposal of assets | 114 | 249 | 138 | — | 106 | ||
| Interest received | 216 | 704 | 951 | 464 | 713 | ||
| Net cash used in investing activities | (295,847) | (169,615) | (105,069) | (57,865) | (52,319) | ||
| Cash flows from financing activities | |||||||
| Gross proceeds from issue of equity | |||||||
| share capital | 184,297 | 163 | — | — | — | ||
| Loan financing costs | (8,922) | (24,079) | — | — | — | ||
| Equity issuance costs | (410) | — | — | — | — | ||
| Payments for buyback of shares | — | (58,556) | — | — | — | ||
| Repayment of lease liabilities | (8,353) | (11,675) | (10,422) | (3,673) | (2,616) | ||
| Loan drawdowns | 173,612 | 600,000 | 25,000 | — | 50,000 | ||
| Loan repayments | (23,485) | (407,983) | — | — | — | ||
| Net cash generated from / (used in) | |||||||
| financing activities | 316,739 | 97,870 | 14,578 | (3,673) | 47,384 | ||
| Net increase/(decrease) in cash and cash | |||||||
| equivalents | 46,196 | (14,173) | (29,548) | (45,339) | 1,175 | ||
| Foreign exchange on translation | |||||||
| movement | (749) | 136 | (1,165) | (404) | (397) | ||
| Cash and cash equivalents at the | |||||||
| beginning of period | 88,290 | 133,737 | 119,700 | 119,700 | 88,987 | ||
| Cash and cash equivalents at end of | |||||||
| period | 133,737 | 119,700 | 88,987 | 73,957 | 89,765 | ||
Helios Towers, Ltd ("HT Ltd") is a limited company incorporated and domiciled in the Republic of Mauritius.
The Historical Financial Information has been prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards issued by the International Accounting Standards Board ("IASB") as adopted by the European Union ("IFRS"). The Group (as defined below) holds a Category 2 Global Business Licence issued by the Financial Services Commission of Mauritius ("FSC"). The principal accounting policies adopted by the Group are set out in Note 1. The Historical Financial Information has been authorised on 12 September 2019.
The consolidated historical financial information is prepared on the going concern basis using the historical cost as modified by the revaluation of certain financial assets and liabilities. Historical cost is generally based on the fair value of the consideration given in exchange for goods and services. The consolidated historical financial information is presented in United States Dollars (US\$).
Fair value is the price that would be received to sell an asset or paid to transfer a liability in an orderly transaction between market participants at the measurement date, regardless of whether that price is directly observable or estimated using another valuation technique. In estimating the fair value of an asset or a liability, the Group takes into account the characteristics of the asset or liability if market participants would take those characteristics into account when pricing the asset or liability at the measurement date. Fair value for measurement and/or disclosure purposes in this Historical Financial Information is determined on such a basis and measurements that have some similarities to fair value but are not fair value, such as net realisable value in IAS 2 or value in use in IAS 36.
In addition, for financial reporting purposes, fair value measurements are categorised into Level 1, 2 or 3 based on the degree to which the inputs to the fair value measurements are observable and the significance of the inputs to the fair value measurement in its entirety, which are described as follows:
The principal accounting policies adopted are set out below.
The Historical Financial Information incorporates the financial information of the Company (Helios Towers, Ltd) and entities controlled by the Company (its subsidiaries) (together the "Group") as disclosed in Note 12. Control is achieved when the Group:
The Group assess whether or not it controls an investee if facts and circumstances indicate that there are changes to one or more of the three elements of control listed above.
Consolidation of a subsidiary begins when the Group obtains control over the subsidiary and ceases when the Group loses control of the subsidiary. Specifically, the results of subsidiaries acquired or disposed of during the year are included in the consolidated statement of profit and loss and other comprehensive income from the date the Group gains control until the date when the Group ceases to control the subsidiary.
Profit or loss and each component of other comprehensive income are attributed to owners of the Group and to the NCIs. Total comprehensive income of the subsidiaries is attributed to the owners of the Group and to the NCIs even if this results in the NCIs having a deficit balance.
Where necessary, adjustments are made to the financial statements of subsidiaries to bring the accounting policies used into line with the Group's accounting policies.
All intragroup assets and liabilities, equity, income, expenses and cash flows relating to transactions between the members of the Group are eliminated on consolidation.
NCIs in subsidiaries are identified separately from the Group's equity therein. Those interests of noncontrolling shareholders that are present ownership interests entitling their holders to a proportionate share of net assets upon liquidation may initially be measured at fair value or at the non-controlling interests' proportionate share of the fair value of the acquiree's identifiable net assets. The choice of measurement is made on an acquisition-by-acquisition basis. Other NCIs are initially measured at fair value. Subsequent to acquisition, the carrying amount of NCIs is the amount of those interests at initial recognition plus the NCIs' share of subsequent changes in equity.
Changes in the Group's interests in subsidiaries that do not result in a loss of control are accounted for as equity transactions. The carrying amount of the Group's interests and the NCIs are adjusted to reflect the changes in their relative interests in the subsidiaries. Any difference between the amount by which the NCIs are adjusted and the fair value of the consideration paid or received is recognised directly in equity and attributed to the owners of the Group.
The Directors believe that the Group is well placed to manage its business risks successfully, despite the current uncertain economic outlook in the wider economy. The Group's forecasts and projections, taking account of reasonably possible changes in trading performance, show that the Group should be able to operate within the level of its current committed facilities. The Directors consider it appropriate to adopt the going concern basis of preparation for the Historical Financial Information.
As part of their regular assessment of the Group's working capital and financing position, the Directors have prepared a detailed trading and cash flow forecast for a period which covers at least 12 months after the date of approval of the Historical Financial Information. In assessing the forecast, the directors have considered:
The Directors have acknowledged the latest guidance on going concern. Management have considered the latest forecasts available to them and additional sensitivity analysis has been prepared to consider any reduction in anticipated levels of Adjusted EBITDA and operating profit.
Business combinations are accounted for using the acquisition method. The consideration transferred in a business combination is measured at fair value, which is calculated as the sum of the acquisitiondate fair values of assets transferred by the Group, liabilities incurred by the Group to the former owners of the acquiree and the equity interest issued by the Group in exchange for control of the acquiree. The identifiable assets, liabilities and contingent liabilities ("identifiable net assets") are recognised at their fair value at the date of acquisition. Acquisition-related costs are expensed as incurred and included in administrative expenses.
At the acquisition date, the identifiable assets acquired and the liabilities assumed are recognised at their fair value at the acquisition date, except that:
When the Group acquires a business, it assesses the financial assets and liabilities assumed for appropriate classification and designation in accordance with the contractual terms, economic circumstances and pertinent conditions as at the acquisition date.
Goodwill is initially measured at cost, being the excess of the aggregate of the consideration transferred, the amount of any NCI in the acquire, and the fair value of the acquirer's previously held equity interest in the acquire (if any) over the net of the fair values of acquired assets and liabilities assumed. If the fair value of the net assets acquired is in excess of the aggregate consideration transferred, the gain is recognised in profit or loss. Goodwill is capitalised as an intangible asset with any impairment in carrying value being charged to the consolidated statement of profit or loss.
If the initial accounting for a business combination is incomplete by the end of the reporting period in which the combination occurs, the Group reports provisional amounts for the items for which the accounting is incomplete. Those provisional amounts are adjusted during the measurement period (a period of no more than 12 months), or additional assets or liabilities are recognised, to reflect new information obtained about facts and circumstances that existed as of the acquisition date that, if known, would have affected the amounts recognised as of that date.
When the consideration transferred by the Group in a business combination includes a contingent consideration arrangement, the contingent consideration is measured at its acquisition date fair value and included as part of the consideration transferred in a business combination. Changes in fair value of the contingent consideration that qualify as measurement period adjustments are adjusted retrospectively, with corresponding adjustments against goodwill. The carrying value of contingent consideration is the present value of those cash flows (when the effect of the time value of money is material).
Measurement period adjustments are adjustments that arise from additional information obtained during the "measurement period" (which cannot exceed one year from the acquisition date) about facts and circumstances that existed at the acquisition date. Subsequently, changes in the fair value of the contingent consideration that do not qualify as measurement period adjustments are recognised in profit or loss, when contingent consideration amounts are remeasured to fair value at subsequent reporting dates.
After initial recognition, goodwill is measured at cost less any accumulated impairment losses. For the purpose of impairment testing, goodwill acquired in a business combination is, from the acquisition date, allocated to the cash- generating units ("CGU") that are expected to benefit from the combination, irrespective of whether other assets or liabilities of the acquiree are assigned to those units.
CGUs to which goodwill has been allocated are tested for impairment annually, or more frequently when there is an indication that the unit may be impaired. If the recoverable amount of the CGU is less than its carrying amount, the impairment loss is allocated first to reduce the carrying amount of any goodwill allocated to the unit and then to the other assets of the unit pro-rata based on the carrying amount of each asset in the unit. Any impairment loss is recognised directly in profit or loss. An impairment loss recognised for goodwill is not able to be reversed in subsequent periods.
On disposal of the relevant CGU, the attributable amount of goodwill is included in the determination of the profit or loss on disposal.
In the year ended 31 December 2018, the Group has applied IFRS 9 Financial Instruments (as revised in July 2014) and the related consequential amendments to IFRS 7 Financial Instruments: Disclosures. The transition provisions of IFRS 9 allow an entity not to restate comparatives. The group adopted this modified retrospective approach on 1 January 2018. The impact of adoption of IFRS 9 on 1 January 2018 is to increase the Accumulated losses balance from US\$752.2 million as previously stated to US\$756.0 million. The US\$3.7 million increase in Accumulated losses resulted entirely from a change in the measurement attribute of the loss allowance relating to trade receivables.
IFRS 9 introduced new requirements for:
Details of these new requirements, as well as their impact on the Historical Financial Information, are described below. The Group has applied IFRS 9 in accordance with the transition provisions set out in IFRS 9.
The date of initial application (i.e. the date on which the Group has assessed its existing financial assets and financial liabilities in terms of the requirements of IFRS 9) is 1 January 2018. Accordingly, the Group has applied the requirements of IFRS 9 to instruments that continue to be recognised as at 1 January 2018 and has not applied the requirements to instruments that have already been derecognised as at 1 January 2018.
All recognised financial assets that are within the scope of IFRS 9 are required to be measured subsequently at amortised cost or fair value on the basis of the entity's business model for managing the financial assets and the contractual cash flow characteristics of the financial assets.
Specifically:
None of the other reclassifications of financial assets (from amortised cost, to FVTPL and FVTOCI) have had any impact on the Group's financial position, profit or loss, other comprehensive income or total comprehensive income in either year.
In relation to the impairment of financial assets, IFRS 9 requires an expected credit loss model as opposed to an incurred credit loss model under IAS 39. The expected credit loss model requires the Group to account for expected credit losses and changes in those expected credit losses at each reporting date to reflect changes in credit risk since initial recognition of the financial assets. In other words, it is no longer necessary for a credit event to have occurred before credit losses are recognised.
Specifically, IFRS 9 requires the Group to recognise a loss allowance for expected credit losses on:
In particular, IFRS 9 requires the Group to measure the loss allowance for a financial instrument at an amount equal to the lifetime ECLs if the credit risk on that financial instrument has increased significantly since initial recognition, or if the financial instrument is a purchased or originated creditimpaired financial asset. However, if the credit risk on a financial instrument has not increased significantly since initial recognition (except for a purchased or originated credit-impaired financial asset), the Group is required to measure the loss allowance for that financial instrument at an amount equal to 12-months ECL. IFRS 9 also requires a simplified approach for measuring the loss allowance at an amount equal to lifetime ECL for trade receivables, contract assets and lease receivables in certain circumstances.
The consequential amendments to IFRS 7 have also resulted in more extensive disclosures about the Group's exposure to credit risk in the Historical Financial Information. See Note 24 for further information.
A significant change introduced by IFRS 9 in the classification and measurement of financial liabilities relates to the accounting for changes in the fair value of a financial liability designated as at FVTPL attributable to changes in the credit risk of the issuer.
Specifically, IFRS 9 requires that the changes in the fair value of the financial liability that is attributable to changes in the credit risk of that liability be presented in other comprehensive income, unless the recognition of the effects of changes in the liability's credit risk in other comprehensive income would create or enlarge an accounting mismatch in profit or loss. Changes in fair value attributable to a financial liability's credit risk are not subsequently reclassified to profit or loss, but are instead transferred to retained earnings when the financial liability is derecognised. Previously, under IAS 39, the entire amount of the change in the fair value of the financial liability designated as at FVTPL was presented in profit or loss. There is no impact from this change on the Historical Financial Information.
There were no financial assets or financial liabilities which the Group had previously designated as at FVTPL under IAS 39 that were subject to reclassification or which the Group has elected to reclassify upon the application of IFRS 9. There were no additional financial assets or financial liabilities which the Group has elected to designate as FVTPL at the date of initial application of IFRS 9.
The application of IFRS 9 has had no impact on the consolidated cash flows of the Group.
The Group recognises revenue from the rendering of tower services provided by utilisation of the Group's tower infrastructure pursuant to written contracts with its customers. Revenue is measured at the fair value of the consideration received or receivable and represents amounts receivable for services provided in the normal course of business, VAT and other sales-related taxes. Revenue is reduced for estimated and agreed liquidated damages resulting from failure to meet the agreed service performance levels set out in the contract.
The Group provides tower and related services for the utilisation of its tower infrastructure to mobile and other telecommunication operators. Revenue includes fees for the provision of tower infrastructure, power escalations and tower service contracts. These services are recognised as the performance obligation is satisfied over time.
Customers are usually billed in advance creating a contract liability which is then recognised as the performance obligation is met over a straight-line basis. Revenue related to power escalations is recognised when the escalation is calculated in accordance with the contractual terms.
Though multiple performance obligations arise as a result of the provision of these services, the Group considers it reasonable to combine the provision of these tower services into a single performance obligation as this does not impact the ultimate pattern of revenue recognition as they are all recognised over time.
IFRS 15 uses the terms 'contract asset' and 'contract liability' to describe what might more commonly be known as 'accrued income' and 'deferred income', however the Standard does not prohibit an entity from using alternative descriptions in the statement of financial position. The Group has not adopted the terminology used in IFRS 15 to describe such balances.
The Group holds leases primarily on land, buildings and motor vehicles used in the ordinary course of business. Based on the accounting policy applied the Group recognises a right-of-use asset and a lease liability at the commencement date of the contract for all leases conveying the right to control the use of an identified asset for a period of time. The commencement date is the date on which a lessor makes an underlying asset available for use by a lessee.
The right-of-use assets are initially measured at cost, which comprises:
After the commencement date the right-of-use assets are measured at cost less any accumulated depreciation and any accumulated impairment losses and adjusted for any re-measurement of the lease liability.
The Group depreciates the right-of-use asset from the commencement date to the end of the lease term.
The lease liability is initially measured at the present value of the lease payments that are not paid at that date.
These include:
Variable lease payments not included in the initial measurement of the lease liability are recognised in the consolidated statement of profit or loss and other comprehensive income as they arise.
The lease payments are discounted using the incremental borrowing rate at the commencement of the lease contract or modification. Generally it is not possible to determine the interest rate implicit in the land and building leases. The incremental borrowing rate is estimated taking account of the economic environment of the lease, the currency of the lease and the lease term. The lease term determined by the Group comprises:
After the commencement date the Group measures the lease liability by:
Interest expense is recognised as interest accrues, using the effective interest method, to the net carrying amount of the financial liability. The effective interest method is a method of calculating the amortised cost of a financial asset/financial liability and of allocating interest income/interest expense over the relevant period. The effective interest rate is the rate that exactly discounts estimated future cash receipts/payments through the expected life of the financial assets/financial liabilities, or, where appropriate, a shorter period.
Payments to defined contribution retirement benefit schemes are recognised as an expense when employees have rendered service entitling them to the contributions. Payments made to state-managed retirement benefit schemes are dealt with as payments to defined contribution schemes where the Group's obligations under the schemes are equivalent to those arising in a defined contribution retirement benefit scheme.
The tax expense represents the sum of the tax currently payable and deferred tax.
The tax currently payable is based on taxable profit for the year. Taxable profit differs from net profit as reported in the profit or loss because it excludes items of income or expense that are taxable or deductible in other years and it further excludes items that are never taxable or deductible. The Group's liability for current tax is calculated using tax rates that have been enacted or substantively enacted by the reporting date.
Deferred tax is the tax expected to be payable or recoverable on differences between the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities in the Historical Financial Information and the corresponding tax bases used in the computation of taxable profit, and is accounted for using the balance sheet liability method. Deferred tax liabilities are generally recognised for all taxable temporary differences and deferred tax assets are recognised to the extent that it is probable that taxable profits will be available against which deductible temporary differences can be utilised. Such assets and liabilities are not recognised if the temporary difference arises from the initial recognition of goodwill or from the initial recognition (other than in a business combination) of other assets and liabilities in a transaction that affects neither the taxable profit nor the accounting profit.
Deferred tax liabilities are recognised for taxable temporary differences arising on investments in subsidiaries, except where the Group is able to control the reversal of the temporary difference and it is probable that the temporary difference will not reverse in the foreseeable future. Deferred tax assets arising from deductible temporary differences associated with such investments and interests are only recognised to the extent that it is probable that there will be sufficient taxable profits against which to utilise the benefits of the temporary differences and they are expected to reverse in the foreseeable future.
The carrying amount of deferred tax assets is reviewed at each reporting date and reduced to the extent that it is no longer probable that sufficient taxable profits will be available to allow all or part of the asset to be recovered.
Deferred tax is calculated at the tax rates that are expected to apply in the period when the liability is settled or the asset is realised based on tax laws and rates that have been enacted or substantively enacted at the reporting date. Deferred tax is charged or credited in the profit or loss, except when it relates to items charged or credited in other comprehensive income, in which case the deferred tax is also dealt with in other comprehensive income.
The measurement of deferred tax liabilities and assets reflects the tax consequences that would follow from the manner in which the Group expects, at the end of the reporting period, to recover or settle the carrying amount of its assets and liabilities.
Deferred tax assets and liabilities are offset when there is a legally enforceable right to set off current tax assets against current tax liabilities and when they relate to income taxes levied by the same taxation authority and the Group intends to settle its current tax assets and liabilities on a net basis.
Current and deferred tax are recognised in profit or loss, except when they relate to items that are recognised in other comprehensive income or directly in equity, in which case, the current and deferred tax are also recognised in other comprehensive income or directly in equity respectively.
For the purpose of the Historical Financial Information, the financial information is expressed in United States Dollars (US\$), which is the functional currency of the Group.
In preparing the Historical Financial Information, transactions in currencies other than the entity's functional currency (foreign currencies) are recognised at the rates of exchange prevailing on the dates of the transactions. At each reporting date, monetary assets and liabilities that are denominated in foreign currencies are retranslated at the rates prevailing at that date. Non-monetary items carried at fair value that are denominated in foreign currencies are translated at the rates prevailing at the date when the fair value was determined. Non-monetary items that are measured in terms of historical cost in a foreign currency are not retranslated.
For the purpose of presenting Historical Financial Information, the assets and liabilities of the Group's foreign operations are translated at exchange rates prevailing on the reporting date. Income and expense items are translated at the average exchange rates for the period, unless exchange rates fluctuate significantly during that period, in which case the exchange rates at the date of transactions are used. Exchange differences arising, if any, are recognised in other comprehensive income and accumulated in a separate component of equity (attributed to NCIs as appropriate).
On the disposal of a foreign operation (i.e. a disposal of the Group's entire interest in a foreign operation, or a disposal involving loss of control over a subsidiary that includes a foreign operation, or a partial disposal of an interest in a joint arrangement or an associate that includes a foreign operation of which the retained interest become a financial assets), all of the exchange differences accumulated in a separate component of equity in respect of that operation attributable to the owners of the Company are reclassified to profit or loss.
In addition, in relation to a partial disposal of a subsidiary that includes a foreign operation that does not result in the Group losing control over the subsidiary, the proportionate share of accumulated exchange differences are re-attributed to NCIs and are not recognised in profit or loss. For all other partial disposals (i.e. partial disposals of associates or joint arrangements that do not result in the Group losing significant influence or joint control), the proportionate share of the accumulated exchange differences is reclassified to profit or loss.
Items of property, plant and equipment are stated at cost of acquisition or production cost less accumulated depreciation and impairment losses, if any.
Assets in the course of construction for production, supply or administrative purposes, are carried at cost, less any recognised impairment loss. Cost includes material and labour and professional fees in accordance with the Group's accounting policy. Depreciation of these assets, on the same basis as other assets, commences when the assets are ready for their intended use.
Freehold land is not depreciated.
Depreciation is charged so as to write off the cost of assets over their estimated useful lives, using the straight-line method, on the following bases:
| Site Assets – Towers | Up to 15 years |
|---|---|
| Site Assets – Generators | 8 years |
| Site Assets – Plant & Machinery | 3-5 years |
| Fixtures and Fittings | 3 years |
| IT Equipment | 3 years |
| Motor Vehicles | 5 years |
| Leasehold Improvement | 10 years |
Directly attributable costs of acquiring tower assets are capitalised together with the towers acquired and depreciated over a period of up to 15 years in line with the assets.
An item of property, plant and equipment is derecognised upon disposal or when no future economic benefits are expected to arise from continued use of the asset. Any gain or loss arising on disposal or retirement of an item of property, plant and equipment is determined as the difference between the sale proceeds and the carrying amount of the asset and is recognised in profit and loss.
Contract acquired related intangible assets with finite useful lives are carried at cost less accumulated amortisation and accumulated impairment losses. They are amortised on a straight-line basis over the life of the contract. Other intangible assets are subsequently amortised on a straight-line basis over their estimated lives of three to ten years.
Intangible assets acquired in a business combination and recognised separately from goodwill are recognised initially at their fair value at the acquisition date (which is regarded as their cost). Subsequent to initial recognition, intangible assets acquired in a business combination are reported at cost less accumulated amortisation and accumulated impairment losses, on the same basis as intangible assets that are acquired separately.
An intangible asset is derecognised on disposal, or when no future economic benefits are expected from use or disposal. Gains or losses arising from derecognition of an intangible asset, measured as the difference between the net disposal proceeds and the carrying amount of the asset, are recognised in profit or loss when the asset is derecognised.
At each reporting date, the Group reviews the carrying amounts of its tangible and intangible assets to determine whether there is any indication that those assets have suffered an impairment loss. If any such indication exists, the recoverable amount of the asset is estimated to determine the extent of the impairment loss (if any). Where the asset does not generate cash flows that are independent from other assets, the Group estimates the recoverable amount of the cash-generating unit to which the asset belongs. The recoverable amount is the higher of fair value less costs to sell and value in use. In assessing value in use, the estimated future cash flows are discounted to their present value using a pre-tax discount rate that reflects current market assessments of the time value of money and the risks specific to the asset for which the estimates of future cash flows have not been adjusted.
If the recoverable amount of an asset (or cash-generating unit) is estimated to be less than its carrying amount, the carrying amount of the asset (or cash-generating unit) is reduced to its recoverable amount. An impairment loss is recognised immediately in the consolidated statement of profit or loss and other comprehensive income.
Inventories are stated at the lower of cost and net realisable value. Cost comprises direct materials and those overheads that have been incurred in bringing the inventories to their present location and condition. Cost is calculated using the weighted average method.
Trade receivables are recognised by the Group at original invoice amount less an allowance for any non-collectible or impaired amounts. The Group has adopted the simplified credit loss model as permitted by IFRS 9 for the trade receivables.
Trade receivables are recognised by the Group and carried at original invoice amount less an allowance for any non-collectible or impaired amounts.
An estimate for doubtful debts is made when collection of the full amount is no longer probable. Bad debts are written off when they are deemed to be non-collectable.
Other receivables are initially recognised at fair value. Subsequent measurement is at amortised cost using the effective interest method, less any impairment.
Cash and cash equivalents comprise cash at bank and in hand and short-term deposits. Short term deposits are defined as deposits with an initial maturity of three months or less.
Bank overdrafts that are repayable on demand and form an integral part of the Group's cash management are included as a component of cash and cash equivalents for the purposes of the statement of cash flows.
Short-term debtors and creditors are treated as financial assets or liabilities. The Group does not trade in financial instruments. The Group enters into derivative financial instruments to manage its exposure to interest rate risk, using interest rate swaps.
Derivatives are initially recognised at fair value at the date a derivative contract is entered into and are subsequently remeasured to their fair value at each reporting date. The resulting gain or loss is recognised in profit or loss immediately.
A derivative with a positive fair value is recognised as a financial asset whereas a derivative with a negative fair value is recognised as a financial liability. A derivative is presented as a non-current asset or a non-current liability if the remaining maturity of the instrument is more than 12 months and it is not expected to be realised or settled within 12 months. Other derivatives are presented as current assets or current liabilities.
Derivatives embedded in other financial instruments or other host contracts are treated as separate derivatives when their risks and characteristics are not closely related to those of the host contracts and the host contracts are not measured at fair value through profit or loss. Embedded derivatives are disclosed in Note 24.
Other financial liabilities, including loans, are initially measured at fair value, net of transaction costs.
Other financial liabilities are subsequently measured at amortised cost using the effective interest method, with interest expense recognised on an effective yield basis.
The Group derecognises financial liabilities when, and only when, the Group's obligations are discharged, cancelled or have expired. The difference between the carrying amount of the financial liability derecognised and the consideration paid and payable is recognised in profit or loss.
For the purpose of the Historical Financial Information, parties are considered to be related to the Group if they have the ability, directly or indirectly to control the Group or exercise significant influence over the Group in making financial or operating decisions, or vice-versa, or where the Group is subject to common control or common significant influence. Related parties may be individuals or other entities.
NCI is the portion of equity ownership in subsidiaries not attributable to the Helios Towers, Ltd. Up to October 2017, Helios Towers, Ltd held a 75.9 per cent. controlling interest in Helios Towers Tanzania Ltd, a company incorporated in the Republic of Tanzania, and consolidated the subsidiaries' financial results. In October 2017, the option to acquire the NCI expired and Helios Group took full control of Helios Towers Tanzania Ltd.
Deferred income is recognised when payments are received from customers in advance of services being provided. The Group policy is to bill customers in advance, thus creating deferred income. The deferred income is included as a current liability within trade and other payables.
The Group has adopted all of the new and revised Standards and Interpretations issued by the IASB and International Financial Reporting Interpretations Committee ("IFRIC") of the IASB that are relevant to its operations and effective for accounting periods covered by the Historical Financial Information periods. IFRS 15: Revenue from contracts with customers, and IFRS 16: Leases have been adopted on a fully retrospective basis covering the whole of the Historical Financial Information period.
At the date of authorisation of the Historical Financial Information, the following new and revised IFRS Standards, which are applicable to the Company, were issued but are not yet effective:
| Amendments to IFRS 9 | Prepayment Features with Negative Compensation |
|---|---|
| Annual Improvements to IFRS Standards 2015–2017 Cycle |
Amendments to IFRS 3 Business Combinations, IFRS 11 Joint Arrangements, IAS 12 Income Taxes and IAS 23 Borrowing Costs |
| Amendments to IAS 19 Employee Benefits | Plan Amendment, Curtailment or Settlement |
The directors do not expect that the adoption of the Standards listed above will have a material impact on the Historical Financial Information of the Group in future periods.
In the application of the Group's accounting policies, which are described above, the directors are required to make judgements (other than those involving estimations) that have a significant impact on the amounts recognised and to make estimates and assumptions about the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities that are not readily apparent from other sources. The estimates and associated assumptions are based on historical experience and other factors that are considered to be relevant. Actual results may differ from these estimates.
The estimates and underlying assumptions are reviewed on an ongoing basis. Revisions to accounting estimates are recognised in the period in which the estimate is revised if the revision affects only that period or in the period of the revision and future periods if the revision affects both current and future periods.
The following are the critical judgements, apart from those involving estimations, that the Directors have made in the process of applying the accounting policies and that have the most significant effect on the amounts recognised in the Historical Financial Information.
Revenue is recognised as service revenue in accordance with IFRS 15: Revenue from contracts with customers. In arriving at this assessment the Directors concluded that there is not an embedded lease because its contracts permit it, subject to certain conditions, to relocate customer's equipment on its towers in order to accommodate other tenants and therefore the contract does not provide the customer with the right to a specific location on the tower.
From time to time, the Group acquires a portfolio of towers, comprising the tower infrastructure and other associated assets. The Directors assess each acquisition on the basis of its purchase agreement and the substance of the transaction to determine if it is considered to be a business combination in accordance with IFRS 3. When the Group concludes that such portfolio acquisitions do not meet the definition of a business under IFRS 3 since they do not represent integrated sets of activities and assets that are capable of being conducted and managed independently, they are accounted for as an asset acquisition under IAS 16. Accordingly, no goodwill is recognised on these types of transactions and the costs incurred are capitalised as part of the costs of acquisition of the towers.
The key assumptions concerning the future, and other key sources of estimation uncertainty at the reporting date, that have a significant risk of causing a material adjustment to the carrying amounts of assets and liabilities within the next financial year, are discussed below.
Determining whether goodwill is impaired requires an estimation of the recoverable amount being the value in use or fair value less costs of disposal of the cash-generating units to which goodwill has been allocated. The value in use calculation requires the entity to estimate the future cash flows expected to arise from the cash-generating unit and a suitable discount rate in order to calculate present value.
The recoverable amount of each cash generating unit is determined based on a value in use calculation using cash flow projections for the next ten years from financial budgets approved by senior management as this period matches the typical customer contract period for tower management.
Derivative financial instruments are held at fair value through profit and loss. In estimating the fair value of an asset or a liability, the Group uses market-observable data to the extent it is available. Where Level 1 inputs are not available, the Group engages a third party qualified valuer to perform the valuation. Management works closely with the qualified external valuer to establish the appropriate valuation techniques and inputs to the model. Information about the valuation techniques and inputs used in determining the fair value of the derivative financial instrument is disclosed in Note 24.
The Group provides services to business customers on credit terms. Certain debts may not be recovered due to default of the Group's customers. The Group uses the IFRS 9 ECL simplified model to measure loss allowances at an amount equal to their lifetime expected credit loss. Further detail of the loss allowance calculation is given in Note 14.
Prior to the adoption of IFRS 9 on 1 January 2018, the Group provided for doubtful debts in accordance with IAS 39. Certain debts may not be recovered due to default of the Group's customers. Estimates, based on historical experience are used in determining the level of debt that the Group do not expect to be collected.
Contingent consideration arises when settlement of all or part of the cost of a business combination is dependent on an unknown future outcome. It is stated at the fair value. The estimated value of contingent consideration has been treated as part of the cost of investment. At each balance sheet date, contingent consideration comprises the fair value of the expected contingent consideration valued at acquisition.
Depreciation is charged to profit or loss in proportion to the timing of the benefits derived from the related asset from the date that the fixed assets are available for use over their estimated useful lives.
The following segmental information is presented in a consistent format with management information considered by the CEO of each operating segment, and the CEO and CFO of the Group, who are considered to be the chief operating decision makers (CODM). Operating segments are determined based on geographical location. All operating segments have the same business of operating and maintaining telecoms towers and renting space on such towers. Accounting policies are applied consistently for all operating segments. The segment operating result used by CODM is Adjusted EBITDA, which is defined in note 4. A new segment has been added from the period ended 30 June 2019, in relation to the acquisition of the South Africa business.
| (US\$ in thousands) Year ended 31 December 2016 |
— —% (14,834) |
|
|---|---|---|
| Revenue 34,393 122,301 102,171 23,642 — 282,507 |
282,507 | |
| Adjusted gross margin(1) 46% 52% 54% 62% — 53% |
53% | |
| Adjusted EBITDA(2) 11,072 51,308 46,671 10,944 — 119,995 |
105,161 | |
| — Adjusted EBITDA margin 32% 42% 46% 46% 42% |
—% | 37% |
| — Financing costs — Interest costs (2,374) (69,052) (21,534) (5,305) (98,265) |
34,793 | (63,472) |
| Foreign exchange | ||
| differences (3,029) (2,676) (1,177) (1,522) — (8,404) |
(1,392) | (9,796) |
| — (5,403) (71,728) (22,711) (6,827) (106,669) |
(33,401) | (73,268) |
| Year ended 31 December 2017 |
||
| — Revenue 40,144 141,230 140,156 23,427 344,957 |
— | 344,957 |
| Adjusted gross margin(1) — 56% 56% 55% 61% 56% |
— | 56% |
| Adjusted EBITDA(2) — 17,821 66,839 66,530 9,783 160,973 |
(15,011) | 145,962 |
| Adjusted EBITDA margin 44% 47% 47% 42% — 47% |
— | 42% |
| Financing costs Interest costs (4,528) (65,324) (51,053) (10,760) — (131,665) |
32,137 | (99,528) |
| Foreign exchange | ||
| — differences (4,470) (7,732) 9 6,117 (6,076) |
2,847 | (3,229) |
| (8,998) (73,056) (51,044) (4,643) — (137,741) |
34,984 | (102,757) |
| Year ended 31 December 2018 |
||
| Revenue 40,967 149,909 140,881 24,292 — 356,049 |
— | 356,049 |
| Adjusted gross margin(1) 66% 65% 60% 67% — 63% |
— | 63% |
| Adjusted EBITDA(2) 22,835 86,153 72,466 12,107 — 193,561 |
(15,958) | 177,603 |
| — Adjusted EBITDA margin 56% 57% 51% 50% 54% |
— | 50% |
| Financing costs | ||
| — Interest costs (5,087) (54,309) (47,275) (8,367) (115,038) |
26,062 | (88,976) |
| Foreign exchange differences (3,549) (11,300) — (3,305) — (18,154) |
125 | (18,029) |
| — (8,636) (65,609) (42,725) 11,672 (133,192) |
26,187 | (102,005) |
| Six months ended 30 June 2018 |
||
| (unaudited) — Revenue 21,521 74,296 70,130 12,181 178,128 |
— | 178,128 |
| Adjusted gross margin(1) — 63% 63% 59% 66% 61% |
— | 61% |
| Adjusted EBITDA(2) 11,299 41,367 35,428 5,891 — 93,985 |
(8,046) | 85,939 |
| Adjusted EBITDA margin 53% 56% 51% 48% — 53% |
— | 48% |
| Financing costs — |
||
| — Interest costs (2,290) (28,721) (23,287) (3,819) (58,117) |
14,783 | (43,334) |
| Foreign exchange | ||
| — differences (2,476) (7,890) 472 (2,244) (12,138) |
(44) | (12,182) |
| (4,766) (36,611) (22,815) (6,063) — (70,255) |
14,739 | (55,516) |
| Ghana | Tanzania | Democratic Republic of Congo |
Congo Brazzaville |
South Africa |
Total Operating companies |
Corporate | Total | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (US\$ in thousands) | ||||||||
| Six months ended | ||||||||
| 30 June 2019 | ||||||||
| Revenue | 19,668 | 80,500 | 77,753 | 12,334 | 426 | 190,681 | — | 190,681 |
| Adjusted gross margin(1) | 68% | 65% | 62% | 68% | 77% | 64% | — | 64% |
| Adjusted EBITDA(2) | 11,383 | 46,906 | 42,420 | 6,467 | (11) | 107,165 | (8,191) | 98,974 |
| Adjusted EBITDA margin | 58% | 58% | 55% | 52% | (3)% | 56% | — | 52% |
| Financing costs | ||||||||
| Interest costs | (3,348) | (29,062) | (24,034) | (4,442) | — | (60,886) | 12,490 | (48,396) |
| Foreign exchange | ||||||||
| differences | (4,182) | (2,629) | (575) | (430) | — | (7,816) | (139) | (7,955) |
| (7,530) | (31,691) | (24,609) | (4,872) | — | (67,702) | 12,351 | (56,351) | |
————— Notes:
(1) Adjusted gross margin means gross profit, adding back site and warehouse depreciation, divided by revenue.
(2) Adjusted EBITDA is defined and reconciled in Note 4.
| Ghana | Tanzania | Democratic Republic of Congo |
Congo Brazzaville |
South Africa | Total | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (US\$ in thousands) | ||||||
| Year ended 31 December 2016 | ||||||
| Power costs | 14,204 | 33,551 | 30,818 | 3,229 | — | 81,802 |
| Non-power costs | 4,204 | 24,628 | 15,702 | 5,755 | — | 50,289 |
| Total site operating expenses | 18,408 | 58,179 | 46,520 | 8,984 | — | 132,091 |
| Site and warehouse depreciation. | 6,314 | 48,933 | 38,593 | 9,936 | — | 103,776 |
| Total cost of sales | 24,722 | 107,112 | 85,113 | 18,920 | — | 235,867 |
| Year ended 31 December 2017 | ||||||
| Power costs | 13,291 | 35,413 | 42,330 | 2,722 | — | 93,756 |
| Non-power costs | 4,440 | 27,415 | 20,459 | 6,365 | — | 58,679 |
| Total site operating expenses | 17,731 | 62,828 | 62,789 | 9,087 | — | 152,435 |
| Site and warehouse depreciation. | 7,600 | 55,681 | 48,634 | 11,301 | — | 123,216 |
| Total cost of sales | 25,331 | 118,509 | 111,423 | 20,388 | — | 275,651 |
| Year ended 31 December 2018 | ||||||
| Power costs | 10,445 | 29,128 | 39,315 | 2,998 | — | 81,886 |
| Non-power costs | 3,638 | 23,491 | 17,658 | 5,083 | — | 49,870 |
| Total site operating expenses | 14,083 | 52,619 | 56,973 | 8,081 | — | 131,756 |
| Site and warehouse depreciation. | 7,816 | 54,788 | 50,156 | 11,332 | — | 124,092 |
| Total cost of sales | 21,899 | 107,407 | 107,129 | 19,413 | — | 255,848 |
| Six months ended 30 June 2018 (unaudited) |
||||||
| Power costs | 5,881 | 15,522 | 19,959 | 1,481 | — | 42,843 |
| Non-power costs | 2,050 | 12,316 | 9,182 | 2,665 | — | 26,213 |
| Total site operating expenses | 7,931 | 27,838 | 29,141 | 4,146 | — | 69,056 |
| Site and warehouse depreciation. | 3,660 | 26,775 | 25,643 | 5,756 | — | 61,834 |
| Total cost of sales | 11,591 | 54,613 | 54,784 | 9,902 | — | 130,890 |
| Six months ended 30 June 2019 | ||||||
| Power costs | 4,129 | 14,920 | 20,744 | 1,570 | 52 | 41,415 |
| Non-power costs | 2,229 | 13,465 | 8,628 | 2,396 | 47 | 26,765 |
| Total site operating expenses | 6,358 | 28,385 | 29,372 | 3,966 | 99 | 68,180 |
| Site and warehouse depreciation. | 3,825 | 27,354 | 28,019 | 5,235 | 102 | 64,535 |
| Total cost of sales | 10,183 | 55,739 | 57,391 | 9,201 | 201 | 132,715 |
| Year ended 31 December | Six months ended 30 June | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2018 | 2019 | ||||||
| (unaudited) | ||||||||||
| Capital additions |
Depreciation and Amortisation |
Capital additions |
Depreciation and Amortisation |
Capital additions |
Depreciation and Amortisation |
Capital additions |
Depreciation and Amortisation |
Capital additions |
Depreciation and Amortisation |
|
| (US\$ in thousands) | ||||||||||
| Ghana | 6,905 | 6,503 | 13,228 | 7,955 | 19,667 | 8,038 | 7,104 | 4,010 | 6,750 | 4,693 |
| Tanzania | 63,043 | 44,947 | 66,273 | 51,592 | 37,867 | 52,955 | 21,593 | 25,810 | 14,347 | 26,572 |
| Democratic | ||||||||||
| Republic of | ||||||||||
| Congo | 224,942 | 40,109 | 80,887 | 53,294 | 57,082 | 59,408 | 38,176 | 28,204 | 17,056 | 31,329 |
| Congo | ||||||||||
| Brazzaville | 8,343 | 10,238 | 10,209 | 11,651 | 4,031 | 11,791 | 2,549 | 5,926 | 3,767 | 5,752 |
| South Africa | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | 13,263 | 375 |
| Total operating | ||||||||||
| segments | 303,233 | 101,797 | 170,597 | 124,492 | 118,647 | 132,192 | 69,422 | 63,950 | 55,183 | 68,721 |
| Corporate | 30,000 | 16,997 | 142 | 13,210 | 382 | 375 | 1,029 | 82 | 93 | 1,190 |
| Total | 333,233 | 118,794 | 170,739 | 137,702 | 119,029 | 132,567 | 70,451 | 64,032 | 55,276 | 69,911 |
| Year ended 31 December | Six months ended 30 June | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2018 | 2019 | |
| Capital additions | |||||
| (unaudited) | |||||
| (US\$ in thousands) | |||||
| Ghana | 2,373 | 532 | 578 | 538 | 106 |
| Tanzania | 7,980 | 7,611 | 1,885 | 2,153 | 639 |
| Democratic Republic of Congo | 15,284 | 5,212 | 3,775 | 1,490 | 360 |
| Congo Brazzaville | 853 | 466 | 206 | 368 | 37 |
| South Africa | — | — | — | — | 3,773 |
| Total | 26,490 | 13,821 | 6,444 | 4,549 | 4,915 |
| Year ended 31 December | Six months ended 30 June | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2018 | 2019 | |
| Depreciation | |||||
| (unaudited) | |||||
| (US\$ in thousands) | |||||
| Ghana | 723 | 712 | 568 | 357 | 260 |
| Tanzania | 6,450 | 6,466 | 4,546 | 2,807 | 1,938 |
| Democratic Republic of Congo | 904 | 792 | 508 | 325 | 203 |
| Congo Brazzaville | 2,584 | 3,254 | 3,139 | 1,573 | 1,463 |
| South Africa | — | — | — | — | 13 |
| Total | 10,661 | 11,224 | 8,761 | 5,062 | 3,877 |
See additional IFRS 16 disclosures in Notes 11b and 20.
The segment operating result used by chief operating decision makers is Adjusted EBITDA.
Management defines Adjusted EBITDA as loss for the period, adjusted for tax expenses, finance costs, other gains and losses, interest receivable, loss on disposal of property, plant and equipment, amortisation of intangible assets, depreciation and impairment of property, plant and equipment, depreciation of right-of-use assets, recharged depreciation, deal costs for aborted acquisitions, deal costs not capitalised, share-based payments and long-term incentive plan charges, and exceptional items. Exceptional items are material items that are considered exceptional in nature by management by virtue of their size and/or incidence.
The Group believes that Adjusted EBITDA facilitates comparisons of operating performance from period to period and company to company by eliminating potential differences caused by variations in capital structures (affecting interest and finance charges), tax positions (such as the impact on periods or companies of changes in effective tax rates or net operating losses) and the age and booked depreciation on assets. The Group excludes certain items from Adjusted EBITDA, such as loss on disposal of property, plant and equipment, and exceptional and adjusting items because it believes they are not indicative of its underlying trading performance.
Adjusted EBITDA is reconciled to loss before tax as follows:
| Year ended 31 December | Six months ended 30 June | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2018 | 2019 | |
| (unaudited) | |||||
| (US\$ in thousands) | |||||
| Adjusted EBITDA | 105,161 | 145,962 | 177,603 | 85,939 | 98,974 |
| Adjustments applied to give Adjusted EBITDA | |||||
| Exceptional items: | |||||
| Restructuring costs(1) | (4,318) | (2,298) | — | — | — |
| Litigation costs(2) | — | (917) | (10,180) | (3,950) | — |
| Tanzanian IPO(3) | — | (1,481) | — | — | — |
| Exceptional project costs(4) | — | (9,780) | (14,655) | (14,655) | (3,121) |
| Share-based payments and long-term incentive | |||||
| plans | — | — | — | — | (1,646) |
| Deal costs for aborted acquisitions(5) | (1,414) | (3,306) | — | — | — |
| Deal costs not capitalised(6) | — | — | (1,493) | — | (2,398) |
| Loss on disposal of property, plant and equipment | (3,761) | (2,018) | (5,835) | (6) | (5,367) |
| Other gains and losses (Note 23) | (6,682) | 21,797 | (16,831) | (24,097) | 24,276 |
| Recharged depreciation(7) | (975) | (1,209) | (805) | (556) | — |
| Depreciation of property, plant and equipment | (96,829) | (115,924) | (124,194) | (59,651) | (65,169) |
| Depreciation of right-of-use assets | (10,661) | (11,224) | (8,761) | (5,062) | (3,877) |
| Amortisation of intangibles | (22,065) | (21,778) | (8,373) | (4,147) | (4,742) |
| Interest receivable | 216 | 706 | 951 | 464 | 713 |
| Finance costs | (73,268) | (102,757) | (107,005) | (55,516) | (56,351) |
| Loss before tax | (114,596) | (104,227) | (119,578) | (81,237) | (18,708) |
Notes:
—————
(2) Litigation costs relate to legal and settlement costs incurred in connection with a previously terminated equity transaction.
(3) Advisory and other costs relating to the Group's preparation for the IPO of HTT Infraco, the Group's primary operating subsidiary in Tanzania.
(4) Exceptional project costs are in relation to the exploration of strategic options for the Group including, but not limited to, a potential London Stock Exchange listing.
(5) Deal costs for aborted acquisitions, deal costs not capitalised. These mainly comprise professional fees and travel costs incurred while investigating potential acquisitions. Such costs are expensed when the potential acquisition does not proceed. Management has excluded such costs from Adjusted EBITDA on the basis that they are not representative of the trading performance of the Group's operations.
(6) Deal costs relating to the exploration of investment opportunities across Africa. Includes acquisition related costs relating to South Africa in the period ended 30 June 2019. Refer to Note 28 for further detail.
(7) Prior to the period ended 30 June 2019, the Group incurred costs charged to it through a service contract from Helios Towers Africa LLP. Management considers that the depreciation element of the charge should be removed from Adjusted EBITDA as it is depreciation in nature.
(1) Restructuring costs reflect specific actions taken by management to improve the Group's future profitability and mainly comprise the costs of an operational excellence program where management worked to optimise operational headcount to gain efficiencies and adopt robust internal compliance best practices, and have therefore incurred certain severance and office closure costs in 2016 and 2017. Management considers such costs to be exceptional as they are not representative of the trading performance of the Group's operations.
Operating (loss) / profit is stated after charging the following:
| Year ended 31 December | Six months ended 30 June | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2018 | 2019 | |
| (unaudited) | |||||
| (US\$ in thousands) | |||||
| Cost of inventory expensed | 52,556 | 62,634 | 57,195 | 29,987 | 28,989 |
| Auditor's remuneration: | |||||
| – Audit fees | 735 | 1,783 | 903 | 465 | 969 |
| – Non-audit fees | 540 | 1,847 | 3,631 | 3,631 | 661 |
| Depreciation and amortisation | 129,455 | 148,926 | 141,328 | 68,860 | 73,788 |
| Cost associated with aborted investments | 1,414 | 3,306 | — | — | — |
| Staff costs | 14,576 | 13,852 | 13,578 | 6,593 | 10,125 |
Depreciation and amortisation is presented in cost of sales in the statement of profit and loss, except for amortisation of intangible assets, which is presented in administrative expenses. Non-audit fees in 2018 included non-recurring fees of US\$3.1 million (year ended 31 December 2017: US\$1.2 million) in respect of exceptional project costs (see Note 4).
Staff costs consist of the following components:
| Year ended 31 December | Six months ended 30 June | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2018 | 2019 | ||
| (unaudited) | ||||||
| (US\$ in thousands) | ||||||
| Wages and salaries | 14,327 | 13,586 | 13,287 | 6,473 | 9,783 | |
| Other costs | 249 | 266 | 291 | 120 | 342 | |
| 14,576 | 13,852 | 13,578 | 6,593 | 10,125 |
The average monthly number of employees throughout the years were made up as follows:
| Year ended 31 December | Six months ended 30 June | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2018 | 2019 | |
| (unaudited) | |||||
| (US\$ in thousands) | |||||
| Operations | 219 | 146 | 115 | 115 | 124 |
| Legal and regulatory | 34 | 32 | 24 | 24 | 27 |
| Administration | 26 | 26 | 30 | 30 | 32 |
| Finance | 91 | 76 | 74 | 73 | 81 |
| Sales and marketing | 63 | 66 | 63 | 63 | 64 |
| 433 | 346 | 306 | 305 | 328 | |
| Year ended 31 December | Six months ended 30 June | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2018 | 2019 | |
| (unaudited) | |||||
| (US\$ in thousands) | |||||
| Remuneration | 2,072 | 2,950 | 2,472 | 1,236 | 1,148 |
The above remuneration information relates to Directors in Helios Towers, Ltd. None of the Directors received a contribution to a pension scheme in the current or prior years.
| Year ended 31 December | Six months ended 30 June | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2018 | 2019 | ||
| (unaudited) | ||||||
| (US\$ in thousands) | ||||||
| Foreign exchange differences | 9,796 | 3,229 | 18,029 | 12,182 | 7,955 | |
| Interest costs | 44,645 | 71,608 | 73,856 | 36,884 | 40,617 | |
| Interest costs on lease liabilities | 13,812 | 14,991 | 15,120 | 6,450 | 7,779 | |
| Deferred loan cost amortisation | 5,015 | 12,929 | — | — | — | |
| 73,268 | 102,757 | 107,005 | 55,516 | 56,351 | ||
| Year ended 31 December | Six months ended 30 June | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2018 | 2019 | |
| (unaudited) | |||||
| — | 2,336 | ||||
| 1,514 | 2,760 | 2,538 | 1,194 | 1,447 | |
| 1,514 | 3,207 | 4,369 | 2,113 | 3,783 | |
| 447 | 1,831 | (US\$ in thousands) 919 |
Though entities in Congo Brazzaville, Tanzania and DRC have continued to be loss making, minimum income tax has been levied based on revenue as stipulated by law in these jurisdictions. Ghana is profit making and subject to income tax. The Company was a Category 2 – Global Business Licence Company (C2-GBLC) during the current and preceding financial periods. C2-GBLC is not subject to any income tax in Mauritius.
The applicable tax rates for the Company's subsidiaries range from 20 per cent. to 40 per cent.
| As at 31 December | As at 30 June | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2018 | 2019 | |
| (unaudited) | |||||
| (US\$ thousands) | |||||
| Deferred tax liabilities | |||||
| On acquisition of subsidiary undertakings as at | |||||
| 30 June 2019 (see Note 28) | — | — | — | — | 6,348 |
A tax rate of 28 per cent. has been used in the Historical Financial Information to measure the deferred tax assets and liabilities. Deferred tax liabilities relates to the recognition of other intangible assets upon the acquisition of HTSA Towers (Pty) Ltd.
| Customer contracts |
Customer relationships |
Goodwill | Right of first refusal |
Non compete agreement |
Computer software and licences |
Total | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (US\$ in thousands) | |||||||
| Cost | |||||||
| At 1 January 2016 Additions during the period |
— — |
— — |
— — |
15,000 20,000 |
— 30,000 |
9,214 2,411 |
24,214 52,411 |
| Effects of foreign currency | |||||||
| exchange differences | — | — | — | — | — | (222) | (222) |
| At 31 December 2016 | — | — | — | 35,000 | 30,000 | 11,403 | 76,403 |
| Additions during the period | — | — | — | — | 3,857 | 3,857 | |
| Effects of foreign currency | |||||||
| exchange differences | — | — | — | — | — | (95) | (95) |
| At 31 December 2017 | — | — | — | 35,000 | 30,000 | 15,165 | 80,165 |
| Additions during the period | — | — | — | — | — | 2,953 | 2,953 |
| Disposals during the period | — | — | — | — | — | (41) | (41) |
| Effects of foreign currency | |||||||
| exchange differences | — | — | — | — | — | (395) | (395) |
| At 31 December 2018 | — | — | — | 35,000 | 30,000 | 17,682 | 82,682 |
| Additions during the period | — | — | — | — | — | 512 | 512 |
| On acquisition of subsidiary | |||||||
| undertakings | 3,407 | 18,239 | 9,153 | — | 1,024 | — | 31,823 |
| Disposals during the period | — | — | — | — | — | (4) | (4) |
| Effects of foreign currency | |||||||
| exchange differences | — | — | — | — | — | 1,480 | 1,480 |
| At 30 June 2019 | 3,407 | 18,239 | 9,153 | 35,000 | 31,024 | 19,670 | 116,493 |
| Amortisation | |||||||
| At 1 January 2016 | — | — | — | (15,000) | — | (4,016) | (19,016) |
| Charge for year | — | — | — | (2,500) | (16,894) | (2,671) | (22,065) |
| Effects of foreign currency exchange differences |
— | — | — | — | — | 234 | 234 |
| At 31 December 2016 | — | — | — | (17,500) | (16,894) | (6,453) | (40,847) |
| Charge for year | — | — | — | (5,000) | (13,106) | (3,672) | (21,778) |
| Effects of foreign currency | |||||||
| exchange differences | — | — | — | — | — | 421 | 421 |
| At 31 December 2017 | — | — | — | (22,500) | (30,000) | (9,704) | (62,204) |
| Charge for period | — | — | — | (5,000) | — | (3,373) | (8,373) |
| Disposals during the period | — | — | — | — | — | (2) | (2) |
| Effects of foreign currency | |||||||
| exchange differences | — | — | — | — | — | 303 | 303 |
| At 31 December 2018 | — | — | — | (27,500) | (30,000) | (12,776) | (70,276) |
| Charge for period | (38) | (203) | — | (2,500) | (34) | (1,967) | (4,742) |
| Disposals during the period | — | — | — | — | — | (2) | (2) |
| Effects of foreign currency | |||||||
| exchange differences | — | — | — | — | — | (1,363) | (1,363) |
| At 30 June 2019 | (38) | (203) | — | (30,000) | (30,034) | (16,108) | (76,383) |
| Net book value | |||||||
| At 31 December 2016 | — | — | — | 17,500 | 13,106 | 4,950 | 35,556 |
| At 31 December 2017 | — | — | — | 12,500 | — | 5,461 | 17,961 |
| At 31 December 2018 | — | — | — | 7,500 | — | 4,906 | 12,406 |
| At 30 June 2019 | 3,369 | 18,036 | 9,153 | 5,000 | 990 | 3,562 | 40,110 |
In 2016, alongside the purchase of 961 towers from the Airtel group (see Note 11), a right of first refusal "ROFR" agreement was signed with Airtel Group in the DRC giving the Group the right of first refusal over build-to-suit towers that Airtel group wish to commission. A payment of US\$20 million was made for this right and is amortised on a straight-line basis over its exercisable period ending on 1 May 2020.
As part of the same transaction, the Group entered into a non-compete Agreement with Airtel group under which the Group was granted the right that Airtel will not compete with the Group in DRC and/or Congo Brazzaville. The Group issued shares with a fair value of US\$30 million to Airtel group for this right commencing on the date of the agreement and terminating 12 consecutive months after first closing (7 July 2016). The issuance of these shares was a non-cash transaction.
Goodwill acquired in a business combination is allocated, at acquisition, to the cash generating units (CGUs) that are expected to benefit from that business combination. The Group tests goodwill annually for impairment or more frequently if there are indications that goodwill might be impaired. Net book value is compared with recoverable amount to assess impairment. Intangibles, including goodwill on acquisition of subsidiary undertakings includes US\$3.0 million of assets for which consideration was paid in cash for the acquisition of SA Towers Proprietary Limited and Sky Coverage Proprietary Limited, the remaining US\$28.8 million relates to the fair value of intangible assets acquired and goodwill recognised under IFRS 3 (see Note 28 for other details of acquisitions). The Group's CGUs are aligned to its operating segments.
The recoverable amount of each cash generating unit is determined based on a value in use calculation using cash flow projections for the next ten years from financial budgets approved by senior management as this period matches the typical customer contract period for tower management.
As at the period end, a full impairment assessment has not been carried out however management are satisfied that there have not been indicators of impairment following the IFRS 3 acquisition.
| IT equipment |
Fixtures and fittings |
Motor vehicles | Site assets | Land | Leasehold improvements |
Total | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (US\$ in thousands) | |||||||
| Cost | |||||||
| At 1 January 2016 Additions |
2,027 1,888 |
719 272 |
3,451 1,410 |
655,919 272,175 |
1,399 4,409 |
895 668 |
664,410 280,822 |
| Disposals | (9) | (156) | — | (5,368) | — | (665) | (6,198) |
| Effects of foreign currency | |||||||
| exchange differences | (24) | (18) | (120) | (11,178) | — | (7) | (11,347) |
| At 31 December 2016 | 3,882 | 817 | 4,741 | 911,548 | 5,808 | 891 | 927,687 |
| Additions | 2,102 | 120 | 683 | 163,751 | — | 226 | 166,882 |
| Disposals | (13) | — | (654) | (1,754) | — | — | (2,421) |
| Reclassifications | — | — | — | 754 | (754) | — | — |
| Effects of foreign currency exchange differences |
37 | 15 | (68) | (3,616) | 211 | (2) | (3,423) |
| At 31 December 2017 | 6,008 | 952 | 4,702 | 1,070,683 | 5,265 | 1,115 | 1,088,725 |
| Additions | 5,869 | 100 | 298 | 105,813 | 3,793 | 204 | 116,077 |
| Disposals | — | — | (484) | (17,837) | (117) | — | (18,438) |
| Effects of foreign currency | |||||||
| exchange differences | 371 | (26) | (145) | (19,272) | (82) | (17) | (19,171) |
| At 31 December 2018 | 12,248 | 1,026 | 4,371 | 1,139,387 | 8,859 | 1,302 | 1,167,193 |
| Additions | 1,802 | 41 | 490 | 44,837 | — | 6 | 47,176 |
| On acquisition of | |||||||
| subsidiary undertakings | — | — | — | 7,588 | — | — | 7,588 |
| Disposals | — | — | (249) | (14,425) | — | — | (14,674) |
| Effects of foreign currency | |||||||
| exchange differences | 1,457 | 333 | (103) | (12,746) | — | 1,749 | (9,310) |
| At 30 June 2019 | 15,507 | 1,400 | 4,509 | 1,164,641 | 8,859 | 3,057 | 1,197,973 |
| Accumulated | |||||||
| depreciation | |||||||
| At 1 January 2016 | (1,117) | (431) | (2,103) | (177,778) | — | (333) | (181,762) |
| Charge for the year | (699) | (176) | (714) | (95,047) | — | (193) | (96,829) |
| Disposals | 2 | 111 | — | 2,690 | — | 282 | 3,085 |
| Effects of foreign currency | |||||||
| exchange differences | (98) | 16 | 92 | 2,946 | — | 3 | 2,959 |
| At 31 December 2016 | (1,912) | (480) | (2,725) | (267,189) | — — |
(241) | (272,547) |
| Charge for the year Disposals |
(1,168) 13 |
(206) — |
(719) 561 |
(113,663) 816 |
— | (168) — |
(115,924) 1,390 |
| Effects of foreign currency | |||||||
| exchange differences | (147) | (11) | 80 | 4,133 | — | 1 | 4,056 |
| At 31 December 2017 | (3,214) | (697) | (2,803) | (375,903) | — — |
(408) | (383,025) |
| Charge for the year Disposals |
(2,572) — |
(197) — |
(683) 484 |
(120,523) 9,557 |
— | (219) — |
(124,194) 10,041 |
| Effects of foreign currency | |||||||
| exchange differences | 82 | 32 | 87 | 6,420 | — | 7 | 6,628 |
| At 31 December 2018 | (5,704) | (862) | (2,915) | (480,449) | — | (620) | (490,550) |
| Charge for the period | (1,956) | (125) | (448) | (62,237) | — | (403) | (65,169) |
| Disposals | — | — | 96 | 7,428 | — | 4 | 7,528 |
| Effects of foreign currency | |||||||
| exchange differences | (771) | (256) | 265 | 5,663 | — | (1,181) | 3,720 |
| At 30 June 2019 | (8,431) | (1,243) | (3,002) | (529,595) | — | (2,200) | (544,471) |
| Net book value at | |||||||
| 31 December 2016 | 1,970 | 337 | 2,016 | 644,359 | 5,808 | 650 | 655,140 |
| Net book value at | |||||||
| 31 December 2017 | 2,794 | 255 | 1,899 | 694,780 | 5,265 | 707 | 705,700 |
| Net book value at 31 December 2018 |
6,544 | 164 | 1,456 | 658,938 | 8,859 | 682 | 676,643 |
| Net book value at | |||||||
| 30 June 2019 | 7,076 | 157 | 1,507 | 635,046 | 8,859 | 857 | 653,502 |
At 30 June 2019, the Group had US\$56.9 million (31 December 2018: US\$74.5 million 31 December 2017: US\$111.3 million; 31 December 2016: US\$36.1 million) of expenditure recognised in the carrying amount of site assets that were in the course of construction. On completion of the construction, they will remain within site assets balance.
In July 2016 the Group acquired 967 towers and associated assets from Airtel group for US\$165 million. This has been accounted for as an assets acquisition in accordance with IAS 16.
In January 2019, the Group entered into a shareholder agreement with Vulatel (Pty) Ltd to form a new legal entity named Helios Towers South Africa Holdings (Pty) Ltd ("HTSA") which is consolidated into the Group. The Group holds 66 per cent. of the share capital of this entity with Vulatel holding the remaining 34 per cent. Subsequent to this, on 29 March 2019, Helios Towers, Ltd. transferred US\$4 million cash into HTSA whilst Vulatel contributed its share in the form of assets including 13 edge data centres valued at US\$2 million, which are included in the site assets above. Management are in the process of assessing the value of any other assets transferred. Property, plant and equipment additions during the period includes US\$7.6 million of site assets for which consideration was paid in cash for the acquisition of SA Towers Proprietary Limited and Sky Coverage Proprietary Limited.
| As at 31 December | As at 30 June | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | ||
| (US\$ in thousands) | |||||
| Right of use assets by class of underlying assets carrying value | |||||
| Land | 96,326 | 100,639 | 101,616 | 103,877 | |
| Buildings | 5,513 | 4,223 | 2,169 | 4,625 | |
| Motor vehicles | 567 | 121 | 1 | — | |
| 102,406 | 104,983 | 103,786 | 108,502 | ||
| Depreciation charge for right of use assets | |||||
| Land | 7,466 | 8,080 | 7,122 | 3,270 | |
| Buildings | 2,749 | 2,698 | 1,519 | 607 | |
| Motor vehicles | 446 | 446 | 120 | — | |
| 10,661 | 11,224 | 8,761 | 3,877 | ||
See additional IFRS 16 disclosures in Notes 3 and 20.
Until 5 March 2019, the Group held an investment of US\$132,000 (2017: US\$132,000, 2016: US\$132,000) which related to an interest in Helios Towers Africa LLP. The Group held 91 per cent. of the voting rights of Helios Towers Africa LLP. The Directors did not consider that the Group had control over the operation of Helios Towers Africa LLP as it is a limited liability partnership and the Group had no access to returns from the investment. Therefore the investment was accounted for as investment at cost. From 5 March 2019, there was a change of control (see note 22), and Helios Towers Africa LLP was fully consolidated in to the Group for the six month period ended 30 June 2019, from 5 March 2019.
| Name of subsidiaries | County of incorporation | Direct | Indirect |
|---|---|---|---|
| % | |||
| Helios Towers Ghana Limited | Ghana | 60 | 40 |
| HTG Managed Services Limited | Ghana | 99.49 | 0.51 |
| HTA Group, Ltd | Mauritius | — | 100 |
| HTA Holdings Ltd | Mauritius | 100 | — |
| Helios Towers DRC SARL | Democratic Republic of Congo | — | 100 |
| HT DRC Infraco SARL | Democratic Republic of Congo | — | 100 |
| Helios Towers Tanzania Limited | Tanzania | — | 100 |
| HT Holdings Tanzania, Limited | Mauritius | — | 100 |
| HTT Infraco Limited | Tanzania | — | 99.99 |
| Name of subsidiaries | County of incorporation | Direct | Indirect |
|---|---|---|---|
| % | |||
| HT Congo Brazzaville Holdco Limited | Mauritius | — | 100 |
| Helios Towers Congo Brazzaville SASU | Congo Brazzaville | — | 100 |
| Helios Chad Holdco Limited | Mauritius | — | 100 |
| Towers NL Coöperatief U.A | The Netherlands | — | 100 |
| HTA (UK) Partner Ltd | England & Wales | 100 | — |
| Helios Towers Partners (UK) Limited | England & Wales | — | 100 |
| Helios Towers Africa LLP | England & Wales | — | 99.9 |
| Helios Towers FZ-LLC | United Arab Emirates | — | 100 |
| HTA Equity GP Ltd | Cayman Islands | 100 | — |
| McRory Investment B.V | The Netherlands | — | 100 |
| McTam International 1 B.V | The Netherlands | — | 100 |
| Helios Towers South Africa Holdings Pty | South Africa | — | 100 |
| Helios Towers South Africa Pty Ltd | South Africa | — | 100 |
| Helios Towers South Africa Services Pty | South Africa | — | 100 |
| HTSA Towers Pty Ltd | South Africa | — | 89.5 |
The registered office addresses of all subsidiaries are included in Note 30.
South Africa entities were acquired in 2019. See Note 28.
During the years ended 31 December 2017 and 31 December 2016, further contributions were made to Helios Towers Tanzania Limited (HTT) for the acquisition of tower assets. In October 2017, the remaining 24.1 per cent. in HTT was acquired. See Note 23.
Helios Towers Ghana Limited, HTA Holdings Ltd, Helios Towers DRC SARL, Helios Towers Tanzania Limited, HT Congo Brazzaville Holdco Limited, Helios Chad Holdco Limited, Towers NL Coöperatief U.A, McRory Investment B.V., McTam International 1 B.V. and HTA (UK) Partner Ltd are intermediate holding companies.
HTA Equity GP, Ltd acts as a general partner. The principal activities of HTG Managed Services Limited, HT DRC Infraco SARL, HTT Infraco Limited, Helios Towers Congo Brazzaville SASU, and HTSA Towers Pty Ltd are the building and maintenance of telecommunications towers to provide space on those towers to wireless telecommunication service providers in Africa. The principal activity of Helios Towers South Africa Pty Ltd is the running of edge data centres.
| As at ended 31 December | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | |
| (US\$ in thousands) | ||||
| Inventories | 19,503 | 9,538 | 10,265 | 9,979 |
Inventories are primarily made up of fuel stocks and raw materials.
The impact of inventories recognised as an expense during the period ended 30 June 2019 in respect of continuing operations was US\$28.9 million (year ended 31 December 2018: US\$57.2 million; 31 December 2017: US\$62.6 million; 31 December 2016: US\$52.6 million). The decrease in the inventory balance in 2017 is due to the timing of transfer from site equipment (inventory) to site assets (property, plant and equipment) as a result of ongoing projects in the latter part of the year.
There is no material difference between the carrying value of inventories and their net realisable value.
| As at 31 December | As at 30 June | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | |
| (US\$ in thousands) | ||||
| Trade receivables | 57,586 | 72,996 | 72,030 | 78,722 |
| Loss allowance(1) | (1,289) | (4,725) | (6,544) | (7,594) |
| 56,297 | 68,271 | 65,486 | 71,128 | |
| Trade receivables from related parties | 17,769 | 9,436 | 10,035 | 12,198 |
| Trade receivable from NCIs | 26,015 | — | — | — |
| 100,081 | 77,707 | 75,521 | 83,326 | |
| Other receivables | 15,404 | 23,027 | 21,400 | 36,931 |
| VAT and Withholding Tax receivable | 11,444 | 7,757 | 5,329 | 5,363 |
| 126,929 | 108,491 | 102,250 | 125,620 |
————— Note:
(1) For the year ended 31 December 2016 and 2017, the loss allowance was accounted for under IAS 39. The impact of the change in accounting policy to IFRS 9 for 1 January 2018 is shown in the statement of changes in equity.
For the years ended 31 December 2016 and 31 December 2017, the Group determined the recoverability of a trade receivable considering any change in the credit quality of the trade receivable from the date credit was initially granted up to the reporting date. The Directors considered that the carrying amount of trade and other receivables was approximately equal to their fair value.
From the year ended 31 December 2018. the Group measures the loss allowance for trade receivables and trade receivables from related parties at an amount equal to lifetime expected credit losses ("ECLs"). The expected credit losses on trade receivables are estimated using a provision matrix by reference to past default experience of the debtor and an analysis of the debtor's current financial position, adjusted for factors that are specific to the debtors, general economic conditions of the industry in which the debtors operate and an assessment of both the current as well as the forecast direction of conditions at the reporting date.
There has been no change in the estimation techniques or significant assumptions made during the Historical Financial Information period. Interest can be charged on past due debtors. The normal credit period of services is 30 days.
Other receivables mainly comprise accrued income, and sundry receivables.
Of the trade receivables balance at 30 June 2019, 55 per cent. (31 December 2018: 55 per cent.; 2017: 67 per cent.; 2016: 66 per cent.) is due from four of the Group's largest customers. The Group does not hold any collateral or other credit enhancements over these balances, nor does it have a legal right of offset against any amounts owed by the Group to the counterparty. The average trade receivables collection period is 41 days (2018: 40 days; 2017: 44 days; 2016: 47 days). Terms and conditions attached to receivable balances due by related parties and by NCIs are disclosed in note 22.
The Directors consider the carrying amount of trade receivables approximates to their fair value.
| As at 31 December | As at 30 June | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | |
| (US\$ in thousands) | ||||
| Prepayments | 20,466 | 23,403 | 16,225 | 26,891 |
Prepayments are primarily comprised of advanced payments to suppliers.
| As at 31 December | As at 30 June | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | ||
| (US\$ in thousands) | |||||
| Bank balances | 133,737 | 49,519 | 57,835 | 53,275 | |
| Short-term deposits | — | 70,181 | 31,152 | 36,490 | |
| 133,737 | 119,700 | 88,987 | 89,765 |
| As at 31 December | As at 30 June | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | |||||
| Authorised, issued and fully paid |
No. of shares | US\$'000 | No. of shares | US\$'000 | No. of shares | US\$'000 | No. of shares | US\$'000 |
| Ordinary share capital | ||||||||
| class A of US\$1 Ordinary share capital |
390,410,138 | 390,410 | 390,410,138 | 390,410 | 390,410,138 | 390,410 | 390,410,138 | 390,410 |
| class C of US\$100 | 100 | 10 | 100 | 10 | 100 | 10 | 100 | 10 |
| Ordinary share capital | ||||||||
| class D of US\$1 | 100 | — | 100 | — | 100 | — | 100 | — |
| Ordinary share capital | ||||||||
| class G of US\$1 | 518,714,176 | 518,714 | 518,714,176 | 518,714 | 518,714,176 | 518,714 | 518,714,176 | 518,714 |
| Ordinary share capital | ||||||||
| class H of US\$100 | — | — | 100 | 10 | 100 | 10 | 100 | 10 |
| Ordinary share capital class I of US\$1 |
— | — | — | — | — | — | 100 | — |
| Ordinary share capital | ||||||||
| class J of US\$1 | — | — | — | — | — | — | 100 | — |
| Ordinary share capital | ||||||||
| class Z of US\$100 | — | — | 100 | 10 | 100 | 10 | 100 | 10 |
| 909,124,514 | 909,134 | 909,124,714 | 909,154 | 909,124,714 | 909,154 | 909,124,914 | 909,154 | |
The movements in share capital during the Historical Financial Information period were as follows:
| Number of shares as at 1 January 2016 |
Number of shares issued in the year |
Number of shares cancelled in the year |
Number of shares as at 31 December 2016 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 390,410,138 | — | — | 390,410,138 |
| 100 | |||
| 100 | |||
| 518,714,176 | |||
| 750,383,870 | 158,740,644 | — | 909,124,514 |
| Number of shares as at 1 January 2017 |
Number of shares issued in the year |
Number of shares cancelled in the year |
Number of shares as at 31 December 2017 |
| — | — | 390,410,138 | |
| 100 | — | — | 100 |
| 100 | — | — | 100 |
| 518,714,176 | — | — | 518,714,176 |
| — | 100 | — | 100 |
| — | 100 | — | 100 |
| 909,124,514 | 200 | — | 909,124,714 |
| Ordinary share capital class A of US\$1 Ordinary share capital class C of US\$100 100 Ordinary share capital class D of US\$1 100 Ordinary share capital class G of US\$1 359,973,532 Ordinary share capital class A of US\$1 390,410,138 Ordinary share capital class C of US\$100 Ordinary share capital class D of US\$1 Ordinary share capital class G of US\$1 Ordinary share capital class H of US\$100 Ordinary share capital class Z of US\$100 |
— — 158,740,644 |
— — — |
| Authorised, issued and fully paid | Number of shares as at 1 January 2018 |
Number of shares issued in the year |
Number of shares cancelled in the year |
Number of shares as at 31 December 2018 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ordinary share capital class A of US\$1 | 390,410,138 | — | — | 390,410,138 |
| Ordinary share capital class C of US\$100 | 100 | — | — | 100 |
| Ordinary share capital class D of US\$1 | 100 | — | — | 100 |
| Ordinary share capital class G of US\$1 | 518,714,176 | — | — | 518,714,176 |
| Ordinary share capital class H of US\$100 | 100 | — | — | 100 |
| Ordinary share capital class Z of US\$100 | 100 | — | — | 100 |
| 909,124,714 | — | — | 909,124,714 | |
| Authorised, issued and fully paid | Number of shares as at 1 January 2019 |
Number of shares issued in the year |
Number of shares cancelled in the year |
Number of shares as at 30 June 2019 |
| Ordinary share capital class A of US\$1 | 390,410,138 | — | — | 390,410,138 |
| Ordinary share capital class C of US\$100 | 100 | — | — | 100 |
| Ordinary share capital class D of US\$1 | 100 | — | — | 100 |
| Ordinary share capital class G of US\$1 | 518,714,176 | — | — | 518,714,176 |
| Ordinary share capital class H of US\$100 | 100 | — | — | 100 |
| Ordinary share capital class I of US\$100 | — | 100 | — | 100 |
| Ordinary share capital class J of US\$100 | — | 100 | — | 100 |
| Ordinary share capital class Z of US\$100 | ||||
| 100 | — | — | 100 |
The Class A Shares and Class G Shares shall rank equally with each other and senior to the Class C, Class D, Class H, Class I, Class J and Class Z Shares as to redemption proceeds and any other form of distribution or return of capital. Class A and G Shares have voting rights whilst the others have no voting rights. Class H and Class Z Shares also have dividend rights.
The Group has established four separate management incentive plans, generally referred to as "MIP I", "MIP II" and "MIP III" and "MIP V" (each, a "MIP") which were in place as at 31 December 2018. The MIPs are designed to provide long-term incentives for senior managers and above (including executive directors) to deliver long-term shareholder returns. Participants in the MIPs benefit from the return on certain classes of shares in the Company created for the purposes of the MIPs in the event of an IPO or other form of change of control or shareholder distributions.
Each of the MIPs is structured by way of a Cayman Islands exempted limited partnership which holds the relevant class of shares in the Company. The MIP participants are all limited partners in one or more of the MIP limited partnerships which hold units, and each unit represents an interest in an underlying MIP share held in the partnership. Participant entitlements relating to the units are subject to various leaver and clawback provisions.
Details on each of the MIPs are as below:
* MIP II: MIP II was established in March 2016. Participants of MIP II hold partnership units which entitle them to an undivided interest in the economics of the 66 class H shares held by the MIP II partnership. The class H shares are entitled to participate in the distributions of the class G shares above certain hurdles. All MIP II partnership units are fully vested as at 31 December 2018.
* MIP III: MIP III was established in January 2018. Participants of MIP III hold H partnership units and Z partnership units which entitle them to an undivided interest in the economics of the 34 class H shares and 100 class Z shares respectively held by the MIP III partnership. 25 per cent. of the MIP III partnership units vested in January 2018, with another 6.25 per cent. vesting every quarter after that.
In the years ended 31 December 2016, 2017 and 2018 and the six months ended 30 June 2019, the Group recognised no share-based payment expenses. The IPO or change of control is a non-market vesting condition and therefore on the basis that an IPO or change of control was not expected at each balance sheet date, no expense was recognised.
| As at 31 December | As at 30 June | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | ||
| 13,195 | |||||
| 353 | |||||
| — | |||||
| 41,253 | |||||
| 8,246 | |||||
| 63,511 | |||||
| — | 11,453 | 20,795 | 24,541 | ||
| 163,857 | 147,324 | 149,752 | 151,099 | ||
| 15,691 922 1,349 60,386 13,453 72,056 |
11,612 1,617 — 40,482 12,946 69,214 |
(US\$ in thousands) 8,352 263 — 48,071 8,246 64,025 |
Trade payables and accruals principally comprise amounts outstanding for trade purchases and ongoing costs. The average credit period taken for trade purchases is 26 days (2018: 16 days; 2017: 24 days; 2016: 39 days). Payable days are calculated as trade payables and payables related to related parties and the NCI, divided by cost of sales plus administrative expenses less staff costs and depreciation. No interest is charged on the trade payables. The Group has financial risk management policies in place to ensure that all payables are paid within the pre-agreed credit terms. Amounts payable to related parties are unsecured, interest free and repayable on demand.
Deferred income primarily relates to site equipment revenue which is billed in advance.
Deferred consideration relates to consideration that is payable in the future for the purchase of certain tower assets in DRC and Congo B following the Airtel deal if certain conditions are met to enable transfer of ownership of the assets to Helios Towers, Ltd.
Other payables and accruals consist of general operational accruals, accrued capital items, and goods received but not yet invoiced.
Trade and other payables are classified as financial liabilities and measured at amortised cost. These are initially recognised at fair value and subsequently at amortised cost. These are expected to be settled within a year.
The Directors consider the carrying amount of trade payables approximates to their fair value.
| As at 31 December | As at 30 June | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | ||
| (US\$ in thousands) | |||||
| US\$ 600 million 9.125% senior notes 2022 | — | 598,354 | 602,852 | 605,102 | |
| US\$ 100 million term loan facility 2022 | — | — | 25,192 | 75,258 | |
| US\$ 77 million (LIBOR + 6.00%) | 74,977 | — | — | — | |
| TZS 57.363 billion (TIBOR + 5.00%) | 25,582 | — | — | — | |
| US\$ 60 million (LIBOR + 6.00%) | 58,423 | — | — | — | |
| TZS 9.625 billion (TIBOR + 5.00%) | 4,292 | — | — | — | |
| TZS 22.727 billion (TIBOR + 5.00%) | 10,136 | — | — | — | |
| US\$ 23.8 million (LIBOR + 5.00%) | 23,038 | — | — | — | |
| US\$ 15.0 million (LIBOR + 5.00%) | 14,520 | — | — | — | |
| US\$ 40.0 million (LIBOR + 5.00%) | 38,720 | — | — | — | |
| US\$ 15.0 million (LIBOR + 5.00%) | 14,520 | — | — | — | |
| US\$ 70.0 million (LIBOR + 5.00%) | 67,760 | — | — | — | |
| US\$ 5.0 million (LIBOR + 5.00%) | 4,840 | — | — | — | |
| US\$ 8.146 million (LIBOR + 5.00%) | 7,189 | — | — | — | |
| US\$10.0 million (LIBOR + 5.00%) | 8,825 | — | — | — | |
| XAF 5.222 billion (LIBOR + 5.00%) | 7,423 | — | — | — | |
| 360,245 | 598,354 | 628,044 | 680,360 | ||
| Shareholder loans | |||||
| HTT Infraco Limited | 32,850 | — | — | — | |
| HTG Managed Services Limited | 2,414 | — | — | — | |
| HT DRC Infraco S.A.R.L | 5,640 | — | — | — | |
| SA Towers Proprietary Limited | — | — | — | 1,167 | |
| 40,904 | — | — | 1,167 | ||
| Loans | 401,149 | 598,354 | 628,044 | 681,527 | |
| Current Non-current |
60,516 340,633 |
17,254 581,100 |
17,254 610,790 |
18,905 662,622 |
|
| 401,149 | 598,354 | 628,044 | 681,527 | ||
On 22 October 2018, HTA Group Ltd, a wholly owned subsidiary of the HT Ltd, signed a US\$100 million term loan facility agreement. At 30 June 2019, US\$75.0 million was drawn, and US\$0.3 million of interest accrued. The term loan is a bullet repayment, senior unsecured facility, with an interest rate of LIBOR plus 4.2 per cent. The term loan is guaranteed by HT Ltd.
On 8 March 2017, HTA Group Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of HT Ltd, issued US\$600 million of 9.125 per cent. bonds due 2022 which are listed on the Irish Stock Exchange. Interest is payable semi-annually. The bonds are guaranteed on a senior basis by the company, and certain of the HT Ltd subsidiaries. The proceeds of the issuance were used, among other things, to refinance existing indebtedness of the company's subsidiaries (HTT Infraco Limited, HT DRC Infraco S.A.R.L and HT Congo Brazzaville Holding Limited).
Loans are classified as financial liabilities and measured at amortised cost. The shareholder loans carried an interest rate ranging from five per cent. to 15 per cent.
| Year ended 31 December | Six months ended 30 June |
|||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | |
| (US\$ in thousands) | ||||
| Short-term lease liabilities Land Buildings Motor vehicles |
18,244 2,189 501 20,934 |
18,828 1,524 100 20,452 |
18,802 757 — 19,559 |
19,093 1,854 — 20,947 |
| Long-term lease liabilities Land Buildings Motor vehicles |
87,644 2,403 64 |
94,088 2,009 — |
97,378 1,342 — |
99,939 3,070 — |
| 90,111 | 96,097 | 98,720 | 103,009 |
See additional IFRS 16 disclosures in Notes 3 and 11b.
The below undiscounted cash flows do not include escalations based on CPI or other indexes which change over time. Renewal options are considered on a case-by-case basis with judgements around the lease term being based on management's contractual rights and their current intentions.
The total cash paid on leases (principal and interest) in the period ended 30 June 2019 was US\$10.2 million (year ended 31 December 2018: US\$25.5 million; 2017: US\$25.8 million; 2016: US\$21.1 million).
The profile of the outstanding undiscounted contractual payments fall due as follows:
| Within 1 year | 2-5 years | 5+ years | Total | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| (US\$ in thousands) | ||||
| 31 December 2016 | 20,934 | 69,042 | 405,993 | 495,969 |
| 31 December 2017 | 20,452 | 72,120 | 443,261 | 535,833 |
| 31 December 2018 | 19,559 | 71,640 | 471,123 | 562,322 |
| 30 June 2019 | 20,975 | 75,212 | 466,222 | 562,409 |
The table below represents uncompleted performance obligations at the end of the reporting period. This is the total revenue which is contractually due to the Group, subject to the performance of the obligation of the Group related to these revenues.
| As at 31 December | As at 30 June | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 | 2019 | 2018 | 2019 | |
| (US\$ in thousands) | ||||
| Total contracted revenue | 2,897,598 | 3,101,429 | 3,080,871 | 2,994,770 |
The following table provides the Group's total contracted revenue by country under agreements with the Group's customers as of 30 June 2019 for each of the four years ending 31 December from 2020 to 2023, with local currency amounts converted at the applicable average rate for U.S. dollars on 30 June 2019 held constant. Our contracted revenue calculation for each year presented assumes: (i) no escalation in fee rates, (ii) no increases in sites or tenancies other than our committed colocations (contractual commitments relating to prospective colocation tenancies with customers), (iii) our customers do not utilise any cancellation allowances set forth in their MLAs and (iv) our customers do not terminate MLAs early for any reason.
The table above shows contracted revenue for all periods, totalling US\$3.0 billion. The following table provides the Group's contracted revenue from 2019 through 2023 on a country-by-country basis:
| Six months ending 31 December |
Year ending 31 December | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2019 | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | |
| (US\$ in thousands) | |||||
| Ghana | 19,541 | 37,842 | 35,844 | 31,609 | 30,172 |
| Tanzania | 81,723 | 161,037 | 160,670 | 157,825 | 151,132 |
| DRC | 80,016 | 162,701 | 162,649 | 160,811 | 159,858 |
| Congo Brazzaville | 12,004 | 22,475 | 17,159 | 16,858 | 16,716 |
| South Africa | 916 | 1,833 | 1,833 | 2,251 | 2,399 |
| Total | 194,200 | 385,888 | 378,155 | 369,354 | 360,277 |
Balances and transactions between the Company and its subsidiaries, which are related parties, have been eliminated on consolidation and are not disclosed in this Note.
During the Historical Financial Information period, the Group companies entered into the following commercial transactions with related parties:
| Year ended 31 December | Six months ended 30 June | |||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2018 | 2019 | ||||||
| Income from leased towers |
Purchase of goods |
Income from leased towers |
Purchase of goods |
Income from leased towers |
Purchase of goods |
Income from leased towers |
Purchase of goods |
Income from leased towers |
Purchase of goods |
|
| (unaudited) | ||||||||||
| (US\$ in thousands) | ||||||||||
| Millicom Holding B.V. |
||||||||||
| and subsidiaries . | 60,243 | 516 | 60,182 | 5,194 | 68,070 | 250 | 33,580 | 389 | 35,778 | 8 |
| Ecost Building | ||||||||||
| Management Pty Vulatel (Pty) Ltd SA Towers |
— | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | 719 125 |
| Proprietary | ||||||||||
| Limited Nepic Pty Vodacom Group |
— | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — 1 |
| Limited and subsidiaries(1) |
71,919 | 9,701 | 72,176 | 2,588 | — | — | — | — | — | — |
Note:
—————
(1) Until October 2017, Vodacom Tanzania was the NCI holder in Helios Towers Tanzania Ltd and Millicom Holding B.V is a shareholder of Helios Towers, Ltd.
The following amounts were outstanding at the reporting date:
| Year ended 31 December | ||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | |||||||||
| Amount owed by |
Amount owed to |
Amount owed by |
Amount owed to |
Amount owed by |
Amount owed to |
Amount owed by |
Amount owed to |
|||||
| (US\$ in thousands) | ||||||||||||
| Millicom Holding B.V. | ||||||||||||
| and subsidiaries | 14,145 | 3,334 | 7,366 | 228 | 7,988 | 263 | 12,198 | 283 | ||||
| Vodacom Group Limited | ||||||||||||
| and subsidiaries(1) | 26,015 | 34,201 | 2,070 | — | — | — | — | — | ||||
| Ecost Building | ||||||||||||
| Management Pty | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | 69 | ||||
| Vulatel (Pty) Ltd | — | |||||||||||
| SA Towers Proprietary | ||||||||||||
| Limited | 1,167 | |||||||||||
| Nepic Pty | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | 1 | ||||
| Helios Towers Africa | ||||||||||||
| LLP | 3,604 | — | — | 1,389 | 2,047 | — | — | — | ||||
————— Note:
(1) Until October 2017, Vodacom Tanzania was the NCI holder in Helios Towers Tanzania Ltd and Millicom Holding B.V is a shareholder of Helios Towers, Ltd.
HTA LLP, a subsidiary of Helios Towers, Ltd., was previously not consolidated on the basis that Helios Towers, Ltd. did not have a right to economic benefit from the entity. On 6 March 2019, two members of HTA LLP exited from the partnership, giving rise to Helios Towers, Ltd. having a right to economic benefit. Therefore, with effect from 6 March 2019, HTA LLP is now consolidated in the Historical Financial Information.
The amounts outstanding are unsecured and will be settled in cash. No guarantees have been given or received. No provisions have been made for doubtful debts in respect of the amounts owed by related parties.
Amounts receivable from the related parties related to other group companies are short term and carry interest varying from 0 per cent. to 15 per cent. per annum charged on the outstanding trade and other receivable balances. See Note 14.
During the period ended 30 June 2019, an upfront cash bonus of US\$10 million was distributed to certain members of senior management under and in accordance with the terms of MIP V. This award included a retention and clawback period of up to three years or, if earlier, the date of any IPO. During the period, additional MIP units were issued to senior management.
| Year ended 31 December | Six months ended 30 June | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2018 | 2019 | |
| Other gains and (losses) | (US\$ in thousands) | (unaudited) | |||
| Fair value movement of derivative financial instruments Fair value movement of NCI |
(1,293) 6,682 |
(21,797) — |
16,831 — |
(24,097) — |
24,276 — |
| 5,389 | (21,797) | 16,831 | (24,097) | 24,276 |
| Year ended 31 December | Six months ended 30 June |
|||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | |
| NCI buy-out liability | (US\$ in thousands) | |||
| Balance at start of the year | 50,839 | 57,886 | — | — |
| Options granted in the year | 365 | 574 | — | — |
| 51,204 | 58,460 | — | — | |
| Fair value movement in the year | 6,682 | — | — | — |
| 57,886 | 58,460 | — | — | |
| Options exercised in the year | — | (58,460) | — | — |
| 57,886 | — | — | — | |
Vodacom Tanzania Ltd, previously a NCI holder in Helios Towers Tanzania Ltd ('HTT'), had a right to exchange its shares in HTT from 19 February 2014 to 31 December 2017 for shares in the Group. The exercise price was based on the fair value of HTT shares at the time the option is exercised, either by independent valuation, or if the Group was being sold through an Initial Public Offering at the value agreed with the buyer, and then exchanged for shares accordingly in Helios Towers, Ltd. The option expired in October 2017 after acquisition of minority shares by HTA Holdings Ltd.
The put option granted to Vodacom Tanzania Ltd resulted in an obligation for the Group to purchase through a share exchange the NCI in the future and therefore represents a contract that contains an obligation for the Group to purchase its own equity instruments. The Group recognised a financial liability for the present value of the redemption amount. At all period ends presented in the Historical Financial Information, the Group recognised an aggregate financial liability of nil (except year ended 31 December 2016: US\$57.9 million) being the present value of the contractual obligation which is deemed to be the market value of the NCI at that date. The movement in 2016 of US\$6.7 million represents the fair value increase in this liability.
In February 2017, Vodacom Tanzania Ltd, HTA Holdings Ltd and Helios Towers Tanzania Ltd entered into an agreement pursuant to which HTA Holdings Ltd acquired a portion of the shareholder loans advanced by Vodacom Tanzania Ltd for US\$30 million in cash. Under the same agreement, HTA Holdings Ltd received an option up to and including 31 March 2018 to acquire Vodacom Tanzania Ltd's shares in Helios Towers Tanzania Ltd for approximately US\$58.5 million in cash and the remaining outstanding shareholder loans and accrued interest thereon advanced by Vodacom Tanzania Ltd for US\$2.7 million in cash. The acquisition of such shares and the outstanding loan amounts was completed in October 2017 after customary closing conditions, including, among other things, relevant government approvals.
Financial instruments held by the Group at fair value had the following effect on profit and loss:
| Year ended 31 December | Six months ended 30 June | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2018 | 2019 | |
| (US\$ in thousands) | (unaudited) | ||||
| Derivative financial instruments | |||||
| Change in fair value of derivative financial | |||||
| instruments | (1,293) | (21,797) | 16,831 | (24,097) | 24,276 |
| NCI buy-out liability | |||||
| Other gains and losses | 6,682 | — | — | — | — |
The information set below provides an analysis of financial instruments that are measured subsequent to initial recognition at fair value, grouped into Levels 1 to 3 based on the degree to which the fair value is observable:
Some of the Group's financial assets and financial liabilities are measured at fair value at the end of each reporting period. For all other assets and liabilities, the carrying value is approximately equal to the fair value, except for loans which are long term and are held at amortised cost (for more information on the Senior Notes, see the Derivative financial instruments section below). The information set below provides information about how the fair values of these financial assets and financial liabilities are determined (in particular, the valuation technique(s) and inputs used).
For those financial instruments held at fair value, the Group has categorised them into a three level fair value hierarchy based on the priority of the inputs to the valuation technique in accordance with IFRS 13. The hierarchy gives the highest priority to quoted prices in active markets for identical assets or liabilities (Level 1) and the lowest priority to unobservable inputs (Level 3). If the inputs used to measure fair value fall within different levels of the hierarchy, the category level is based on the lowest priority level input that is significant to the fair value measurement of the instrument in its entirety. The fair values of the Group's outstanding interest rate swaps have been estimated by calculating the present value of future cash flows, using appropriate market discount rates, representing Level 2 fair value measurements as defined by IFRS 13. NCI buy-out liability was grouped as Level 3 fair value measurement until its acquisition in October 2017. There are no financial instruments which have been categorised as Level 1. There were no transfers between the levels in the reporting periods. For information on the fair value of contingent consideration, see Note 26. For information on the fair value of the embedded derivative, see Note 24.
The Group manages its capital to ensure that entities in the Group will be able to continue as a going concern while maximising the return to stakeholders through the optimisation of the debt and equity balance. The capital structure of the Group consists of debt, which includes loans disclosed in note 19, cash and cash equivalents and equity attributable to equity holders of the parent, comprising issued capital, reserves and retained earnings as disclosed on the statement of changes in equity.
The Group keeps its capital structure under review. The gearing ratio at the year-end is as follows
| As at 31 December | As at 30 June | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | |
| (US\$ in thousands) | ||||
| Debt (net of issue costs) | 512,194 | 714,903 | 746,323 | 805,483 |
| Less: Net cash and cash equivalents | (133,737) | (119,700) | (88,987) | (89,765) |
| Net debt | 378,457 | 595,203 | 657,336 | 715,718 |
| Equity attributable to owners of the Company | 397,647 | 251,598 | 121,705 | 100,634 |
| 95.2% | 236.6% | 540.1% | 711.2% | |
Debt is defined as long and short-term loans and lease liabilities as detailed in Notes 19 and 20.
Equity includes all capital and reserves of the Group attributable to equity holders of the Company.
The Group is not subject to externally imposed capital requirements.
Details of the significant accounting policies and methods adopted, including the criteria for recognition, the basis of measurement and the basis on which income and expenses are recognised, in respect of each class of financial asset, financial liability and equity instrument are disclosed in Note 1 to the Historical Financial Information.
| As at 31 December | As at 30 June | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | |
| (US\$ in thousands) | ||||
| Financial assets | ||||
| At amortised cost: | ||||
| Cash and cash equivalents | 133,737 | 119,700 | 88,987 | 89,765 |
| Trade and other receivables | 115,485 | 100,734 | 96,921 | 120,257 |
| Fair value through profit and loss | ||||
| Derivative financial assets | 1,393 | 23,917 | 7,086 | 31,362 |
| 250,615 | 244,351 | 192,994 | 241,384 | |
| Financial liabilities | ||||
| At amortised cost: | ||||
| Trade and other payables | 103,471 | 95,389 | 80,886 | 85,305 |
| Lease liabilities | 111,045 | 116,549 | 118,279 | 123,956 |
| Loans | 401,149 | 598,354 | 628,044 | 681,527 |
| At fair value through profit or loss: | ||||
| Contingent consideration (Note 28) | — | — | — | 22,363 |
| NCI buy-out liability | 57,866 | — | — | — |
| 673,531 | 810,292 | 827,209 | 913,151 | |
At 30 June 2019, the Group had US\$nil (31 December 2018: US\$nil; 31 December 2017: US\$nil; 31 December 2016: US\$5.3 million) cash pledged as collateral for financial liabilities.
The Group's finance function provides services to the business, coordinates access to domestic and international financial markets, monitors and manages the financial risks relating to the operations of the Group through internal risk reports which analyse exposures by degree and magnitude of risks. These risks include market risk (including currency risk, fair value interest rate risk and price risk), credit risk, liquidity risk and cash flow interest rate risk. The Group seeks to minimise the effects of these risks by using derivative financial instruments to hedge these risk exposures. The use of financial derivatives is governed by the Group's policies approved by the Board, which provide written principles on foreign exchange risk, interest rate risk, credit risk, the use of financial derivatives and non-derivative financial instruments. Compliance with policies and exposure limits is reviewed by the Board regularly. The Group does not enter into or trade financial instruments, including derivative financial instruments, for speculative purposes.
Key financial risks and exposures are monitored through a monthly report to the Board, together with an annual Board review of corporate treasury matters. The Group and the Company have exposure to sterling (GBP) fluctuations; however, this is not considered material.
The principal financial risks to which the Group is exposed through its activities are risks of changes in foreign currency exchange rates and interest rates. The Group enters into interest rate swaps to manage its exposure to the interest rate risk.
The Group undertakes transactions denominated in foreign currencies; consequently exposures to exchange rate fluctuations arise. The Group's main currencies exposures were to the Ghanaian Cedi (GHS), Tanzanian Shilling (TZS), Central African Franc (XAF) and South African Rand (ZAR) through its main operating subsidiaries.
During the years ended 31 December 2016, 31 December 2017, and 31 December 2018, and the six months ended 30 June 2019, the Group did not enter into any foreign currency hedging contracts, as management considered foreign exchange risk to be at an acceptable level due to the natural hedge existing in the Group as a result of having both USD, TZS, GHS, XAF and ZAR denominated revenues and costs, and minimal foreign denominated third party debt levels within the business. The carrying amounts of the Group's foreign currency denominated monetary assets and monetary liabilities at the reporting date are as follows:
| Liabilities | Assets | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Year ended | Six months ended |
Year ended | Six months ended |
|||||
| 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | |
| (US\$ in thousands) | ||||||||
| New Ghana Cedi | 13,915 | 16,204 | 12,732 | 13,421 | 18,565 | 22,540 | 21,022 | 21,354 |
| Tanzanian Shilling | 55,220 | 176,874 | 32,785 | 30,494 | 41,464 | 71,887 | 63,919 | 67,400 |
| South African Rand | — | — | — | 1,446 | — | — | — | 4,641 |
| Central African Franc | 11,867 | 14,314 | 4,165 | 3,278 | 7,693 | 20,598 | 10,646 | 11,460 |
| 81,002 | 207,392 | 49,682 | 48,639 | 67,722 | 115,025 | 95,587 | 104,855 |
The following table details the Group's sensitivity to a 10 per cent. increase in U.S. dollar against GHS, XAF, ZAR and TZS. 10 per cent. is the sensitivity rate used when reporting foreign currency risk internally to key management personnel and represents management's assessment of the reasonably possible change in foreign exchange rates. The sensitivity analysis includes only outstanding foreign currency denominated monetary items and adjusts their translation at the year-end for a 10 per cent. change in foreign currency rates. A positive number below indicates an increase in profit and other equity where U.S. dollar weakens 10 per cent. against the GHS, XAF, ZAR or TZS. For a 10 per cent. strengthening of U.S. dollar against the GHS, XAF, ZAR or TZS, there would be a comparable impact on the profit and other equity, and the balances below would be negative.
| Central African Franc impact | New Ghana Cedi impact | Tanzania Shillings impact | South African Rand impact |
||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2019 | |
| Impact on profit or loss | 417 | (628) | (648) | (818) | (465) | (634) | (US\$ in thousands) (829) |
(793) | 1,376 | 10,499 | (3,113) | (3,691) | (320) |
This is mainly attributable to the exposure outstanding on GHS, XAF, ZAR and TZS receivables and payables in the Group at the reporting date. In management's opinion, the sensitivity analysis is unrepresentative of the inherent foreign exchange risk for the Group or the Company as the year-end exposure does not reflect the exposure during the year.
Under interest rate swap contracts, the Group agrees to exchange the difference between fixed and floating rate interest amounts calculated on agreed notional principal amounts. Such contracts enable the Group to mitigate the risk of changing interest rates on the cash flow exposures on the issued variable rate debt held. The fair value of interest rate swaps at the reporting date is determined by discounting the future cash flows using the yield curves at the reporting date and the credit risk inherent in the contract, and is disclosed below.
There were no interest rate swap contracts outstanding as at 31 December 2017, 31 December 2018 and 30 June 2019:
| Average contract fixed rate | Amortising notional value | Fair value | ||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | |
| (US\$ in thousands) | ||||||||||||
| Two to five year | 1.61 | — | — | — | 195,500 | — | — | — | (1,393) | — | — | — |
Credit risk refers to the risk that a counterparty will default on its contractual obligations resulting in financial loss to the Group. The Group has adopted a policy of only dealing with creditworthy counterparties and obtaining sufficient collateral where appropriate, as a means of mitigating the risk of financial loss from defaults. The Group uses publicly available financial information and other information provided by the counterparty (where appropriate) to rate its major customers. As of 30 June 2019, the Group has a concentration risk with regards to four of its largest customers and its related parties and the Company has a concentration risk with regards to the receivable balances with related parties. The Group's exposure and the credit ratings of its counterparties and related parties are continuously monitored and the aggregate value of credit risk within the business is spread amongst a number of approved counterparties. Credit exposure is controlled by counterparty limits that are reviewed and approved by management. The carrying amount of the financial assets recorded in the historical financial information, which is net of impairment losses, represents the Group's and the Company's exposure to credit risk.
The Group uses the IFRS 9 ECL model to measure loss allowances at an amount equal to their lifetime expected credit loss.
In order to minimise credit risk, the Group has categorised exposures according to their degree of risk of default. The credit rating information is based on a range of qualitative and quantitative factors that are deemed to be indicative of risk of default.
The Group has long-term debt financing through Senior Loan notes of US\$600 million due for repayment in March 2022.
In October 2018, HTA Group Ltd, a wholly owned subsidiary of the Group, signed a US\$100 million term loan agreement. As at 30 June 2019, US\$75 million was drawn.
The Group has a revolving credit facility of US\$60 million for funding working capital requirements. As at 30 June 2019 the facility was undrawn and is available until March 2021. The Group has remained compliant during the six months ended 30 June 2019 with all the covenants contained in the Senior Credit facility.
Ultimate responsibility for liquidity risk management rests with the Board. The Group manages liquidity risk by maintaining adequate reserves and banking facilities and continuously monitoring forecast and actual cash flows including consideration of appropriate sensitivities.
The following tables detail the Group's remaining contractual maturity for its non-derivative financial liabilities. The tables have been drawn up based on the undiscounted cash flows of financial liabilities based on the earliest date on which the Group can be required to pay. The table includes principal cash flows.
| Within 1 year | 1-2 years | 2-5 years | 5+ years | Total | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (US\$ in thousands) | |||||
| 31 December 2016 Non-interest bearing Variable interest rate instruments Fixed interest rate instruments |
163,857 32,962 32,852 |
— 60,324 — |
— 235,526 — |
— 44,600 8,052 |
163,857 373,412 40,904 |
| 229,671 | 60,324 | 235,526 | 52,652 | 578,173 | |
| 31 December 2017 Non-interest bearing Fixed interest rate instruments |
147,324 — |
— — |
— — |
— 598,354 |
147,324 598,354 |
| 147,324 | — | — | 598,354 | 745,678 | |
| 31 December 2018 Non-interest bearing Fixed interest rate instruments |
149,752 — |
— — |
— 610,790 |
— — |
149,752 610,790 |
| 149,752 | — | 610,790 | — | 760,542 | |
| 30 June 2019 Non-interest bearing Fixed interest rate instruments |
151,099 — |
— — |
— 662,622 |
— — |
151,099 662,622 |
| 151,099 | — | 662,622 | — | 813,721 |
The interest profile of the Group's variable interest bearing financial liabilities has been disclosed under note 19. The floating portion of the financial liabilities in 2016 were based on the relevant three or six-month USD LIBOR.
The Group manage liquidity risk by maintaining adequate reserves and banking facilities and by continuously monitoring forecast and actual cash flows and matching the maturity profiles of financial assets and liabilities.
The following table details the Group's expected maturity for other non-derivative financial assets. The table below has been drawn up based on the undiscounted contractual maturities of the financial assets except where the Group anticipates that the cash flow will occur in a different period. The table below represents receivables plus cash, less VAT and withholding tax receivables.
| Within 1 year | 1-2 years | 2-5 years | 5+ years | Total | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (US\$ in thousands) | |||||
| 31 December 2016 Non-interest bearing |
249,222 | — | — | — | 249,222 |
| 249,222 | — | — | — | 249,222 | |
| 31 December 2017 | |||||
| Non-interest bearing | 220,434 | — | — | — | 220,434 |
| 220,434 | — | — | — | 220,434 | |
| 31 December 2018 | |||||
| Non-interest bearing | 185,908 | — | — | — | 185,908 |
| 185,908 | — | — | — | 185,908 | |
| 30 June 2019 | |||||
| Non-interest bearing | 190,992 | — | — | — | 190,992 |
| 190,992 | — | — | — | 190,992 |
The following table details the Group's liquidity analysis for its derivative financial instruments based on contractual maturities. The table has been drawn up based on the undiscounted net cash inflows and outflows on derivative instruments that settle on a net basis, and the undiscounted gross inflows and outflows on those derivatives that require gross settlement. When the amount payable or receivable is not fixed, the amount disclosed has been determined by reference to the projected interest rates as illustrated by the yield curves existing at the reporting date.
The derivatives represent the fair value of the put and call options embedded within the terms of the Senior Notes. The call options give the Group the right to redeem the Senior Notes at a date prior to the maturity date (8 March 2022), in certain circumstances and at a premium over the initial notional amount.
The put option provides the holders with the right (and the Group with an obligation) to settle the Senior Notes before their redemption date in the event of a change in control (as defined in the terms of the Senior Notes, which also includes a major asset sale), and at a premium over the initial notional amount. The options are fair valued using an option pricing model that is commonly used by market participants to value such options and makes the maximum use of market inputs, relying as little as possible on the entity's specific inputs and making reference to the fair value of similar instruments in the market. The options are considered a Level 3 financial instrument in the fair value hierarchy of IFRS 13, owing to the presence of unobservable inputs. Where Level 1 (market observable) inputs are not available, the Group engages a third party qualified valuer to perform the valuation. Management works closely with the qualified external valuer to establish the appropriate valuation techniques and inputs to the model. The Senior Notes are quoted and it has an embedded derivative. The Senior Notes are a Level 1 financial instrument and as at 30 June 2019 had a fair value of US\$630.9 million. The fair value of the embedded derivative is the difference between the quoted price of the Senior Notes and the fair value of the host contract (the Senior Notes excluding the embedded derivative). The fair value of the Senior Notes as at the Valuation Date (30 June 2019) has been sourced from an independent third party data vendor. The fair value of the host contract is calculated by discounting the Senior Notes's future cash flows (coupons and principle payment) at USD 3-month LIBOR plus Helios Towers's credit spread. The main driver of the increase of the fair value of the embedded derivative between 31 December 2018 and 30 June 2019 is this specific instrument's credit spread, a relative 1 per cent. increase in this would result in an approximately US\$0.5 million decrease in value.
| Within 1 year | 1-2 years | 2-5 years | 5+ years | Total | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| (US\$ in thousands) | |||||
| 31 December 2016 | |||||
| Net settled: Interest rate swaps |
— | — | (1,393) | — | (1,393) |
| Gross settled: NCI buy-out |
— 57,886 |
— — |
— — |
— — |
— 57,886 |
| 57,886 | — | (1,393) | — | 56,493 | |
| 31 December 2017 | |||||
| Net settled: Embedded derivatives |
— | — | (23,917) | — | (23,917) |
| — | — | (23,917) | — | (23,917) | |
| 31 December 2018 | |||||
| Net settled: Embedded derivatives |
— | — | (7,086) | — | (7,086) |
| — | — | (7,086) | — | (7,086) | |
| 30 June 2019 | |||||
| Net settled: Embedded derivatives |
— | — | 31,362 | — | 31,362 |
| — | — | 31,362 | — | 31,362 | |
The Group is exposed to interest rate risk because entities in the Group borrows funds at both fixed and floating interest rate. The risk is managed by the Group by maintaining an appropriate mix between fixed and floating rate loans, and by the use of interest rate swap contracts. Hedging activities are evaluated regularly to align with interest rate views and defined risk appetite, ensuring the most cost-effective hedging strategies are applied.
The Group's exposure to interest rates on financial assets and financial liabilities are detailed in the liquidity risk management section.
In the year ended 31 December 2015, the Democratic Republic of Congo's National Tax Services issued an initial assessment for the financial years ended 31 December 2014 and 31 December 2015, which was revised to US\$2.8 million in February 2019. In the year ended 31 December 2018, Congo Brazzaville Public Treasury Authority commenced an investigation for the financial years ended 31 December 2014 to 31 December 2015 in relation to direct and indirect taxes. During the period ended 30 June 2019, the Ghana Revenue Authority issued an initial assessment on Transfer Pricing for years 2012 to 2017 of approximately US\$10.4 million. The initial assessment is in early stages of review with local tax experts and as such the impact, if any, is unknown at this time.
The Directors have appealed against these assessments and together with their advisors are in discussion with the tax authorities to bring the matter to conclusion based on the facts.
A change of control (as defined by the relevant local tax authority) of certain of the Group's subsidiaries may trigger certain tax liabilities for the Group ("Change of Control Taxes"). The potential outcome (including any future financial obligations) is uncertain as no trigger event has arisen as at the date hereof, therefore no liabilities have been recognised in relation to this as at the date hereof. A number of the Group's operating subsidiaries are currently undergoing or expect to undergo routine tax audits which could give rise to additional tax assessments. Substantial payments of tax could arise for the Group, or tax receivable balances may not be recovered as expected.
Other legal and regulatory proceedings, claims and unresolved disputes are pending against Helios Towers in respect of which the timing of resolution and potential outcome (including any future financial obligations) are uncertain and no liabilities have been recognised in relation to these matters.
| Year ended 31 December | Six months ended | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2018 | 2019 | |
| (unaudited) | |||||
| (US\$ in thousands) | |||||
| Basic and diluted loss per Share | |||||
| Loss attributable to ordinary shareholders | (97,740) | (92,817) | (123,947) | (83,350) | (22,307) |
| Weighted average number of shares | 851,273 | 909,125 | 909,125 | 909,125 | 909,125 |
| Basic and diluted loss per share | (0.115) | (0.102) | (0.136) | (0.092) | (0.025) |
| As at 31 December | As at 30 June | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 | |
| (US\$ in thousands) | ||||
| Loans | (401,149) | (598,354) | (628,044) | (681,527) |
| Lease liabilities | (111,045) | (116,549) | (118,279) | (123,956) |
| Total liabilities from financing activities | (512,194) | (714,903) | (746,323) | (805,483) |
The movement in total liabilities from financing activities is as follows:
| 2016 | At 1 January 2016 |
Cash flow | Foreign exchange, interest and other non-cash movements |
At 31 December 2016 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loans | (253,716) | (US\$ in thousands) (141,205) |
(6,228) | (401,149) |
| Lease liabilities | (93,947) | 8,353 | (25,451) | (111,045) |
| Total liabilities from financing activities | (347,663) | (132,852) | (31,679) | (512,194) |
| 2017 | At 1 January 2017 |
Cash flow | Foreign exchange, interest and other non-cash movements |
At 31 December 2017 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| (US\$ in thousands) | ||||
| Loans | (401,149) | (167,938) | (29,267) | (598,354) |
| Lease liabilities | (111,045) | 11,675 | (17,179) | (116,549) |
| Total liabilities from financing activities | (512,194) | (156,263) | (46,446) | (714,903) |
| 2018 | At 1 January 2018 |
Cash flow | Foreign exchange, interest and other non-cash movements |
At 31 December 2018 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| (US\$ in thousands) | ||||
| Loans Lease liabilities |
(596,418) (116,549) |
(25,000) 10,422 |
(6,626) (12,152) |
(628,044) (118,279) |
| Total liabilities from financing activities | (714,903) | (14,578) | (16,842) | (746,323) |
| Six months ended 30 June 2019 | At 1 January 2019 |
Cash flow | Foreign exchange, interest and other non-cash movements |
At 30 June 2019 |
| (US\$ in thousands) | ||||
| Loans | (628,044) | (50,000) | (3,483) | (681,527) |
| Lease liabilities | (118,279) | 10,180 | (15,857) | (123,956) |
| Total liabilities from financing activities | (746,323) | (39,820) | (19,340) | (805,483) |
External debt is the total debt owed to commercial banks and institutional investors and is presented as Loans in the consolidated statement of financial position.
On 30 April 2019, Helios Towers South Africa Holdings (Pty) Ltd simultaneously entered into agreements with SA Towers Proprietary Limited and Sky Coverage Proprietary Limited, to purchase certain employee contracts and business assets comprising towers, tower sites and related assets as well as to transfer certain tenant leases. The Group have treated this as a single business combination transaction and accounted for it in accordance with IFRS 3 – Business Combinations ("IFRS 3") using the acquisition method. The total consideration in respect of this transaction was US\$33.1 million. Due to the proximity to the reporting date, the initial accounting for the acquisition of the subsidiary has only been provisionally determined as at 30 June 2019. Goodwill arising on this business combination has been allocated to the South Africa CGU. This business combination had the following effect on the Group's assets and liabilities:
| As at 30 June 2019 |
|
|---|---|
| (US\$ in | |
| Assets | thousands) |
| Fair value of property and equipment | 7,588 |
| Fair value of intangible assets | 22,670 |
| Other assets | 150 |
| Total assets | 30,408 |
| Liabilities | |
| Assumed liabilities | 76 |
| Deferred income | 75 |
| Deferred taxation | 6,348 |
| Total net identifiable assets | 23,909 |
| Goodwill on acquisition | 9,153 |
| Total consideration | 33,062 |
| As at 30 June 2019 |
|
|---|---|
| (US\$ in | |
| thousands) | |
| Consideration paid in cash | 10,581 |
| Consideration paid in shares | 118 |
| Contingent consideration(1) | 22,363 |
| Total consideration | 33,062 |
Notes:
—————
(1) The provisional contingent consideration balance of US\$22.4 million as of 30 June 2019 is made up of US\$16.5 million long-term, and US\$5.9 million included in the short-term balance.
The provisional acquisition-related contingent consideration balance is dependent on the timing of sites under construction being fully completed in accordance with technical specifications and is initially measured and recorded at fair value as an element of consideration paid in connection with an acquisition with subsequent adjustments recognized in other operating expenses in the consolidated statement of profit or loss and other comprehensive income. The fair value of acquisition-related contingent consideration, and any subsequent changes in fair value, is determined by using a discounted probability-weighted approach, which takes into consideration Level 3 unobservable inputs, including assessments of expected future cash flows over the period in which the obligation is expected to be settled, and applies a discount factor that captures the uncertainties associated with the obligation. Changes in the unobservable inputs of Level 3 assets or liabilities could significantly impact the fair value of these assets or liabilities recorded in the consolidated statements of financial position, with the adjustments being recorded in the consolidated statement of profit or loss and other comprehensive income. The calculation of the fair value of the contingent consideration balance is most sensitive to changes in the following assumptions: (1) number of sites coming on-air, which are between 700 and 800, a 1 per cent. increase in this would result in an approximately US\$0.2 million increase in value and (2) discount rate, which is between 13 and 18 per cent., a 1 per cent. increase in this would result in an approximately US\$0.2 million decrease in value. Significant increases or decreases in any of these inputs in isolation would result in a significantly lower or higher fair value measurement.
As of 30 June 2019, the Group estimates that the value of all potential acquisition-related contingent consideration required payments to be between US\$nil and US\$65.0 million. The changes in fair value of the contingent consideration were as follows during the six months ended 30 June, (in thousands):
| Six months ended 30 June 2019 |
|
|---|---|
| (US\$ in thousands) |
|
| Balance at start of year | — |
| Additions | 22,363 |
| Settlements | — |
| Change in fair value | — |
| Balance as of 30 June | 22,363 |
The Group has assessed the provisional fair value of net assets acquired at US\$23.9 million, in terms of IFRS 3, based on appropriate valuation methodology. For the period from 30 April 2019 to 30 June 2019 this acquisition contributed revenue of US\$0.4 million and a loss of US\$0.4 million. The goodwill is mainly attributable to the workforce and the future lease uprate potential of the sites acquired and is expected to be deductible for tax purposes.
The Group incurred acquisition-related costs of US\$0.7 million related to the above business combination in 2019. These costs have been included in deal costs in the Group's consolidated statement of profit or loss and other comprehensive income. If the above business combination had occurred on 1 January 2019, management estimates that Group consolidated revenue would have been US\$191.5 million and Group consolidated loss before tax would have been US\$19.5 million for the six months ended 30 June 2019.
The valuation techniques used for measuring the fair value of material assets acquired were as follows:
In July 2019 HTT Infraco Limited (HTT) signed an agreement to acquire 196 sites, which are currently managed by HTT, and colocation rights from Viettel Tanzania PLC.
| Name | Country of incorporation and registered office |
|---|---|
| Helios Towers Ghana Limited | No.31 Akosombo Road, Airport Residential Area, Private Mail Bag CT409, Cantonments, Accra, Ghana |
| HTG Managed Services Limited | No.31 Akosombo Road, Airport Residential Area, Private Mail Bag CT409, Cantonments, Accra, Ghana |
| HTA Group, Ltd | Level 3, Alexander House, 35 Cybercity, Ebene, Mauritius |
| HTA Holdings, Ltd | Level 3, Alexander House, 35 Cybercity, Ebene, Mauritius |
| Helios Towers DRC SARL | 1st Floor, Tower LE130, 130B, Avenue Kwango, Kinshasa, Gombe, Democratic Republic of Congo |
| HT DRC Infraco SARL | 1st Floor, Tower LE130, 130B, Avenue Kwango, Kinshasa, Gombe, Democratic Republic of Congo |
| Helios Towers Tanzania Limited | Ground Floor, Peninsula House, Plot No.251 Toure Drive, P.O. Box 105297, Oysterbay, Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania |
| HT Holdings Tanzania, Ltd | Level 3, Alexander House, 35 Cybercity, Ebene, Mauritius |
| HTT Infraco Limited | Ground Floor, Peninsula House, Plot No.251 Toure Drive, P.O. Box 105297, Oysterbay, Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania |
| HT Congo Brazzaville Holdco Limited | Level 3, Alexander House, 35 Cybercity, Ebene, Mauritius |
| Helios Towers Congo Brazzaville SASU | 100ter, Boulevard Marechal Lyautey, Brazzaville, Republic of Congo |
| Helios Chad Holdco Limited | Level 3, Alexander House, 35 Cybercity, Ebene, Mauritius |
| Towers NL Coöperatief U.A | Prins Bernhardplein 200, 1097JB Amsterdam, The Netherlands |
| HTA (UK) Partner Ltd | 5 Merchant Square, 10th Floor, London, W21AS, United Kingdom |
| HT Chad SARLU | Quartier Chagoua, Avenue du 10 Octobre, BP 6572, N'djamena, Chad |
| HTA Equity GP Ltd | Level 3, Alexander House, 35 Cybercity, Ebene, Mauritius |
| HT Gabon Holdco Limited | Level 3, Alexander House, 35 Cybercity, Ebene, Mauritius |
| Helios Towers FZ-LLC | DIC, Unit 102, Floor 1, Building 5, Dubai Internet City, United Arab Emirates |
| McRory Investment B.V | Oslo 1, 2993LD Barendrecht, The Netherlands |
| McTam International 1 B.V | Oslo 1, 2993LD Barendrecht, The Netherlands |
| Helios Towers South Africa Holdings | Unit D8, El Ridge Office Park, 100 Elizabeth Road, Bartlett, Boksburg, Gauteng, 1459, |
| Pty | South Africa |
| Helios Towers South Africa Pty Ltd | Unit D8, El Ridge Office Park, 100 Elizabeth Road, Bartlett, Boksburg, Gauteng, 1459, South Africa |
| Helios Towers South Africa Services Pty | Unit D8, El Ridge Office Park, 100 Elizabeth Road, Bartlett, Boksburg, Gauteng, 1459, South Africa |
| HTSA Towers Pty Ltd | Unit D8, El Ridge Office Park, 100 Elizabeth Road, Bartlett, Boksburg, Gauteng, 1459, South Africa |
The Company and the Directors, whose names and principal functions are set out in Part VII: "Directors, Senior Management and Corporate Governance", accept responsibility for the information contained in this Registration Document. To the best of the knowledge of the Company and the Directors, the information contained in this Registration Document is in accordance with the facts and this Registration Document makes no omission likely to affect its import.
3.1 Issued share capital of the Company
The issued share capital of the Company as at the date of this Registration Document is as follows:
| Share class | Nominal value (US\$) | Number of shares issued |
Aggregate nominal value (US\$) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ordinary class A shares | 1.00 | 390,450,000 | 390,450,000 |
| Ordinary class C shares | 100.00 | 100 | 10,000 |
| Ordinary class D shares | 1.00 | 100 | 100 |
| Ordinary class G shares | 1.00 | 518,712,760.93 | 518,712,760.93 |
| Ordinary class H shares | 100.00 | 100 | 10,000 |
| Ordinary class I shares | 1.00 | 100 | 100 |
| Ordinary class J shares | 1.00 | 100 | 100 |
| Ordinary class Z shares | 100.00 | 100 | 10,000 |
A history of the share capital of the Company for the period covered by the Historical Financial Information is set out below:
3.2.3 On 13 May 2016, the Company issued 8,063,916 additional class G shares with a nominal value of US\$1 per share.
3.2.4 On 25 May 2016, the Company issued 57,664,721 additional class G shares with a nominal value of US\$1 per share.
The constitution of the Company (the "Constitution") is a constitution suitable for a Mauritian private company and as such is not comparable to the model articles for a UK private company limited by shares or a UK public limited company. Helios Towers is considering seeking admission of the shares of a new holding company incorporated in England and Wales to listing on the premium segment of the Official List of the FCA and to trading on the main market for listed securities of the London Stock Exchange. Should Helios Towers proceed with such public listing, the holding company of the Group and its articles of association would be suitable for a public company in the United Kingdom.
The object of the Company under the Constitution, as set out in paragraph 3 of the Constitution, is to carry out any business activities which are not prohibited under the laws of Mauritius and the laws of the countries where the Company is transacting business and to do all such things as are incidental or conducive to the attainment of such objects.
4.2 Shares
The Company's share capital is made up of eight classes of shares: class A shares which are non-redeemable and carry one vote per share; class C shares which are non-redeemable and do not carry voting rights; class D shares which are non-redeemable and do not carry voting rights; class G shares which are non-redeemable and carry one vote per share; class H shares which are non-redeemable and do not carry voting rights; class I shares which are non-redeemable and do not carry voting rights; class J shares which are non-redeemable and do not carry voting rights and class Z shares which are non-redeemable and do not carry voting rights. The class A and class G shares rank equally to each other and senior to the class C, class D, class H, class I, class J and class Z shares as to dividends, redemption proceeds and any other form of distribution or return of capital.
Transfers of shares are subject to certain restrictions and conditions including rights of first offer and first refusal and tag-along and drag-along rights, and restrictions on transfers of shares to certain persons including those with prominent public functions and those subject to or a target of specified sanctions, as set out in the Constitution and the Shareholders' Agreement.
Subject to those restrictions and conditions, shares in the Company must be transferred by a written instrument as prescribed under applicable law or where no such form is prescribed, in such a form as may be reasonably acceptable to the Board. The Company is not required to treat a transferee of a share in the Company as a shareholder until the transferee's name has been entered in the share register.
4.4 Other provisions
The Company's constitution also includes other provisions which are suitable for a company of the size and ownership profile of the Company, including the terms on which Shareholder meetings must be held and mechanics for obtaining consents from Shareholders, and provisions which are applicable to the Company's directors such as directors' powers. The Constitution also provides that the Company must at all times comply with the terms of the Shareholders' Agreement.
The Directors and their functions are set out in Part VII: "Directors, Senior Management and Corporate Governance". The business address of each of the Directors is DIC, Unit 102, 1st Floor, Building 05, Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
6.1 Executive Director
Kash Pandya, Chief Executive Officer, is currently engaged by Helios Towers FZ-LLC pursuant to a contract of employment dated 6 March 2019. Kash's employment will continue until otherwise terminated. Under his employment contract, Kash is entitled to a salary of AED 3,026,544 annually which comprises a basic salary of AED 2,609,090 and a housing allowance of AED 417,454. He is entitled to other benefits, including life assurance cover and private health insurance for himself and his family. Kash is also entitled, at Helios Towers FZ-LLC's absolute discretion, to an annual bonus of up to 100 per cent. of his salary and is eligible to participate in such long and/or short-term incentive schemes and retention bonus arrangements that Helios Towers FZ-LLC may determine from time to time.
Kash's employment may be terminated by either party providing written notice to the other of not less than three months. If either party wishes to terminate Kash's employment and Kash does not propose to take up employment with the Group thereafter, the terminating party shall be required to give not less than nine months' prior written warning of the intention to give three months' termination notice. Upon termination of employment, Kash may be entitled to receive an end of service gratuity that is subject to a cap of two years of his basic salary.
Helios Towers FZ-LLC may, at its sole and absolute discretion, terminate Kash's employment immediately at any time by notifying him in writing. In such instance, Helios Towers FZ-LLC shall pay to Kash an amount equal to his salary in lieu of the notice period plus any benefits in accordance with the terms of the applicable plans or schemes.
Kash is subject to a confidentiality undertaking without limitation in time and to noncompetition, non-solicitation and non-hiring restrictive covenants which apply for a period of six months from the date of termination of his employment.
6.2 Non-Executive Directors
The following Non-Executive Directors (the "Shareholder-Appointed Non-Executive Directors") were appointed to the Board as follows:
Each of the above appointments of the Shareholder-Appointed Non-Executed Directors was made in accordance with the Shareholders' Agreement.
The following Non-Executive Directors were also appointed to the Board as follows:
The Company has entered into an agreement with ITL pursuant to which ITL provides various services, including providing a Director to the Company, for a certain fee. Vishma Dharshini Boyjonauth is the Non-Executive Director who has been provided by ITL to the Company.
Other than the indemnification afforded under the directors' and officers' liability insurance maintained by the Group, none of the Non-Executive Directors receive any fees or benefits from the Group in connection with their appointments. For information about the interests held by the Non-Executive Directors in the share capital of the Company or the Group (including such interest acquired pursuant to any management incentive plan), see Part XI: "Additional Information — Interests of the Directors and Senior Management".
The Non-Executive Directors are not entitled to receive any compensation on the termination of their appointment and are not entitled to participate in the Group's share, bonus or pension schemes.
Except as set out in paragraphs 6.1 and 6.2 above, there are no existing or proposed service agreements or letters of appointment between the Directors and any member of the Group.
7.1 The companies and partnerships of which the Directors and members of Senior Management are, or have been, within the past five years, members of the administrative, management or supervisory bodies or partners (excluding the Company and its subsidiaries and also excluding the subsidiaries of the companies listed below) are as follows:
| Name of Director | Current directorships/ partnerships |
Former directorships/ partnerships |
|---|---|---|
| Kash Pandya | None | Ainscough Crane Hire Ltd BOA Holding GmbH Swire Oilfield Services (Holdings) Limited LSP Holding (UK) Ltd. |
| David Wassong | WRS Topco Limited JHW Bidco Limited QSP euNetworks Holdings, LLC TowerCo IV MR LLC GSRP LLC & GSRP Holdings LLC Atlantica Investment Holdings Limited |
TowerCo IV Holdings LLC TowerCo 2013 Holdings LLC TowerCo III Holdings LLC Quattro Parent LLC Mastro's Restaurants, LLC Extenet Holdings, Inc. Parrish Art Museum Columbia Grammar and Preparatory School Roberta Roller Rabbit |
| Temitope Lawani | Accord Holdco Ltd Ajah Distribution Company Limited Assemble Holdco Ltd Axxela Limited Boundary Holdco Ltd Dogstar Holdings Limited Emerging Markets Private Equity Association First City Monument Bank Plc Gas Matrix Limited Gas Network Services Limited Gasgrid Nigeria Limited Gaslink Benin S.A. Gaslink Ghana Limited Gaslink Network Services Limited Gaslink Nigeria Limited Gaslink Togo S.A. Gerund Ltd Glover Gas & Power BV Harvard Law School Dean's Advisory Board HCP Equity Ltd HCP GP Ltd Highlands Liquified Natural Gas Limited HIP GP II Ltd HIP Towers (FAF) Ltd HIP3 O&G Equity Ltd HTA Equity GP Ltd Leap Funding Limited Lekki Gardens Power Limited Lima Cayco Ltd |
Bayport Management Limited Interswitch Limited |
| Name of Director | Current directorships/ partnerships |
Former directorships/ partnerships |
|---|---|---|
| Mail for Africa (Mauritius) Ltd Massachusetts Institute of Technology Off-Grid Electric OVH Energy Samba Cayco Ltd The END Fund Transit Gas Nigeria Limited Vivo Energy Holding B.V. Vivo Energy Holding PLC |
||
| Richard Byrne | ExteNet Systems, Inc Wireless Industry Association TowerCo LLC |
None |
| Simon Poole | Vivo Energy Holding B.V. Crown Agents Bank Limited Mall for Africa (Mauritius) Ltd Solevo Holding B.V. Ecole De Copains |
None |
| Vishma Dharshini Boyjonauth |
A2G Managers Limited Acorn Holdings Limited African Trading Solution Group Limited Agro Resources Mauritius Ampath Investments Limited Animal Travel International Limited APS International ASSA Owner Limited Bambili Group Mauritius Blissful Centany International Limited Capitalworks SSA 1 CBH Restaurants Holding Company Limited CDAO Distributions Limited Cinnabar Investments Civmec Construction and Engineering Africa Clear Data Holdings Limited Dalmite Limited DH Renewables Holding Ltd Fernacres Investments Flexpro Limited Footprint Ventures (Mauritius) Holdings, Ltd Footprint Ventures (Mauritius), Ltd Forty Two Point Two FRG International Limited Global Environmental Markets Limited Global Voice Group Consortium SA Graphit Kropfmuehl Mauritius |
None. |
| Name of Director | Current directorships/ partnerships |
Former directorships/ partnerships |
|---|---|---|
| Green World Developments Ltd Grow Now Trading Limited Heaton Valves International HIP Oils Mauritius Ltd |
||
| HTA Group, Ltd HTA Holdings, Ltd i3 Group International Limited |
||
| IAPEF 2 Education Holdings Limited IAPEF 2 IDM Limited |
||
| IAPEF 2 Mobisol Limited IAPEF 2 RMBV7 Kamoso Limited |
||
| IAPEF 2 SJL Limited IAPEF 2 WiGroup Limited Icon Properties Ltd |
||
| International Company of Sourcing and Development KALISTER LIMITED |
||
| Kili Holdco 3 Ltd Knight Piesold Africa Limited KTH Africa Healthcare 1 |
||
| KTH Africa Holdings KTH AFRICA INVESTMENTS La Reverie de Mon Choisy Ltd |
||
| Lath Holdings Ltd LECPL-Mauritius No.5 Ltd LECPL-Mauritius No.7 Ltd |
||
| Liono Limited Mall for Africa (Mauritius) Ltd Mall For The World Ltd |
||
| Martial Eagle Limited MILAS INTERNATIONAL LTD |
||
| MINET (MAURITIUS) HOLDINGS LIMITED Minmet Investments Ltd. |
||
| Minmet Ventures International Ltd. Naurex Mauritius |
||
| NIAE Fund, LLC Nimmereind Investments Nordic Light Capital |
||
| Management Limited Novus Nutrition Products Africa Oak Tree Corporate Finance |
||
| Limited Oasis Crescent Global Group |
||
| Holdings Ltd Pennyroyal Limited Process Plant Leasing Ltd. |
||
| Red Dot Online Limited Ramco Inc. Ramco Plexus Ltd. |
||
| RGI Rockfleet Property Group Safari Holdco Ltd |
| Name of Director | Current directorships/ partnerships |
Former directorships/ partnerships |
|---|---|---|
| Salama Fikira International Limited Shanghai Apartments (Mauritius) Company Limited Silverlands II Aussenkehr Limited Silverlands II Namibia Holdings Limited Silverlands Mozambique Holdings Limited Silverlands Namibia Financing Limited Silverlands Namibia Holdings Limited Southern Energy Limited Southern Spirit Properties Limited Supreme Poultry Limited Takwa Holdco Ltd Triple Holdco Ltd UVL Global Trading Limited Verve International Village N Life (Mauritius) Limited Wealthbit The Opportunity Co – Emerging Markets Orbigem International Ltd |
||
| Simon Pitcher | Infinity SDC Ltd Sunny Topco Ltd |
HTA (UK) Partner Ltd Tamar Energy Ltd |
| Anja Blumert | Millicom International Cellular SA Amaya Partners Ltd Gloucester Avenue (15-21) Management Company Ltd |
Jumia Technologies AG Dixons Retail plc Montagu Partners Ltd Africa Music Rights Limited |
| Xavier Rocoplan | None | None |
| Joshua Ho-Walker | euNetworks GP LLC QSP euNetworks Holdings, LLC TowerCo IV MR LLC WRS Topco MR LLC JHW Bidco Limited Atlantica Investment Holdings Limited Quattro Parent LLC |
None |
| Umberto Pisoni | None | None |
| Nelson Oliveira | Albright Capital Management LLC ACM II General Partner LLC |
None |
| Carlos Reyes | None | Saham Finances S.A. Africa Railways, Ltd |
Seven Energy International, Ltd
| Name of Director | Current directorships/ partnerships |
Former directorships/ partnerships |
|---|---|---|
| Mainstream Renewables Africa Holdings, Ltd |
||
| Name of Senior Manager Kash Pandya |
None | Aggreko PLC Ainscough Crane Hire Ltd BOA Holding GmbH Swire Oilfield Services (Holdings) Limited LSP Holding (UK) Ltd. |
| Tom Greenwood | None | None |
| Alexander Leigh | None | None |
| Helen Ebert | None | Exterion Group Holdings Limited Exterion Holdings I (UK) Limited Exterion Holdings II (UK) Limited Doubleplay I Limited |
| Colin Gaston | None | Aggreko UK Limited |
| Nicholas Summers | None | None |
| Roy Cursley | None | Twentynine Investment Limited |
| Philippe Loridon | Toprich Consultants Limited | None |
| Leon-Paul Manya Okitanyenda |
None | None |
| Jeffrey Schumacher | Tel Infraco Staffing Vulcan Lifestyle Homes LLC SFM Participation II, LP |
None |
| Patrick ("Rico") Marx | Ecost Building Management (PTY) Ltd Nepic (PTY) Ltd Calandra Trading (PTY) Ltd X-Approach Brokers 10 CC Rampage Investments (PTY) Ltd Sky Coverage (PTY) Ltd SA Towers (PTY) Ltd Nepic Projects (PTY) Ltd Biltz Fibre (PTY) Ltd Blits Operations (PTY) Ltd Flash Properties (PTY) Ltd Stand Out Guys (PTY) Ltd |
None |
| Belgacem Chriti | None | None |
| Fritz Dzeklo | None | None |
| Ramsey Koola | Yegotech & Consult Ltd Yego Technology Solutions CC |
None |
Nicholas Summers on 31 May and 10 June 2019 (such bonus is subject to clawback in certain circumstances for a set period following the allocation of units under MIP V but is not, in any case, subject to clawback following the date of any IPO).
9.1 Insofar as it is known to the Company as at the date of this Registration Document, the following persons are interested in three per cent. or more of the Company's issued ordinary share capital as at the date of this Registration Document.
| Shareholder | Number of Shares |
Percentage of voting shares (1) |
|---|---|---|
| Millicom Holding B.V.(2) | 207,583,922 | 22.82% |
| Quantum Strategic Partners, Ltd.(3) | 198,148,147 | 21.78% |
| Lath Holdings Ltd.(4) | 149,369,582 | 16.42% |
| ACM Africa Holdings, L.P.(5) | 105,555,555 | 11.60% |
| RIT Capital Partners plc(6) | 65,287,037 | 7.18% |
| IFC African, Latin American and Caribbean Fund, L.P.(7) | 55,555,554 | 6.11% |
| International Finance Corporation(8) | 43,518,518 | 4.78% |
| Network i2i Limited(9) | 29,629,629.63 | 3.26% |
| YCP HTA, L.P.(10) | 27,500,000.30 | 3.02% |
10.1 MIPs
The Company has established four separate management incentive plans, generally referred to as "MIP I", "MIP II", "MIP III" and "MIP V" (each, a "MIP"). Participants in the MIPs benefit from the return on certain classes of shares in the Company created for the purposes of the MIPs in the event of an IPO or other form of change of control (an "Exit") or shareholder distributions.
Each of the MIPs is structured by way of a Cayman Islands exempted limited partnership which holds the relevant class of shares in the Company. The general partner of each of the MIP partnerships is HTA Equity GP, Ltd, a Cayman Island exempted company which is a subsidiary of the Company. The participants in the MIPs are all limited partners in one or more of the MIP limited partnerships and hold units representing an undivided interest in the limited partnerships, but not any specific underlying shares held in the relevant partnership. Participant entitlements relating to the units are subject to various leaver and clawback provisions. Further detail on each of the MIPs is set out below.
————— Notes:
(1) The denominator for this calculation excludes 600 non-voting ordinary shares in the capital of the Company which are held by the MIP Shareholders. The MIP Shareholders hold those non-voting ordinary shares on behalf of current and former members of management of the Company and Helios Investment Partners.
6.25 per cent. per quarter. 50 per cent. of any unvested MIP III partnership units will vest on an Exit with the outstanding 50 per cent. to vest on the first anniversary of Exit.
10.1.4 MIP V: MIP V was established on 31 May 2019. Participants of MIP V hold I partnership units and J partnership units which entitle them to an undivided interest in the economics of the 100 class I shares and 100 class J shares respectively held by the MIP V partnership.
The class I shares are entitled, on an Exit, subject to a performance hurdle, to value generally equivalent to approximately 14.8 million class G shares (valued on Exit). The class J shares are entitled, on an Exit, subject to a performance hurdle, to value generally equivalent to:
The I partnership units vested on 31 May 2019 while the J partnership units vest at a quarterly rate of 12.5 per cent. or, if an IPO takes place earlier than 1 June 2021, will fully vest on IPO. MIP V also provides for the payment of bonuses on IPO where the performance hurdles are not hit and the issue of further share awards on an annual basis. Separately, certain individuals are intended to receive options over a marginal, currently unallocated, portion of the economics of MIP V in the event of an IPO.
In addition to the receipt of any value accruing under MIP V in respect of the class I shares and the class J shares, certain Directors and members of Senior Management have been awarded a cash retention bonus in connection with their participation in MIP V. The cash retention bonus became payable upon the relevant Director or Senior Manager's participation in MIP V and remains subject to full or partial clawback in the event of cessation of their employment or services within a two- or three-year period in certain circumstances provided that the cash retention bonus will not be subject to clawback following the date of any IPO.
2020 and a separate 2020 long-term incentive arrangement may then be agreed. Additionally in the event that any optionholder becomes a "Bad Leaver" (as defined in the exempted limited partnership agreement relating to MIP V), any of their options which have not vested will lapse.
Other than contributions for those Directors and members of Senior Management who have enrolled in the auto-enrolment pension scheme and end of service gratuity arrangements in respect of certain of the Directors, no amounts have been set aside by the Group to provide pension, retirement or similar benefits for the Directors or members of Senior Management.
The Group does not operate a defined benefit scheme.
The Company is the principal holding company of the Group. As of 30 June 2019, the Company owned 66 per cent. of the issued shares of Helios Towers South Africa Holdings (Pty) Ltd, a company incorporated in South Africa that is a joint venture with Vulatel, and Helios Towers South Africa Holdings (Pty) Ltd owned an 89.5 per cent. shareholding in HTSA Towers (Pty) Ltd, the remaining 10.5 per cent. of which was owned by SA Towers. As of the same date, Helios Towers South Africa Holdings (Pty) Ltd also owned 100 per cent. of Helios Towers South Africa Services (Pty) Ltd and Helios Towers South Africa (Pty) Ltd.
As of the same date, the principal associates, subsidiaries and subsidiary undertakings of the Company were as follows:
| Name | Country of incorporation and registered office |
Percentage of ownership interest |
|---|---|---|
| Helios Towers Ghana Limited | Ghana | 100% |
| HTG Managed Services Limited | Ghana | 100% |
| HTA Group, Ltd | Mauritius | 100% |
| HTA Holdings, Ltd | Mauritius | 100% |
| Helios Towers DRC SARL | Democratic Republic of Congo | 100% |
| HT DRC Infraco SARL | Democratic Republic of Congo | 100% |
| Helios Towers Tanzania Limited | Tanzania | 100% |
| HT Holdings Tanzania, Ltd | Mauritius | 100% |
| HTT Infraco Limited | Tanzania | 99.99% |
| HT Congo Brazzaville Holdco Limited | Mauritius | 100% |
| Helios Towers Congo Brazzaville SASU | Congo Brazzaville | 100% |
| Helios Chad Holdco Limited | Mauritius | 100% |
| Towers NL Coöperatief U.A | The Netherlands | 100% |
| HTA (UK) Partner Ltd | England & Wales | 100% |
| Helios Towers Partners (UK) Limited | England & Wales | 100% |
| Helios Towers Africa LLP | England & Wales | 100% |
| Helios Towers FZ-LLC | United Arab Emirates | 100% |
| HTA Equity GP Ltd | Cayman Islands | 100% |
| McRory Investment B.V | The Netherlands | 100% |
| McTam International 1 B.V | The Netherlands | 100% |
The following contracts (not being contracts entered into in the ordinary course of business) have been entered into by the Company or another member of the Group within the two years immediately preceding the date of this Registration Document, and are or may be material:
On 8 March 2017, HTA Group, Ltd, an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of the Company, issued US\$600 million 9.125 per cent. guaranteed senior notes that mature on 8 March 2022 (the "Senior Notes"). Subject to applicable law, interest on the Senior Notes accrues at the rate of 9.125 per cent. per year and is paid semi-annually in cash in arrears on 8 March and 8 September. The payment of all amounts due in respect of the Senior Notes was unconditionally and irrevocably guaranteed by the Company, HTA Holdings, Ltd., HT Congo Brazzaville Holdco Limited, Helios Towers DRC SARL, Helios Towers Tanzania Limited, Helios Towers Congo Brazzaville SASU, HT DRC Infraco SARL, HTT Infraco Limited, Towers NL Coöperatief U.A., McTam International 1 B.V., Helios Towers Ghana Limited, HTG Managed Services Limited and McRory Investment B.V. (together, the "Guarantors"), on a joint and several basis. On 16 February 2018, HT Holdings Tanzania, Ltd, HTA Group, Ltd and Citibank, N.A., London Branch, as trustee, executed a supplemental indenture pursuant to which HT Holdings Tanzania, Ltd guaranteed all of HTA Group, Ltd's obligations under the Senior Notes and the indenture. The Senior Notes and the guarantees constitute general senior obligations, ranking equally in right of payment with all of HTA Group, Ltd's and the Guarantors' existing and future senior obligations, and are effectively subordinated to all of HTA Group, Ltd's and the Guarantors' existing and future secured debt to the extent of the assets securing such secured debt.
The Senior Notes contain customary covenants and restrictions, including, amongst others, restrictions on incurring debt and issuing preferred stock, paying dividends or making other distributions, merging, consolidating or making certain asset sales. In the case of an event of default arising from certain events of bankruptcy or insolvency with respect to HTA Group, Ltd or the Company or any subsidiary Guarantor that is a significant subsidiary or any group of Guarantors that, taken together, would constitute a significant subsidiary, all outstanding Senior Notes will become due and payable immediately without further action or notice or other act on the part of the trustee or any holders of Senior Notes. If any other event of default occurs and is continuing, the trustee or the holders of at least 25 per cent. in aggregate principal amount of the then outstanding Senior Notes by written notice to HTA Group, Ltd (and to the trustee if such notice is given by the holders) may and the trustee, upon the written request of such holders, shall declare all amounts in respect of the Senior Notes to be due and payable immediately.
On 14 February 2017, HTA Group Ltd entered into the Pari Passu RCF with Merrill Lynch International, The Standard Bank of South Africa Limited and Standard Chartered Bank, the proceeds of which are to be used for general corporate and working capital purposes. The Pari Passu RCF has an initial borrowing availability of up to US\$60 million, which can be increased to an aggregate amount of US\$75 million subject to certain approvals, and a term of four years. The annual interest rate on loans is calculated based on LIBOR plus a margin of four per cent. per year plus a utilisation fee of up to 0.5 per cent. depending on the amount utilised. HTA Group, Ltd is obligated to pay a commitment fee equal to 35 per cent. per year of the then applicable margin on the undrawn and uncancelled amount of the Pari Passu RCF.
The Pari Passu RCF contains customary change of control events, covenants and restrictions and events of default. The Pari Passu RCF also contains certain financial covenants, including minimum fixed charge covenant ratios and maximum net leverage ratios. The occurrence of an event of default could result in the acceleration of payment obligations and other consequences under the Pari Passu RCF.
As of 30 June 2019, the Pari Passu RCF was undrawn. The Pari Passu RCF is guaranteed by the Company and each of the Guarantors of the Senior Notes. On 16 February 2018, HT Holdings Tanzania, Ltd agreed to become an additional guarantor of the Pari Passu RCF.
On 22 October 2018, HTA Group, Ltd and the Company entered into a term facility agreement with The Standard Bank of South Africa Limited as lead arranger, agent and security agent (the "Standard Bank Term Facility"), the proceeds of which are to be used for financing or refinancing capital expenditures, acquisition costs and related fees and expenses, and the general corporate and working capital needs of the Group. The Standard Bank Term Facility has a total commitment of up to US\$100 million, which may be increased to US\$125 million, and a term of 39 months. The annual interest rate on loans is calculated based on LIBOR plus a margin of 4.2 per cent. per year. The Company is obligated to pay a commitment fee equal to 35 per cent. per year of 4.2 per cent. on the unutilised commitment for a period of 36 months after 22 October 2018.
The Standard Bank Term Facility contains customary change of control events, covenants and restrictions and events of default. The Standard Bank Term Facility also contains certain financial covenants, including consolidated leverage ratios and interest cover ratios. The occurrence of an event of default could result in the acceleration of payment obligations and other consequences under the Standard Bank Term Facility.
As of 30 June 2019, US\$75.0 million was drawn under the Standard Bank Term Facility. The Standard Bank Term Facility is guaranteed by each of the Guarantors of the Senior Notes and HT Holdings Tanzania Limited.
13.4 Tanzanian Intercompany Loan Pledges
The Senior Notes and the Pari Passu RCF benefit from the pledge of all loans lent from the Company or the Guarantors outside of Tanzania to restricted subsidiaries domiciled in Tanzania ("Tanzanian Intercompany Loans") on or after 8 March 2017 that are funded with proceeds of the Senior Notes or the Pari Passu RCF.
HTA Group, Ltd's rights under and related to the Tanzanian Intercompany Loans pledged as collateral secure the HTA Group, Ltd's obligations under the Senior Notes, the corresponding indenture and the Pari Passu RCF on a first priority basis. This pledge was granted to support the ability of the holders of the Senior Notes and the lenders under the Pari Passu RCF to pay out of Tanzania certain amounts in the event of an enforcement action against the Tanzanian guarantors.
Restricted subsidiaries domiciled in Tanzania are not be permitted to repay the principal of any Tanzanian Intercompany Loan pledged as collateral, except (i) where the outstanding aggregate principal amount due under the Tanzanian Intercompany Loans pledged as collateral is not reduced below US\$200 million; (ii) in connection with any purchase, repayment or redemption of the Senior Notes or permanent repayment or prepayment of the Pari Passu RCF (resulting in a cancellation of amounts due), in which case the US\$200 million amount will be reduced to the outstanding principal amount then due under the Tanzanian Intercompany Loans pledged as collateral following such purchase, repayment, prepayment or redemption; provided that any such partial purchase, repayment, prepayment or redemption of the Senior Notes or Pari Passu RCF from repayment of Tanzanian Intercompany Loans shall require the Tanzanian subsidiaries to first repay any and all Tanzanian Intercompany Loans that have not been pledged as collateral prior to repaying any Tanzanian Intercompany Loans that have been pledged as collateral; or (iii) in connection with the sale of a restricted subsidiary domiciled in Tanzania or all or substantially all of the assets of such restricted subsidiary.
As of 30 June 2019, the Group had US\$220.9 million of Tanzanian Intercompany Loans pledged as collateral.
There are no governmental, legal or arbitration proceedings (including any such proceedings which are pending or threatened of which the Company is aware) during the 12 months preceding the date of this Registration Document, which may have, or have had in the recent past significant effects on the Company's and/or the Group's financial position or profitability.
16.1 There has been no significant change in the financial position of the Group since 30 June 2019, being the date to which the Historical Financial Information as set out in Part B of Part X: "Historical Financial Information" was prepared.
16.2 There has been no significant change in the financial performance of the Group since 30 June 2019, being the date to which the Historical Financial Information as set out in Part B of Part X: "Historical Financial Information" was prepared.
The following documents will be available for inspection during usual business hours (Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays excepted) for a period of 12 months following the date of this Registration Document at the offices of Linklaters LLP at One Silk Street, London EC2Y 8HQ, at the Company's registered office at Level 3, Alexander House, 35 Cybercity, Ebene, Mauritius and on the Group's website at www.heliostowers.com:
Dated: 12 September 2019
The following definitions apply throughout this Registration Document unless the context requires otherwise:
| Adjusted EBITDA | loss for the period, adjusted for tax expenses, finance costs, other gains and losses, interest receivable, loss on disposal of property, plant and equipment, amortisation of intangible assets, depreciation and impairment of property, plant and equipment, depreciation of right-of use assets, recharged depreciation, deal costs for aborted acquisitions, deal costs not capitalised, share-based payments and long-term incentive plan charges, and exceptional items |
|---|---|
| Adjusted Free Cash Flow | Leveraged Portfolio Free Cash Flow less investment capital expenditure |
| Affiliate | persons who are "affiliates" within the meaning of Rule 501(b) of Regulation D under the Securities Act |
| Amendment Colocation Tenant | calculated on a weighted basis as compared to the market average lease rate for a standard tenancy lease in the month the amendment is added |
| Amendment revenue | revenue from amendments to existing leases when tenants add or modify equipment under an existing lease agreement |
| Authorised Dealers | a person that has been appointed to act as an authorised dealer in terms of the South African Exchange Control Rules |
| Board or Directors | the board of directors of the Company |
| CEO | the chief executive officer of the Company |
| CFO | the chief financial officer of the Company |
| CMSA | the Capital Markets and Securities Authority of the Republic of Tanzania |
| Common Monetary Area | South Africa, the Republic of Namibia and the Kingdoms of Lesotho and Swaziland |
| Companies Act | the Companies Act 2006, as such act may be amended, modified or re enacted from time to time |
| Constitution | the Constitution of the Company |
| Company | Helios Towers, Ltd. |
| Deloitte Mauritius | firm Deloitte Mauritius, a member of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited, located at Standard Chartered Tower, 19-21 Bank Street, Cybercity, Ebene 72201, Republic of Mauritius |
| Deloitte LLP | Deloitte LLP, a member firm of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited, located at 1 New Street Square, London, EC4A 3HQ, United Kingdom |
| Detecon Consulting | Detecon International GmbH |
| Disclosure Guidance and Transparency Rules |
the disclosure guidance and transparency rules produced by the FCA and forming part of the handbook of the FCA as, from time to time, amended |
| Ericsson | Telefonaktiebolaget LM Ericsson |
| EU | the European Union |
| Exchange Control Regulations | the Exchange Control Regulations of South Africa issued under the Currency and Exchanges Act, 1933 |
| Excon Rules | the Exchange Control Regulations, authorised dealer manual and any circulars and directives issued by FinSurv from time to time |
|---|---|
| Executive Directors | the executive Directors |
| FAIS Act | the South African Financial Advisory and Intermediary Services Act, 2002 |
| FATCA | Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act, a 2010 United States federal law |
| FCA | the UK Financial Conduct Authority |
| FinSurv | the Financial Surveillance Department of the South African Reserve Bank |
| Fitch Solutions | Fitch Solutions, Inc. |
| Free Cash Flow | Adjusted Free Cash Flow less cash flows from changes in working capital, exceptional items, deal costs, the Vodacom Tanzania Plc share repurchase and the proceeds from the disposal of assets |
| FSMA | the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000, as amended |
| Gross Debt | non-current loans and current loans and long-term and short-term lease liabilities |
| Gross leverage | Gross debt divided by Adjusted EBITDA as of 31 December 2016, 31 December 2017, 31 December 2018, and gross debt divided by Last Quarter Annualised Adjusted EBITDA as of 30 June 2018 and 30 June 2019 |
| Group or Helios Towers | the Company, its consolidated subsidiaries and subsidiary undertakings |
| Hardiman | Hardiman Telecommunications Ltd. |
| Hardiman Report | the report prepared by Hardiman, as described in Part II: "Presentation of Information on the Group" |
| Historical Financial Information | the Group's consolidated historical financial information as of and for the three years ended 31 December 2016, 2017 and 2018 and as of and for the six months ended 30 June 2018 and 2019 |
| HTT Infraco | HTT Infraco Limited |
| IASB | the International Accounting Standards Board |
| IFRS | the International Financial Reporting Standards issued by the IASB, as adopted by the European Union |
| ISIN | International Security Identification Number |
| Leveraged Portfolio Free Cash Flow |
Portfolio Free Cash Flow less net payment of interest |
| LIBOR | London Interbank Offered Rate |
| London Stock Exchange | London Stock Exchange plc |
| Mauritian Companies Act | Companies Act 2001 of Mauritius |
| Member States | member states of the EU |
| Millicom | Millicom International Cellular SA |
| MIPs | the management incentive plans put in place by Helios Towers, Ltd. |
| MIP Shareholders | HIP Equity II, L.P., HTA Equity II, L.P., HTA Equity III, L.P., HTA Equity, L.P. and HT Equity V, L.P. |
| MTN | MTN Group Ltd. |
| Net Debt | Gross debt less cash and cash equivalents |
| Net leverage | Net debt divided by Adjusted EBITDA as of 31 December 2016, 31 December 2017, 31 December 2018, and net debt divided by Last Quarter Annualised Adjusted EBITDA as of 30 June 2018 and 30 June 2019 |
|---|---|
| Non-Executive Directors | the non-executive Directors |
| OpCo LTIPs | the long-term incentive plans of certain of the operating subsidiaries of the Group |
| Orange | Orange S.A. |
| Prospectus Regulation | the Prospectus Regulation (EU) 2017/1129 and amendments thereto |
| Prospectus Rules | the prospectus rules published by the FCA under section 73 A of FSMA |
| Qualified Institutional Buyers or QIBs |
qualified defined institutional buyers as in Rule 144A under the U.S. Securities Act |
| Portfolio Free Cash Flow | Adjusted EBITDA less tax paid, maintenance and corporate capital expenditure and cash payments in respect of lease liabilities (including related interest) |
| Relevant Jurisdictions | Tanzania, DRC, Ghana, Congo Brazzaville and South Africa |
| Rule 144A | Rule 144A under the Securities Act |
| SA Towers | SA Towers (Pty) Ltd. |
| Senior Management or Senior Manager |
members of the Group's senior management team, details of whom are set out in Part VII: "Directors, Senior Management and Corporate Governance" |
| Shareholders | the shareholders of the Company |
| Shareholders' Agreement | the shareholders' agreement in respect of the Company originally dated 21 December 2009, as replaced by a revised shareholders' agreement originally dated 21 December 2010, which in turn was amended and restated on 3 May 2011, 9 July 2014, 19 October 2015, 12 December 2017 and 22 May 2019 (as amended and/or restated from time to time, and including any and all joinders thereto) |
| Shares | the shares in the capital of the Company, having the rights set out in the Constitution |
| South African Companies Act | the South African Companies Act, 2008 |
| Standard Colocation Tenant | a customer occupying tower space under a standard tenancy lease rate configuration, defined and with limits in terms of vertical space occupied, wind load (effective plate area) and power consumption |
| Subsidiary | has the meaning given to it in section 1159 of the Companies Act unless stated otherwise in this Registration Document |
| TCRA | the Tanzania Communications Regulatory Authority |
| TeleGeography | TeleGeography, Inc. |
| Tigo | one or more subsidiaries of Millicom that operate under the commercial brand Tigo |
| UK | the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland |
| UK Corporate Governance Code | the UK Corporate Governance Code published by the Financial Reporting Council and dated July 2018, as amended from time to time |
| United States or U.S. | the United States of America, its territories and possessions, any State of the United States of America and the District of Columbia |
| U.S. Securities Act | the United States Securities Act of 1933 |
| VAT | within the EU, such taxation as may be levied in accordance with (but subject to derogations from) the Directive 2006/112/EEC and, outside the EU, any taxation levied by reference to added value or sales |
|---|---|
| Viettel | Viettel Global |
| Vodacom | Vodacom Group Limited |
| Vodacom Tanzania | Vodacom Tanzania Plc |
| Vulatel | Vulatel (Pty) Ltd. |
| Zantel | Zantel Tanzania |
| The following definitions apply throughout this Registration Document unless the context requires otherwise: | |
|---|---|
| 2G | the second-generation cellular telecommunications network commercially launched on the GSM and CDMA standards |
| 3G | the third-generation cellular telecommunications networks that allow simultaneous use of voice and data services, and provide high-speed data access using a range of technologies |
| 4G or 4G LTE | the fourth-generation cellular telecommunications networks that allow simultaneous use of voice and data services, and provide high-speed data access using a range of technologies (these speeds exceed those available for 3G) |
| 5G | the forthcoming fifth-generation cellular telecommunications networks, not expected to become commercially available until approximately 2020 or beyond. 5G does not currently have a publicly agreed upon standard; however, it is expected to provide high-speed data access using a range of technologies that exceed those available for 4G |
| Airtel | Bharti Airtel International |
| ALU | average lease-up, the number of colocation tenancies added to the Group's portfolio in a defined period of time divided by the average number of total sites for the same period of time, excluding colocations acquired as part of site acquisitions reported as of a certain date |
| anchor tenant | the primary customer occupying each tower |
| ARPU | average revenue per user |
| average remaining life | the average of the periods through the expiration of the term under certain agreements |
| build-to-suit | sites constructed by the Group on order by an MNO |
| CAGR | compound annual growth rate |
| CDMA | code division multiple access |
| colocation | the sharing of site space by multiple customers or technologies on the same tower |
| colocation tenant | each additional tenant on a site in addition to the primary anchor tenant |
| Congo Brazzaville | the Republic of Congo, Congo Brazzaville or Congo |
| contracted revenue | revenue contracted by country under agreements with the Group's customers as of 30 June 2019 for each of the five years from 2019 to 2023, with local currency amounts converted at the applicable average rate for U.S. dollars on 30 June 2019 held constant. The Group's contracted revenue calculation for each year presented assumes: (i) no escalation in fee rates, (ii) no increases in sites or tenancies other than the Group's committed colocations (contractual commitments relating to prospective colocation tenancies with customers), (iii) the Group's customers do not utilise any cancellation allowances set forth in their MLAs and (iv) the Group's customers do not terminate MLAs early for any reason |
| CPI | Consumer Price Index |
| DRC | Democratic Republic of Congo |
| Edge data centre | secure temperature-controlled technical facilities which are smaller than a standard core network data centre and positioned on the edge of a |
| telecommunications network. They are used by operators to regenerate fibre signal, deliver cloud computing resources or cache streaming content for local users |
|
|---|---|
| EUR or € | the currency introduced at the start of the third stage of the European Economic and Monetary Union pursuant to Article 123 of the treaty establishing the European Community, as amended |
| G7 countries | each of the United States, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan and the United Kingdom |
| Ghana | the Republic of Ghana |
| GSM | Global System for Mobile Communication, a standard for digital mobile communications |
| HSE | Health, Safety and Environment |
| IBS | in-building cellular enhancement |
| ICAO | International Civil Aviation Organisation |
| independent tower company | a tower company that is not affiliated with a telecommunications operator |
| ISA | individual site agreement |
| LTE | Long-Term Evolution, designed to increase the capacity and speed of mobile telephone networks according to the standard developed by the 3GPP consortium, frequently referred to as 4G or 4th generation. Some of the key assumptions of the system are: (i) data transmission at speeds faster than 3G; (ii) ready for new service types; (iii) architecture simplified in comparison to 3G; and (iv) provisions for open interfaces |
| maintained sites | sites that are maintained by the Group on behalf of a telecommunications operator but which are not marketed by the Group to other telecommunications operators for colocation (and in respect of which the Company has no right to market) |
| managed sites | sites that the Group currently manages but does not own due to either: (i) certain conditions for transfer under the relevant acquisition documentation, ground lease and/or law not yet being satisfied; or (ii) the site being subject to an agreement with the relevant MNO under which the MNO retains ownership and outsources management and marketing to the Company |
| Mauritius | the Republic of Mauritius |
| mobile penetration | the measure of the amount of active mobile phone subscriptions compared to the total market for active mobile phones |
| MoU | minutes of use |
| MLA | master lease agreement |
| MNO | mobile network operator |
| Network PoS | refers to different technology being placed on a site by a single mobile network operator, for example, the installation of 3G equipment on a site where the MNO may already have 2G equipment |
| NOC | network operating centre |
| Online Site | a site which is operating and generating revenue |
| performance against SLA | with respect to a given customer, the uptime achieved for a given period divided by the maximum required contractual downtime in such customer's SLA, as applicable |
| PoS or Operator PoS | point of service, which is an MNO's antennae equipment configuration located on a site to provide signal coverage to subscribers. For the Group, a PoS is equivalent to one tenant on a tower |
|---|---|
| site acquisition | a combination of MLAs, which provide the commercial terms governing the provision of site space, and individual ISA, which act as an appendix to the relevant MLA, and include site-specific terms for each site |
| SLA | service-level agreement |
| Sub-Saharan Africa | consists of all African countries that are fully or partially located south of the Sahara |
| Tanzania | the United Republic of Tanzania |
| telecommunications operator | a company licenced by the government to provide voice and data communications services in the countries in which the Group operates |
| tenancy | a space leased for the installation of a base transmission site and associated antennae |
| tenancy ratio | the total number of tenancies divided by the total number of the Group's sites as of a given date and represents the average number of tenants per site within a portfolio |
| tenant | an MNO that leases vertical space on a site and portions of the land underneath on which it installs its equipment |
| total online sites | total towers, IBS sites, edge data centres or sites with customer equipment installed on third-party infrastructure that are owned and/or managed by the Company with each reported site having at least one active customer tenancy as of a given date |
| total sites | total online sites plus contracted built-to-suit sites and offline sites |
| total tenancies | the individual site occupancies by each customer as of a given date |
| tower contract | the MLA and ISA executed by the Group with its customers, which act as a schedule to the relevant MLA and includes certain site-specific information (for example, location and equipment) |
| tower sites | ground-based towers and rooftop towers and installations constructed and owned by the Group on real property (including a rooftop) that is generally owned or leased by the Group |
The Group's customers, as well as certain other telecommunications operators named in this Registration Document, are generally referred to in this Registration Document by their trade names. The Group's contracts with these customers are typically with an entity or entities in that customer's group of companies.
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