Telecom subscribers may feel impact as IHS Towers slows infrastructure projects

IHS Towers is slowing infrastructure spending as rising costs across African markets force telecom companies to rethink expansion plans, a move that could also slow efforts to improve network quality for millions of mobile subscribers.
On Tuesday, the tower company reported capital spending of $41.4 million in the first quarter of 2026, a 5.3% drop compared to the same period last year. IHS attributed the decline to  “phasing” of some of its discretionary spending, meaning it is spreading out or delaying non-essential growth projects.
At the same time, the company’s cost of sales rose to $183.6 million, up 5.64% from the previous year.
The slowdown in capital spending could have d...