Standard Bank’s first Social Documentary Credit Facility to Helios Towers

Helios Towers operates one of Africa’s leading independent telecommunications tower platforms, enabling mobile network operators to extend coverage efficiently across multiple markets. As demand for digital connectivity continues to grow, particularly in underserved and remote regions across Africa, the need for reliable infrastructure investment remains critical.

We structured the facility in accordance with the Loan Market Association’s Social Loan Principles, marking our first to market Documentary Credit Facility structured in a sustainable finance format. The solution supports the procurement and importation of telecommunications infrastructure and related services, while providing payment certainty to suppliers and supporting Helios Towers’ working capital requirements.

The facility plays a key role in enabling the expansion of tower infrastructure and services, increasing network densification and improving connectivity across underserved markets in Africa. This contributes to bridging the digital divide, enhancing access to communication and supporting economic growth and socio-economic development across the continent.

By combining trade finance innovation with sustainable finance, we have delivered a tailored solution that meets client needs while generating measurable positive social impact. This transaction demonstrates how trade finance can support economic growth and socio-economic development by driving digital inclusion across the African continent.