Acquisition Announcement: Rektron, a Canadian Company, to Obtain a 60% Share in Ghana's AT Telecom
Rektron Group Inc., a Canadian-Frankfurt listed infrastructure giant, has announced plans to acquire a 60% controlling stake in AT Ghana, the state-owned telecom operator formerly known as AirtelTigo. This move marks Rektron's strategic entry into Ghana's telecom market.
The acquisition, which is subject to regulatory approval, comes after the company's withdrawal by Bharti Airtel and Millicom in 2021, resulting in AT Ghana's nationalisation. The deal, if finalised, would expand Rektron's digital footprint in Africa's fast-growing telecoms landscape.
According to Atanas Kolarov, CEO of Rektron, the acquisition aligns with their global vision to advance infrastructure, foster innovation, and deliver value across emerging markets. Kolarov stated that the acquisition is part of Rektron’s goal to anchor a significant presence in Ghana’s telecommunications sector and leverage AT Ghana’s infrastructure and market position for growth and improved service delivery.
The potential impact of this acquisition on the Ghanaian telecom market is significant. The revitalisation and modernisation of AT Ghana through Rektron’s investment and expertise could lead to better network quality, expanded service offerings, and enhanced digital finance integration. This could increase competition in the sector as Rektron might transform AT Ghana into a more formidable competitor against incumbents like MTN Ghana and Vodafone Ghana.
Moreover, enhanced infrastructure development is another potential outcome. Given Rektron’s profile as an infrastructure giant, the acquisition could contribute to improved connectivity and digital inclusion in Ghana. The move could also signal greater foreign investment confidence in Ghana’s telecom sector, potentially attracting more multinational players.
Rektron is partnering with local telecom firm Afritel Ghana, founded by industry veteran Nana Richmond Aggrey, to execute the deal. Nana Richmond Aggrey, the Founder of Afritel Ghana, stated that the partnership brings strategic investment and next-gen infrastructure to improve access and reduce data costs.
The Ghanaian government has already shown its support for the deal, signing an MoU with Rektron and Afritel Ghana on May 21, 2025. This acquisition represents a strategic effort to strengthen the state-owned operator’s competitiveness and contribute to the digital transformation of Ghana’s telecom market.
It is worth noting that this is a rare large-scale foreign acquisition in the sector since AT was nationalised in 2021. If approved, it could set a precedent for future investments in Ghana's telecom sector.
AT Ghana currently serves approximately 2.3 million customers. The acquisition, if successful, could significantly impact the lives of these customers by improving service quality and expanding offerings.
In conclusion, Rektron's planned acquisition of AT Ghana is a significant development in Ghana's telecom sector. The deal, if finalised, could lead to a more competitive market, improved infrastructure, and increased foreign investment. Only time will tell how this acquisition will shape Ghana's digital future.
[1] Rektron Press Release [2] Ghanaian Times Article [3] Afritel Ghana Press Release [4] Ghana Investment Promotion Centre Article
Rektron's acquisition of a 60% stake in AT Ghana, a state-owned telecom operator, aligns with their global vision to deliver value across emerging markets and leverage technology for growth [1]. If the deal is finalized, it could expand Rektron's digital footprint in Africa's fast-growing telecoms landscape, thereby improving finance integration through enhanced digital services [4].
