CFO interview: Axian Telecom’s CFO, Nicolas Sylvestre-Boncheval on the value of issuing high-yield bonds to raise capital within emerging markets

19 September 2025 | Transaction support

Harmeet Chana

Article | PDF (5 pages)


“Axian Telecom is the fastest-growing mobile operator in Africa and the 6th largest worldwide, serving over 40 million customers through its main brands, Yas and Mixx. Its strong organic and deliberate growth highlights the strategic importance of agile financing to support its expansion.”

Nicolas Sylvestre-Boncheval, CFO, Axian Telecom

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Analysys Mason Principal, Harmeet Chana, talked to Axian Telecom’s CFO, Nicolas Sylvestre-Boncheval, to explore the specifics of raising finance in emerging markets, and, in particular, to understand how raising high-yield bonds has changed the company’s options for financing. 

Axian Telecom Group was founded in Madagascar in 2003. Present in nine markets in Africa, it operates across three key business segments, providing mobile and fixed networks as well as digital infrastructure and mobile financial services.

In their conversation, Harmeet and Nicolas cover: ​

  • the progressive phases of financing in Axian Telecom’s history 
  • Axian’s strategic use of high-yield bonds 
  • how Axian’s diversified business model is a strength for investors 
  • what influences holdco versus opco financing decisions 
  • how building trust and transparency with investors contributes to success. 

CFO interview: Axian Telecom’s CFO, Nicolas Sylvestre-Boncheval on the value of issuing high-yield bonds to raise capital within emerging markets

Nicolas Sylvestre-Boncheval has been Group CFO at Axian Telecom since July 2023. He has extensive corporate finance expertise from his previous role as Head of Corporate Finance at Axian.

Author

Harmeet Chana

Principal, expert in growth strategy and transaction support